Friday Parade

[Rich - Team Gulp Racing]

Team Gulp has been at Le Mans for the last 8 years. We always venture into town for a few beers, to stalk the majorettes in the parade and try to avoid the old dear flashing the bearded clam.

Couldn't help thinking last year that the parade wasn't really worth bothering about. Something would come past then there would be a twenty minute wait for the next one.  I've seen more cars queing at my local drive thru.

Did we miss something?

[Snoring Rhino]

Same for us, in the end we left before we got too p****ed to drive back!! Rather than waiting on a corner for them to come along, thought we might try going down to the Square area? is this accessable.

[jpchenet]

Haven't made it to the drivers parade yet and was thinking about trying it this year but you've now put a questionmark over it.

Perhaps we'll just head into Arnage?

[smokie]

Never done it in 6 years of going - always promise myself I will, but never quite raise the energy. Still, it gives me an excuse to go back next year (as if I need one...!)

[mwbennett]

The delay seemed to be caused by the dancers - two steps forward and one and 3/4 back...

We always go, but last year we headed off before the end for the first time.

Hope it speeds up this year!

[mgmark]

thought we might try going down to the Square area? is this accessable.

I've been in the parade for the last few years driving the MGA.   The Cathedral Square where the cars form up from early afternoon onwards is accessible, but last year, they actually fenced off the area and charged people 5 Euros to get a closer look at the cars.   Shame really, as one of the nice things about previous years was chatting to the throngs of people wandering around before the parade.    That said, you can styill see plenty without stumping up to get into the enclosure.   The parade is great fun, but I imagine can be as much of a pain for spectators waiting for things to happen as it is for drivers!   I think the key is to either go in and expect to spend all afternoon and most of the evening in town, or go in and head for the Cathedral Square for an hour or two anytime from about 4ish, have a wander, gaze, soak up the atmosphere and then head off for Arnage or somewhere similar.

[pretzel]

The Cathedral Square where the cars form up from early afternoon onwards is accessible, but last year, they actually fenced off the area and charged people 5 Euros to get a closer look at the cars.   Shame really, as one of the nice things about previous years was chatting to the throngs of people wandering around before the parade.  

Ye gads! They're charging for a peek at the cars before the parade now??

We went in a few years ago and watched from a bar not far away and across from the ramp where the cars and drivers were presented before they moved off for the circular tour. This was much enjoyed and we were thinking about doing it again as we hadn't for a while.

Probably won't bother now as charging for a look around the cars etc. seems a bit money grubbing to me..

[smokie]

thought we might try going down to the Square area? is this accessable.

I've been in the parade for the last few years driving the MGA.....

Yeah, I remember....I thought I might have won last years compo to accompany you until some big chested bimbo displaced me...  

[Mr. Rick]

Perhaps we'll just head into Arnage?

Yeah, that's what we're doing! Wanna meet up for a few jars/verres JP?

 

[mgmark]

Probably won't bother now as charging for a look around the cars etc. seems a bit money grubbing to me..

Only a bit of a money grubbing thing - it was basically aimed at making it easier to get the cars sorted out pre-parade and rolling - trying to do it the midst of throngs of people was always a complete shambles.   That said, they could have left it free and just cleared the area when it was time to start rolling

[jpchenet]

Perhaps we'll just head into Arnage?

Yeah, that's what we're doing! Wanna meet up for a few jars/verres JP?

 

Sounds like a very civilised thing to do Rick!! Are you driving down or walking??

Not sure when on Friday our second group will arrive so the locality suits better too nstead of them trying to join us in Le mans itself!

[COLD BEER GUY]

Guys, last year we went to the square (as every other year) and we climbed over the fences. Naughty naughty... but look at the pics we made !!

Exept the nice talk  (dah) we had with the HT girls, the parade pretty much sucked.

Looking at these pics makes me all teh more sad that I can't go this year (the mrs still hasn't given birth, the b**ch is keeping her legs crossed to keep me home )

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[Steve TTTD]

Hey Rick...
From one wings fan to another, I'll be in Arnage on Friday... Just look for the Welling shirt and I'll buy you a beer...
9th place this season...
Promotion to the conference next season.... I'm a dumd optimist  

[Mr. Rick]

It's a date then JP and Steve!! I'll try to remember to wear my (many seasons old - Welling Building Services!!!) Wings top too then. I had a nightmate the other night that Paul Parker had left and Keith the photographer had taken over!!!!!

Apologies for hijacking the thread to anyone else not the least bit interested!!

See you in Arnage then Steve and JP! And walking (not driving) BTW!

[Dark Warrior]

I can recommend it... Few beers, some fodder and then some more beers... Last year got a few in with a load of Danes... Bloody great night...

Only downside is getting back...

However, the thought of The HT Girls, even now, is making it twitch in anticipation...