On our bikes...

[Skoff]

Dear all,

Last minute as ever!!!

When I was watching my beloved Lotus Elise driving off down the road with it's new owner it suddenly occured to me that I no longer had transport to get me to Le Mans... Hmm. So the solution is to take the bike (bicycle that is...) on a tour from Somerset to Le Mans. I have convinced a friend to join me as company (and to carry half the kit heh heh - but he won't mind as he's a Le Mans virgin so will get carried away with the excitement!).

Anyway, I was wondering if there was any advice about camping and bike security. Due to commitments of work we will be arriving on the Saturday and leaving on the Sunday, any suggestions about the best place to pitch the tents for a couple of hours sleep on Saturday night (we don't have a camping pass) - IIRC you used to be able to pitch in parking vert for a small fee as long as you took the tent down every day. Anybody know if that's still the case? Or is it considered unethical to pitch a tent in one of the non marked out sites in a corner somewhere - since we don't have a car to put a pass onto?

We would also like to be able to leave the bikes somewhere at least reasonably safe & possibly locked to something - any advice?

I am pretty resigned to just winging it (as I usually do), but if anybody has helpful tips I'd be grateful

Thanks!

[DelBoy]

Ah...at last.  There IS another CA'er living in God's county (I am ignoring those people with funny accents living north of the Wash who think God's county is somewhere up there!!)..  I live in the Polden Hills a few miles east of Bridgwater, so not to far from you.

Regarding your question, theoretically, you should be able to pitch on any campsite, as you only need a pass for a vehicle.  However, arriving on the saturday, you'll have to hunt for space, but it sounds like you won't need much of that.  Find a space, get to know your neighbours, and chain your bike to someones car.  I wouldn't leave them just lying around - the camp sites and car parks are pretty deserted for a few hours around the start of the race - except of course for the ever-present Pikey's.

Best of luck with your extended bike ride.

Del

[Fran]

Not wishing to hijack someone else's thread ( heaven forbid -  ) but on the subject of chaining one's bike, will GAB be in MB this year with my bike rack?

F

[Skoff]

Thanks Del,

Should be an adventure...

And yes it is a nice corner of the country to live in...

Greg

[Andy Zarse]

Skoff

You should see this thread, 

http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=6682.0

You're not alone! Lots of hints and tips there, and I recommend you speak to MG Mark, he has all the answers to matters regarding sore arses and ballbags.

[gab]

Not wishing to hijack someone else's thread ( heaven forbid -  ) but on the subject of chaining one's bike, will GAB be in MB this year with my bike rack?

F

...to continue Fran`s hijacking of this thread, yes GAB will be on MB this year but no he will not have your bike rack with him (flying in this year and not driving) sorry you will have to lock your bike on Smokies leg, it will be safe there as he rarely moves. Just remember to fetch it before noon on Sunday, as we all know he`ll be on the ferry back home before the race ends.

[Skoff]

Skoff

You should see this thread, 

http://www.clubarnage.com/forum/index.php?topic=6682.0

You're not alone! Lots of hints and tips there, and I recommend you speak to MG Mark, he has all the answers to matters regarding sore arses and ballbags.

Ahh now I feel much better - we aren't the only ones with a will be walking like John Wayne all weekend...! A bit of bedtime reading of that Thread is definitely in order!!!

Chhers Andy!