Club Arnage

So the planning has started, whose planning on going, when and where are you planning camping:

I'll be there, staying at Camp C'Arnage with the Brethren.
Probably going to go down Monday for a change, if not Tuesday.

I'll be there too... on BN.

Probably driving west only on Thu.

Roll call? A most generous offer Ian. I'll have one bacon with brown and one sausage with Tommy K please. Have them ready for when I arrive on BN on Thursday morning.

Bleu Nord. Arriving Wednesday.

Sausage roll. Brown sauce please.

Team LeMansZone arriving on BN Wednesday morning.
No sausage roll. Cold beer, please!

We will be there! Most likely the brilliant Team Langoustine site just inside Tertre Rouge corner again. Hopefully Wednesday.

Only 203 sleeps!!!!  ;)

I'll be there. Arriving at some point by Bicycle and sleeping sporadically wherever I find space.

Bacon and brown sauce for me please.

You are always welcome to park your bike at mine - once I get something sorted myself!  (BTW - that isnt a euphemism....)

:)

Usual Spot on MB track side. Arriving Wednesday.

Team Flyinggherkin.

Staying on Pincenardiere
Arriving Tuesday AM.

Can I get the Oasis Soup please............................you always got a roll with it?  ;D

MB, left and up a bit from Julian and Neil. Arriving Monday as usual.

Bacon baguette with brown and a cold beer for me please.

MB track side with Jules & Neil.

thats right i wont be in the home gaurd for 2013!

There you go Fran, Official Confirmation from Kev!

Talk is cheap Jules.... I will wait until I see it with my own eyes!!!!!

 F

I'll see what I can do Bob.......and errrr hummmmmm  ;D
I will be coming over with Brad, Haley and Sander,, maybe Jimma, on BN with the Brethren.

DfH, on Maison Blanche, at the moment approx 17 attendees

I'll be there, most likely at BN
Arrive on Sunday or Monday, still not decided.

Trying to keep away from everything I could slip away on  ;D

I'll be there on BN where ever team languistine decide to put me probably not far from the brethren.
The Eurotunnel ticket has been booked for months. arriving late Thursday (in the Frogey as usual).

when you do make sure you have a cold beer in your hand for me please  ;)

On BN as part of Camp C'arnage, arrive Thursday morning and I'll have bacon & brie please!

BN. Arrival TBC.

Sausage roll. Brown Sauce. Cold beer. Not raining.

Thank you.

Presume the usual crowd will be somwehere near the usual place on BN

MG Mark

Quoted - just in case he has his mind changed for him   ;)

looking forward to it - oh yea of little faith  ;D

Team Lazy B, just me this year  ::)
Hoping/expecting to be on MB as usual (Possibly have a ticket coming but if you have a spare ticket let me know please.)
No travel booked as yet as Condor have not opened up the bookings.
Probably arriving Tuesday leave Sunday for Monday boat, just to get into the feel of the place.
Dry skies and warm please.

Martini...LB

BN, arrive Monday lunch time, staying until the following Monday, hopefully we will have some people camping with us,who have not attended for a long time?
be like a blast from the past.

DFH on MB.

Planning to arrive sunday afternoon at the gates.

Depending if some team members join me.

If not, than wednesday at the latest.


.

I'll be there Max, to pick up the old tradition of getting too drunk before the gates open!

And why did nobody mention so far that DfH will be camping with Les Flying Baguettes, and might put up a smallish party on fridaynight? ;)

Did I just read there will be a small party ? Well, then I will be there too. ;D

Cos it up to you Dutchies to mention that, something about a 10th Anniversary?

BN some place.  Arrive Wednesday morning.

I'm not so keen on rolls!!! Any chance of the Full English.  With Black Pudding of course. :-)

I was referring to the 2 dutchies who already responded to this roll call. ;)

Team Pretzel will be there, arriving Wednesday or Thursday morning.

No travel booked yet but probably Pompey to St Malo or Caen.

No proper plans sorted really, but I think I have an Expo ticket lined up!

Its a start....

F

Camping in the houx annexe sorted.

Will sort tunnel in the new year.

arriving sometime in June, as close to the 1st the better  :D
'glam camping', well once the grass is cut & spiders kicked out the house ;)
leaving Monday for Ypres rally the following w/e, with a few Belgian beers thrown in of course :P

still need to sort a ferry and also dates going and coming home mind

 :) after a gap of three years, champaudi is returning to THE race!
ive never been so happy to hear someones getting married as stepdaughter is finally getting hitched (all costs bared by her........ ;)) mother doesnt want to go on family holiday this year so 'wont mind me missing a few dress fittings/flower arranging/ etc etc then ? i just get in the way wont I ? '
away on the fri, back on the monday, wedding the following saturday,
Happy days  :)

Team Booze 'n Tabs will be in attendance for our 30th anniversary, hopefully arriving on Wednesday to camp on Maison Blanche.  With the 90th anniversary of the race itself, 30th anniversary for Team Booze 'n Tabs and 10th anniversary for DfH, maybe we should have a beer or possibly two to celebrate  ;D

You don’t need to check your eyesight, you can be assured you have not been drinking but Ive paid for my tickets so I WILL be at Lemans 2013 :D

Just looking at ferrys now as they prices have gone up  :(

Looking at -

Going out - 730am ferry Dover – Calais Thursday 20th June
Back – 16/1800 ferry Calais – Dover Wednesday 26th June

DFD as cheapest at £56!

This better not be like all the times you have been coming to the north west meetings and cried off at the last min. I am begining to think you don't exist.   ;D

Charming  :P

Parted with money so no chance im backing out now  :angel:

Stood at the right angle, he is invisible......

I can confirm he has parted with his money  as it's sat next to me on my desk!

Confirmed attendance of "The Gimprentice" suddenly has more appeal to it now that we know Kev's going to make it :)

This is also correct



 :angel:

Booked the ferry


Going out - 730am ferry Dover – Calais Thursday 20th June
Back – 1800 ferry Calais – Dover Wednesday 26th June

DFD

The Gimprentice will be found on MB rows X / W 49 to 51 between Thursday pm and Monday am I believe ;)

Thanks Jules, Ill direct them to your tent  ;)

Unless there has been a change in Gimprentice line up - that's unlikely.... The Gimprentice is going to be staying Bleu Nord....

But he'll be in Kevs tent...at least a couple of times....

As long as les flics dont mind me pottering about on a stick or two (ziss homme looks decidedly dodgy) I will be mostly pottering around BN avec Le garyfrogeye

Knew Knee should be serviced and running by the end of March (op in February)

Here I comes mind the stick!

Great news Bill. It's certainly not the same without you there.

Good luck and thoughts with you for the op Bill

Arriving Saturday morning and leaving Monday night...same arrangements as last year...can't wait!!!

Assuming I can find a ticket or two I'll be there with my son. Maybe even in a Midget type thing.

Arriving Friday afternoon - sis-in-law getting married on Thursday pfffft.

On the boat back Monday eve.

All I need is some help deciding whether the girls are coming with us...?

Ditto +1


I think you know the preferred answer.....they won't all fit in the Midget....

MG Mark

Boat Booked arrive St Malo from Guernsey 16.45 Mon 17th. Leave LM Sunday for Rennes evening out, Monday evening boat via Jersey (spit). £180.00.

Better start training, nice weather and dry please.

>Martini...LB

Booked!
Leave Folkestone via Eurotunnel Thursday 20th 07.20
Return 10.00 Monday 24th.

Two pitches on Maison Blanche.

See you all there

Pitch on BN  & T23 tickets booked.
Arrive Thursday PM, return following Thursday.
Train all the way as usual.

Outward: Coaches from Truro to Paris, then TGV on to Le Mans on 14/06/2013.

Inward: TGV to Paris, then coaches to Truro on 23/06/2013.

I can see where your username comes from. Truro to Paris by coach! OUCH!  :o

in Thursday early Out Sunday late.
9 pitches on MB. app. 25 pax.
German rental cars as usual.

Just got an offer from Brittany Ferries offering 10% off  if booked before 25th Feb

web site - www.brittanyferries.com/welcomeback

or phone 0871 244 1497 - quote 614192

pity I have already booked - and with LD lines  ::)

Bugger. We've not long booked with Brittany too! Haven't coughed up the final payment yet though so maybe a chance the extra 10% will apply. Thanks for the heads up Neil.


Pete B.

ill be there for the first time :) just got everything booked today. will be there from the wednesday till the monday, staying in BEAUSEJOUR campsite and T19 grandstand booked. absolutely cant wait :)

Be prepared.  In June your life is going to take on a whole new meaning.

Welcome to the House of Fun  ;D

Booked

leaving Blighty on  -     Tue 18th - LD Lines - night ferry

booted out of France - Mon 24th - LD Lines both ways (the cheapest)

on MB campsite

i remember my first isle of man tt 10 years ago and how it blew me away but i know this will be in a whole new league - 3am sitting in a grandstand watching some of the most amazing cars with the worlds best drivers (f1 just warmed some of them up for le man  ;) ) battling it out with still 12 hours to go, NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH!!  :)

Sounds as though you are hooked already, and you haven't even got there yet.  ;D

hooked? lol i just have watched the entire 2008 and 2010 and races in full in the last 2 weeks, O to have seen the r10tdi live. 
not going with any expectations because i know it will surpass any i have.
do you know where i would go about booking the train from CDG paris to the circuit, i am flying in and on foot for the week.

Just use the SNCF website.

IIRC  there's a dotcodotuk version in English.

You can't book tickets until 3 months before journey day, at least that seemed to be the case when I last looked.

Try http://www.raileurope.co.uk as well - this is the UK agent for SNCF and their prices are often cheaper than buying directly from SNCF - even us in France often use them rather than SNCF!

Hi David,
            Depending on where you are travelling from the Eurostar via Lille or Paris is worth investigating.
While all the camp sites are fine I would recommend you trade up to Houx if you are  on foot. Advantages are it is close to Tram for access to train and town and  Carrefor (supplies) is close. The paddock village has bars and food service and plenty of spectating opportunities. Others can tell you the merits of BEAUSEJOUR but I can tell you with out a car or bicycle it is a loooong way from everything except the Porsche Curves.
Canada Phil

This!

Camping a Beausejour without a car will probably ruin your trip. It's a minimum of a 45 min walk to the circuit. And there's a lot of walking to be done once you get trackside...

Come on give the guy a break.

OK so Beausejour isn't the most convenient of all the campsites but based on reports from a colleague of mine who stayed there last year and from what I could see when I walked past there were some really good facilities.

Anyway Le Mans is about much more than just the campsite you stay in - if you chose to camp at all.

David, don't worry.  You are going to be there. At Le Mans. For the 24 hour race.  That is what matters and you are going to have a fantastic time.

Maybe next year you can try a different campsite...

ENJOY YOURSELF!

We camped down that way last year and confirm that it's a hell of a long walk along what becomes a very busy road.

Not pleasant.

Back to Bleu Nord for us this year

I can't help thinking that perhaps that's bit strong AZ surely? I mean it is a bit of stroll that is for sure but there is plenty to see and do on the way - i really don't think for a moment that it will ruin your trip. So have a great time David - I am sure you will.

I know I know nothing when it comes to being there and I only know what I've read from the experts here and what I've seen in endless hours of watching the race at home but I assure where I camp will certainly not ruin my trip at all, thank you for the heads up about the distance to anything, I'll leave abit earlier than everyone else then. Thank you everybody that's said positive things, looking forward to hopefully putting some faces to names in the beer tent at some point.

A Motorsport fan will never let anything beat him, it rains you get wet, sun shines you get burnt, if its a distance, you set off earier to get there, your fav driver/rider gets beat, you proudly cheer on the second place driver/rider

I like that attitude!  :)
See you in La Sarthe.

look forward to it :)

what Barry said !!  ;D

My wife always wonders wy i am away for 168 hrs to watch a 24 hrs race.

wonders or is glad ?  ;)




mines just glad to get rid of me  ;D

hi david beausjour is spot on for the inside of the porsche curves.a great place not to busy with good beer n pie van.you dont need to walk  just get trains and buses around the circuit.have a wicked time.

Lol, mine too. 60 cars going round in a circle (that is anything but a circle if you ask the 500k people there) for 24 hours is so boring, but shopping and fighting in car parks is a perfect day.
I'll never understand it  and I'll always be wrong when I try to explain.

Thanks lofty. I'll watch the night time practice and quilifying at the porshe curves to avoid walking on the road in the dark afterwards and as you say there is shuttle busses I can use also. When I leave my tent on sat morning I'll not be returning to sun evening so there will be no problem, I'm excited to be apart of the 2013 Le Mans and my first time won't be put off by a little walking, i run marathons - a little walking isn't going to kill me, hopefully will get a few beeps when some CA members pass me during the week, just remember my tired feet when you see me in the beer tent ;)

Hi David, if you are staying at Beausjour just head straight ahead up the road when you come out of the camp site entrance (rounderbout?) and that will take you passed what used (maybe still is?) the Karting circuit and Karting North campsite and the inside of the circuit to the Village. If you head for the the rear of the Grandstands (Tribunes), this is before you get to the village, there is a set of metal stairs that take you to the Grandstand above the Pits, it is (was?) free access for Night practice (and Day I think) and is a great place to watch the night Pits action. The road is well lit and not a problem in the Dark, you will be with many beausjour residents on the return. When getting about further a field you can also get your thumb out and hitch a lift, we have got lifts to and from Arnage on Friday night in the past (the ride on the back of a recovery truck flat bed hanging on to the light bar was abit hairy though!). Overall you will find LM the friendliest race / place you could be at, you'll have a ball.

Bugge RRR

I have had to give up on the Knee op this month so it's by no means certain I will be up to walking around by June... We'll see :(

I am still hoping to make it, might have to look for a Chauffeuer...

Life likes to kick you in the harsse dunnit

BJ might be miles from anything but we all remember our first time don't we? How good was that?
Camping in an old septic tank at the bottom of a lake, eating cold gravel off t'road wouldn't have ruined that first Le Mans experience for me. You lucky bugger. Wish it were my first time again. Enjoy!

He..he i remember the first time i was at Le-Mans better than the first time i had sex and i have never said no to going to Le-Mans since ;D

I remember turning up on a half empty Maison Blanche on my first occassion in '94 and looking around us we suddenly realised that we had forgotten three key things: (1) a barbecue, (2) food, (3) beer.
I left Pete sobbing on the campsite and made an emergency dash for supplies, finding a small supermarket on the main road into town which had obviously been ransacked by CA members. I grabbed two packs of brioche buns and three packs of warm stubbies. Hopeless but it got us through the first night.
Moral of the story for newbies: Read the Club Arnage guide and stop at Carrefour on the way in!

Well said LB. 

Dx

Doris, I saw your name on this thread any thought you were checking in. Any chance? It would be fantastic if you could make it.

Only if I can find a fully functional time machine.   :(

Dx

 :(

Hello!  KK and I will be there for the first time in I'm not quite sure how many years - 4 perhaps?   

Camping on MB (thanks Mal), probably arriving on Wednesday in Tinkerbell the 1976 Landrover (or the back of a breakdown truck...)

Will be fab to see everyone  ;D

(thanks for the ferry code Neil - just about to book Brittany Poole/Cherbourg so very welcome  ;D)

Show us yer Landy Piglet!

Trying to summon enough courage to come down from Northumberland in 'Mr Bumpy' my 68 Series IIa

(http://i851.photobucket.com/albums/ab79/Dr_S/IMG_9506.jpg)

Landy pics to follow  ;D  Tinkerbell is a mere baby compared to your classy old girl.

Hi Piglet,
 good to hear you are going to return to Le Mans. look forward to seeing you and Keith again.
Phil

so looking forward to seeing you all again this june!

It's been waaay too long for us.   Phil, will be great to see you again

Just to add to the returnees for this year, will be camped with KK and Anita.

Roll on June

Look forward to seeing you and KK, are you parking in the gravel again?...

>Martini...LB

Hope it sorts out the right way for you - otherwise, get Gary to strap a leccy go-kart to the Frogeye to use when you get there!

MG Mark

Cheers Mark, still awaiting news of the new date. When I had the last one done I WAS able to drive after six weeks or so and that was done in January, I'm hoping the date comes through in time for me to be able to get there.

But the longer they wait the harder getting around will be... :(

Havent even tried booking a ferry yet, we'll see.

Oh well, there's always luck favouring the brave, I must know some brave bugger :)

And there's always next year, I missed one or two a couple of years ago too.

I'll be back.

Bugger that!! Amongst our excellent selection of travel opportunities in the more relaxed style of gentlemen's carriages this year, we have a BMW335 and a Jaguar XKR going out with spare seats.  Commodious accommodation and big wide doors.  They probably even have stereos and onboard toilet facilities too.   

Yes, I know that they are relatively modern and one of them is, well, you know...But, even if you just sit quietly in a corner of Bleu Nord, immobile and smelling faintly of wee, we'll sort you out with beer, food, companionship, take the piss out of you, and ignore you if you get arsey.   

Seriously, keep us in touch with events and we'll get you out there if you can't drive.   

MG Mark

Great. Despite Facebook and the like, the spirit of Club Arnage lives on. Hope you can make it Bill, be good to see you again.

I'm sure Bob will help you with the supermarket run too!!  :P

Mark beware what you wish for...

It probably won't come to that but man, I am just a bit impressed anyway.

Thanks mate, (Thought you'd agreed not to mention the slight aroma of pee in future :(  however this is really marvellous)

If it needs to be I would be honoured to scrounge a small corner of BN to roll up in supinely. Ta

And Bob thanks for offering to do all the shopping, a magnificent gesture. Man I'm filling up here

 :o

Guys, I'm sure I'll be there now

only a few months to go too yeehah


b

Finally got round to booking the ferry!

Out - Portsmouth/Le Harve - Sunday 16th

Return - Wednesday 26th 

Camping Expo

Also just finalised travel plans.
Out tunnel 0750 Monday.
Return tunnel 1550 the following Monday.
Probably leaving my liver in a field in France, as I'm staying at Camp C'Arnage.

Also slowly stirring into action. The things that were threatening my trip have been sorted, so I'm now free for a few days. I need to start looking at train time tables and maps (although my Michelin map of France doesn't have railways marked on it). Planning on being somewhere in France (probably Paris) on Wednesday evening and then spend a few days gentle cycling towards Le Mans, sleeping rough, drinking wine etc. before arriving at the circuit sometime on Friday evening. Going back home Sunday lunchtime.

Great news!  See you there.

F

A pleasingly rapid adjustment of attitude......no worries mate, as long as you're not actually under a GA at the time, we'll sort out getting you out there one way or t'other. 

MG Mark

We're going out Poole-Cherbourg Tuesday 17th, returning Cherbourg-Poole the following Tuesday - home for a brief repack and then off to Silverstone as I'm working at the British GP the following weekend - Tinkerbell does the double  ;D  (hopefully!)

We still need to see Tinkerbell.  ;)

OK, here is Tinkerbell

(http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t404/Photosfromtheseaside/Landrover/Tinkerbell2_zps165cb9f4.jpg)

(hope that works?)   

She's a 1976, she was blue originally but at some point was converted to a County lookalike, the paintwork was pretty bad when I got her but she's been handpainted with tekaloid paint and doesn't look bad for an old girl  ;) 

Tinkerbell went to the British GP last year when she towed a number of cars and caravans and an AA van who were all stuck in the mud - proving that Old girls can still pull  ;D

KK has an older tax exempt landy but we'll not attempt LM in that!

Oh and yes, I know the windscreen is wrong for its age!

What don't you trust about Club Arnager's then Anita???

Same pic with full number plate showing on FB!!!!

Del

Anita, Tinkerbell looks grand in her new outfit:)

Del, I would presume its a privacy thing and nowt to do with the reputations of CA's

LOL that's because I am naturally cautious by nature and don't fancy putting the reg number up when I've also given travel dates of when we'll be away.   My husband on the other hand is far less cautious than I am!    Plus of course CA is open to all and not just to "friends"  ;D    I trust you all, I wouldn't leave my beer with you, but that's a different story  8)

   I trust you all, I wouldn't leave my beer with you, but that's a different story  8)


[/quote]now that is funny

Land Rover thefts are at an all time high at the moment. Even the old Series are being taken away. So easy to steal as well, especially when the door locks don't work. Must fix that.

I really fancy going down to LM in mine. Having looked at the cost of getting there on the train with a bicycle, it's probably the cheaper option too. If I get the new engine sorted in the next few months I might trundle down. I wonder if there are any nice green lanes near Le Mans? Friday afternoon bimble with a hamper would be very pleasant.

My Landy is probably worth just as much if not more than my 11 year old Saab!   

We are planning the gentle meander down the back roads, stopping en route there and back for camping stops (VERY tempted by a roof tent - except that a woman who sleepwalks really shouldn't sleep 2m off the ground!).  We're going Poole/Cherbourg in an attempt to minimise the fuel cost in the Landy!   When we come back, we'll head off to Silverstone for the GP.     I'm not sure I'd want to go much further in her!   

Just got to find some Tinkerbell GT (grand touring!) vinyls for her! 

What crossing are you on Anita?

Jules has a spare Landy sized pitch on MB. I feel a road trip coming on!

Mind you, the haul down from Cherbourg is a long one. Caen might have been more Series friendly?

Not as long as the haul back up!!

 :o

Portsmouth Cherbourg going out on Monday 17th, coming back the following Tuesday.  We're in Dorset so Poole is closer to us than Portsmouth and I think it was quite a bit cheaper when when we looked.  It's about 175 miles Cherbourg/LM but we're stopping halfway for two nights, getting to LM on Wednesday.   Go on, take Landy Power - you know you want to  ;D

I've been reading this with eyebrows a bit higher than they should be really.

I've never really got the Landy thing, I mean I can see the classic lines, the history, character, and all that, but it's just the thought of driving them! I used to drive one as part of my job in the mid/late seventies, almost only off road, and it was from dawn to dusk, and it's left an indelible memory, not to mention unusual lumps.

I'm not sure where to start, but the noise is as good as anywhere. The gearbox sounded like a 2cwt mosquito banking in heavy air preparing for a straffing run, while our fillings were vibrating the engine banged, thumped and roared and was prone to some sort of mechanical Tourettes that had us reaching for earplugs or machetes, depending on what we'd been drinking the night before. If the driver even appeared to look like he was considering changing to low ratio, any passengers on board would immediately bail out, showing no regard to current speed, terrain or personal safety. One mechanical problem that was common, and easily capable of breaking thumbs, was that with no warning the steering wheel would develop the shakes of such violence and frequency that you had to let go of it for fear of injury. The Steering Tremors we called it, and weekly visits to Charlie the mechanic never ever fixed it properly.

And there was the floor (probably easily fixed I know), but going through water at any speed sent columns of water spurting up through rivet holes and then up your trouser legs, nostrils and anything else, - a bit like those pavement fountains you see in town centres these days. Windscreen wipers and washers were useless (although I can appreciate the charm here...). One of the worst driving experiences I've ever had was driving one of these bastards up the M20/M26, I would have gladly sold my soul to get out of it if I could have. I don't seem to remember any seat adjustment at all either, so whether the driver was a midget or a naturally talented basketball protege, they had to make do.

Ok, it was a while ago, and there was no such thing as classic status, maybe I'd experience something different if I was to give one a go now, but I can't help thinking if one pulled up outside for me, it would be a Pavlovs Dogs scenario and apart from the barking and whimpering I'd be having a go at climbing out the toilet window sharpish.

Controversial (but eloquent) as always Mr Big.

F

I have to agree with the BigH on the subject of Landy Love..

Driven on high days and holidays or just for grins and giggles is fine, but from my youth, growing up with farm vehicles, I would prefer to spend a day riding on the old MF35 rather than a Series 2 landy. While I was still at school, the stockman would often be pressed to do the school run in a rag top SWB. I distinctly remember the bruises from bouncing around in the back of it.

Oh I hear you brothers and sisters. I'm certainly not blind to their, let's say, shortcomings. As you drive them along you can certainly appreciate that they are basically unchanged from that rushed and cash strapped design when the country was on the bones of its arse just after giving old Hitler a good boshing.

But.... There is something about them. Firstly, my experience isn't sullied by having to use one back I the day as a job, a tool or workhorse. I have vague memories of bouncing around in the back of an old series back in the 70's as a small child. Therefore my memories are associated with fun.

Yes, they are agricultural, the suspension keeps my osteopath wealthy, the engine has as much gusto as a Mediterranean country's economy, the transmission whines more than a sacked girl band member, and it leaks more than Aunt Mables knickers, but so does every venerated British sportscar ever made. And we love them don't we? A big Healy is just a Land Rover that gets stuck in fields.

Thing is, those British sportscars are puffs. They don't like anything other than a bimble to a pub in the cotswolds on a Sunday. They just like to look good and that's all they manage to do. A Landy on the other hand will do just about anything you ask of it. It's like a character in a Ted Hughes Poem. Despite being waist deep in snow and ice, it will take your kids to school. It will take a winters worth of fire wood in one go, it enables you to go to the local Pony Club meets without out looking like a new money twat. It can be fixed with bailer twine and twigs. It will run and run despite the fact it's not seen fresh oil in a decade. You can get away with washing once a year and you don't have to fret about stone chips, scratches or car park dings. They are probably one of the greatest cars ever made. And they are British. Like Concorde, the computer, the Industrial Revolution, the Mallard, the Forth Bridge, Grensons and Yorkshire Puddings, they are British icons that everyone can be rightly proud of.

I've got fancy sportscars. I've had luxury. I've had leather seats. Sat nav. Power steering. Blah blah. It's all good. But I can appreciate the rustic charms of a fusty old Land Rover too. Every journey is an adventure. You can peer over hedgerows and marvel at how pretty this country is because you are travelling slow enough to take it all in. Try that in your low slung E Type and you'll be Mike Hawthorn in a flash.

If i have failed to convince you so far, may i offer you their greatest attribute?
Despite being sat just inches away, at anything above 30mph I can no longer hear my wife. That my friends, is reason enough to love a Landy. Heavenly peace.


Long live the Land Pig.

Last year I drove the works landy. I used to think that everyone that drive one was a poser with their arm out of the window then I realised the reason for this was because there is no room in them.

Sorry but not the greatest and as far as field work goes I prefer a Ferguson tractor, put a link box on the back and there will be plenty of room for camping gear.

>Martini...LB

Good work Dr S, - I could hear the strains of Land Of Hope & Glory while reading that, and a tear worked it's way down my cheek.

I still think you're better off on the mtb though, with a couple of black bags, rabbit traps and rough cider.

H

Amen to that  ;D

I can't do the poetic stuff but for us (well KK), it's about the challenge of actually getting the thing there, it's about having something that you can fix with a can of WD40 and a large hammer, the transmission talks to you as you drive.

Plus dear old Tinkerbell towed something like 5 cars, 4 caravans a campervan and an AA van at a very muddy Silverstone Marshals GP campsite last year - lets see yer bloody modern car do that....

Proof indeed (if you needed it) that Old Girls can pull  ;D

My 17 year old subaru lagacy station can.

[/quote]

Amen to that  ;D

I can't do the poetic stuff but for us (well KK), it's about the challenge of actually getting the thing there, it's about having something that you can fix with a can of WD40 and a large hammer, the transmission talks to you as you drive.

Plus dear old Tinkerbell towed something like 5 cars, 4 caravans a campervan and an AA van at a very muddy Silverstone Marshals GP campsite last year - lets see yer bloody modern car do that....

Proof indeed (if you needed it) that Old Girls can pull  ;D
[/quote]

Careful there girl, and you are not that old  ;D ;D

>Martini...LB

A plan is forming, all be it a very vague one at this stage  ::)

Les Epicuriens will be at Arnage again. DFDS ferries booked for advance party out Sunday 16th @ 12:00 Dover/Dunkirk return 23rd Calais/Dover @ 23:00.

Ahh you say the nicest things - I'm still not sharing my beer though  ;D

Just bring vodka or wine, very rare you see me drink beer at LM (I do sometimes though but at a push, not really right to put a bottle of vodka or wine in your backpack when visiting). Mind you the beer at the campsite bar at Spa was particularly good a few years ago.

Made my brother a little poorly :-)

Cooling the wine, champagne etc. in the little river behind our tents was excellent. Pity about the friggin rain.

>Martini...LB

Update,

Pick up Canada Phil from some train station Tuesday Lunchtime.
Depart Pompey Brittany Ferries 22:45 Tues Night.
Visit D-Day Museum in Ouistreham Wednesday AM.
Arrive BN Range 8 Place 83  Wednesday PM.

See you there sometime over the weekend Tom.

All booked...leaving on the night ferry on the 14th and returning on the night ferry again on the 24th...can't wait!
After my trip earlier this year I know the area a bit better so I will be doing all the driving....lol

So I don't go to the race for a few years then I'm actually now at Lemans a week and a half before the race also now  ::)

Watch out you don't peak too early Kev!!

F

Wednesday evening tunnel, two cars on Houx. Happy days!

Jem

ex karting nord refugee so its  houx this year x 10 ,tribune aco seat booked .

Arriving Thursday and with the Flying Baguettes and the DfH guys.

Think we are on the same outbound journey. We'll be in a Silver 2003 Mustang Cobra.

A timely update

Op is to be July 5th

I shall be at La Sarthe in June

Mark Bob etal Keep the landing lights on, I have to get a ferry sorted now, looks like the long drag to Douvres this year again.

Pompey Le Havre  £350 ish  :o

Dover Calais  eightyish

That's beer money that is...

Soon chaps

bill

Great news Bill, see you there, not long now.  :)

Got my pass out arranged at the weekend and taking my son for his first 24h Le Mans - Leaving things this late to book means Dover - Calais ferry and BSJ for us! Arrival on Thursday PM

I will be there with a few others. Arriving Thurs afternoon staying in BSJ. Last time we stayed there (2010) Sun night was like a bad night in Beirut, hope the security has improved.

Silver CRV with Scotland flag will likely be us. Unfortunately there are 4 of us and all the gear so the Scooby is being left at home :( Should have bought the wagon........

Tristan and I (his dad) will be arriving Wednesday - we're on Houx.  Tristan is 12, and on his third Le Mans.  Apart from Le Mans, his specialist topics are The Beano (1938-2013), and Dr Who - if you see a young lad wearing a red fez, say Hi! - or you can ask him if the next Doctor will be a woman,  but bring a chair and a beer, as the answer may not be short  :laugh:.

Ian

Wears a Fez? that's ok, Fez's are cool  8)

+2
Should be compulsory.

Having survived the Test Weekend with no more than a couple of wobbly moments, I am pleased to report in as intending to be there!

I do not intend to camp on the Saturday night, but will rough it in Deb's car in Parking Blanc - which is what we used to do in the days before Deb became a CA-er and all this camping mullarkey kicked off. I have a barn full of tents, too!

I would hope to do a bit of a tour round BN in the latter part of the week, so if you see me, do say hello. I will try to wear a Mr Termite CA shirt to be conspicuous.

May everyone have a great race this year - and let's have some proper f**k*ng weather. It was 14 degrees at 3 p.m. today!

It will be good to see you Ian.    Will you be in the ACO Stand during the Race. if so see you there if not in Bleu Nord.

t.

Yes, I'm in the ACO stand, and look forward to meeting any CA-ers who also slum it up there!

Call into BN, for a little refreshment Ian  ;)

Ian,

Great news that you are coming to the race....but don't forget to come and see those of us who are on MB as well ;D

We are up by the exit again, where we were last year.

Andy

Car arrives back to me tomorrow so then the prep begins

Mr Termie, Good to read you Ian and really look forward to sharing stories and good banter with you again.

look forward to seeing lots of friends again also....... can't wait

Hi Ian,
         It will be good to see you again.
Phil

Right then a few hours sleep and off to work before catching the plane.
The Moose is once again loose and headed your way ;D
Phil

Bon Voyage Phil, there'll be a beer waiting.

NB Which should really read :- there'll be beer waiting.  :)

Safe trip Phil, see you in La Sarthe, the 49th county of England in June.

Bonjour! Registering a very late entry for my attendance at this year's event!

Been a couple of years since I was last at Le Mans, but back in a vengeance this year with a group of 13 of us, including the Dad + motorhome, Rob Pettafor + his new wife, who is one of two Le Mans virgins making their first pilgrimmage this year.

We're on the Portsmouth - Caen ferry, Monday morning 08.15, should be getting to Maison Blanche some time on Monday evening. We're on R and S 78,79,80 or somewhere in that vague general direction.

We will probably drink a couple of beers, maybe watch some cars go past, and then make the long journey home again for the 16.15 ferry on Monday afternoon.

Looking forward to seeing a few familiar faces!

Off to scrutineering, bring it on :)

we'll see you on the ferry tomorrow morning and I presume Dad is camping where he usually does.So we will be your neighbours! ;D

Good stuff wishy. i think you'll know where to find us on the boat, and as far as i know we're on the same pitches as we usually are so should be next door neighbours!