Nurburgring Advice

[L3nny]

Just realised that the trip I have planned for next month takes is too close to the ring not to have a quick lap or 2.

Got a few questions that I hope someone could help with.

1. Do you need full leathers as I don't really want to wear these on a week long trip.

2. How often do they change the open sesstions without notice. i.e. if we plan to get there one day how likley is it they have decided to do some testing or whatever.

3. What's the best route to get there?

4. Will i die

Originally Posted by L3nny

Just realised that the trip I have planned for next month takes is too close to the ring not to have a quick lap or 2.

Got a few questions that I hope someone could help with.

1. Do you need full leathers as I don't really want to wear these on a week long trip. no

2. How often do they change the open sesstions without notice. i.e. if we plan to get there one day how likley is it they have decided to do some testing or whatever. not very often, but it does close for a bit each day to clean up after an accident

3. What's the best route to get there?

4. Will i die i doubt it, but its possible, watch out for BMW drivers, if you can, i would sugest getting a guide)

tim in belgium is a ring expert

To add:

Originally Posted by L3nny

Just realised that the trip I have planned for next month takes is too close to the ring not to have a quick lap or 2.

Got a few questions that I hope someone could help with.

1. Do you need full leathers as I don't really want to wear these on a week long trip. As Hovis said - no -but you do require proper motorcycle clothing, e.g textile trousers and jacket. Sometimes they are a little iffy with open summer mesh type jackets, and i doubt draggin jeans or similar would be allowed on.

2. How often do they change the open sesstions without notice. i.e. if we plan to get there one day how likley is it they have decided to do some testing or whatever. - This does happen, but less so during the summer, but there is still a chance. Often sessions start a little later than advertised too, and sometimes an evening session can be radically shortened due to testing over running. As Hovis mentioned the track can close at any time due to an accident. This may be from as little as 15 mins to a couple of hours depending on severity. As such an evening session can be finished very quickly if something goes wrong.

3. What's the best route to get there? Depends where you are going from If from a channel port, I'd head down on Motorways to Namur/dinant in southern Belgium, across the Ardennes and then along the B258 in Germany from Monschau - Blankenheim - Nurburg

4. Will i die - Hopefully not, although it can be a dangerous place. Firstly I would not go out in the wet at all. The track is incredibly slippy in these conditions due to all the rubber down. As Hovis says if you can get a guide for your first few laps it's a good idea. If not try and get a passenger lap in a car before heading out on the bike (just ask someone with british plates who looks like they know what they're doing) this will give you a feel for how things work out on circuit. If/When you do go out you will be passed by a lot of vehicles, cars and bikes. This means you need to keep a good eye in your mirrors, and move over to the right to let anything that catches you up pass. Indicate to let them know that you've seen them, this will aid their passing and both vehicles' safety. Also if you're letting a car by on the straight be prepared to roll of the throttle slightly to aid their pass, their acceleration may not be as good as yours and if they've cuaght you they are quicker round the track than you.

The place can be intimidating at first, but can also be great fun.

[L3nny]

Cheers Tim, I hoped you'd be along to share your ring wisdom

Bit of a bummer about Draggin jeans as that was what I was planning on wearing but then I suppose that is covered by question 4.

To be honest I am not planning on racing or even going that fast, just want to go there to say I have been.

I have never done a track day before, only had my lisence a year and am nothing like a fast rider.

Is it worth it just for bragging rights down the pub or am I just asking for trouble and will be scared witless rather than enjoy myself.

Originally Posted by L3nny

To be honest I am not planning on racing or even going that fast, just want to go there to say I have been.

I have never done a track day before, only had my lisence a year and am nothing like a fast rider.

Is it worth it just for bragging rights down the pub or am I just asking for trouble and will be scared witless rather than enjoy myself.

At the end of the day only you can assess the risks as to it being worth it. At least you're trying to educate yourself before deciding! But as you mention it can be scarey for a first timer out by themselves, although some people are fine first time out.

If you fancy being guided I know Neil at AEAventures will happily take you for a guided visit mid week if you stay with him and the track is open.

http://www.aeaventures.com/

[L3nny]

Thanks again Tim, will confer with my mates and maybe get in touch with your man. How far away from the ring is his place?

Originally Posted by L3nny

Thanks again Tim, will confer with my mates and maybe get in touch with your man. How far away from the ring is his place?

Can vouch for Neil's place too. A group of us stayed there last year & its well worth it. From what I remember his place is about an hour from the ring, but he'll guide you there via some fantastic roads - a good warm up to the ring itself.

He's a great host & you'll be well looked after

Originally Posted by L3nny

How far away from the ring is his place?

about 1½ hour i think?

but, i enjoyed the ride from neils to the ring better than the ring, plus i think its about £20 a lap now?

[L3nny]

Right got everything sorted now only dilemma I have is what to wear on the trip. Options are

1. 2 Piece leathers
2. Winter textiles with removable linings if it's too hot.
3. Mesh jacket with draggin jeans and some waterproof overalls.

I am inclined to just wear the leathers as that's what I normally wear but they're not waterproof, can be very hot and although comfy on a 2-3 hour bimble may get a bit annoying after 8 or so hours.

The textiles are a not very comfy either and just as hot but they are waterproof and i can put the linings in if it gets cold up a mountain somewhere and I can wear them on the ring.

Dragging jeans and mesh jacket are by far the most comfy and fine if the weather stays nice but It's unlikley I'll be alllowed on the ring with them and they prob offer the least protection if I have a spill.

Does anyone know if there is anywhere I could rent a leather race suit if I go with option 3?

Cheers again

L3nny, how long/when/where are you off on your trip?

For all my touring trips in September I just wear my leathers with thermal/wicking type stuff underneath to keep cool/warm as required, I never use ordinary T shorts. Apart from Monaco in the summer they've never been that bad heat wise. I also pack a thin fleece or wool jumper to go on under my jacket in case of cold mornings and/or alpine passes. I then have an annoying waterproof baby grow for in case it rains properly, which on average I'd say I've worn for less than 10% of the time, but it has been needed at stages. i waterproof my leathers before setting off in order to make them lightly shower proof, although it doesn't seem to help the stretch panel at the groin...

Personally I'd always go for leathers on the road, and wouldn't go near the Ring in textiles, but this is just me.

As for renting leather suits I've never heard of anyone in the Nurburg area offering that service.

Hope that helps a bit.