LM24 2012 Le Mans Dates (16/17 June) - Who's Going + what/where/when - Page 8

CTD · 27 Nov 2011, 15:54 (Ref:2991968)

Has any one, any experience with going to Le Mans Alone?
unfortunately none of my friends are Le Mans fans, so if i'm going this year, i'm probably going alone, and therefor I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this?

lemansfan · 27 Nov 2011, 16:13 (Ref:2991974)

When you arrive at Le Mans you are not longer alone .

CTD · 27 Nov 2011, 16:16 (Ref:2991976)

Quote:

Originally Posted by lemansfan

When you arrive at Le Mans you are not longer alone .

True, but still

.

Simmi · 27 Nov 2011, 16:25 (Ref:2991980)

I think once there then it is fine it's really the travelling which could be a bit depressing/expensive. Depends how bad you want it really.

lemansfan · 27 Nov 2011, 16:31 (Ref:2991982)

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTD

True, but still

.

Did you have a concrete Plan ??

CTD · 27 Nov 2011, 16:36 (Ref:2991985)

Well... No.

I'm probably going with a travel company, probably by coach.
I want to be there Tuesday, and explore the track and everything before the race (i'll try to get a bike with me). What i'm worried about is having no one to share the race with, like commenting certain events and generally chat when there is no track action

.

**Aysedasi** · 28 Nov 2011, 06:15 (Ref:2992292)

Big community here Matthias - chances are that you can find someone to 'buddy up' with!

CTD · 28 Nov 2011, 11:36 (Ref:2992378)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

Big community here Matthias - chances are that you can find someone to 'buddy up' with!

Sounds good

. I'm getting a lot closer to just doing it! - just need a way to get my bike with me

Simmi · 28 Nov 2011, 19:25 (Ref:2992588)

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTD

Sounds good

. I'm getting a lot closer to just doing it! - just need a way to get my bike with me

Do you really need a bike? I can see how it would be an advantage in some senses but a definite hindrance in others. There is a regular and free shuttle bus to reach the far ends of the circuit. I'd always be worried about having to watch it so it doesn't get stolen.

GT6 · 28 Nov 2011, 19:52 (Ref:2992597)

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTD

Well... No.

I'm probably going with a travel company, probably by coach.
I want to be there Tuesday, and explore the track and everything before the race (i'll try to get a bike with me). What i'm worried about is having no one to share the race with, like commenting certain events and generally chat when there is no track action

.

don't worry you will not be on your own, check out who is camping where closer to the race and I am sure that you will meet up with one of us before the usual meet on saturday

GT6 · 28 Nov 2011, 19:54 (Ref:2992599)

Got confirmation of Eurotunnel booking this morning so camping, tickets, aco membership and transport sorted and paid for, and still over 6 months to go, that is a record for me

vincegail · 28 Nov 2011, 20:08 (Ref:2992608)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT6

Nadine has worked her majic again and I have my Tertre rouge tickets for next year, had to join the ACO this year but a small price to pay, now need to sort out everything else

Hi GT6,

I already booked using an agency for this year, but for upcoming years I don't think I'll be wanting to pay the agency fees anymore. How does the Le Mans tourist office (known to you as 'Nadine') work? You just mail them with your preferences and ACO membership number? And from which date onwards was this possible this year? Or did you mail her the day after last year's race, as I usually do with the agency?

Thx in advance,

Vincent

Down F0rce · 28 Nov 2011, 22:34 (Ref:2992681)

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTD

Has any one, any experience with going to Le Mans Alone?
unfortunately none of my friends are Le Mans fans, so if i'm going this year, i'm probably going alone, and therefor I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with this?

I've done Le Mans solo three times. The campsites are always social (both for party animals and for more introverted), plus there is the TT meet to look forward to. You'll have fun!

Dented Table · 28 Nov 2011, 23:38 (Ref:2992708)

Its a 50/50% chance as of now. Wish I could confirm it.

Steptoe · 29 Nov 2011, 10:47 (Ref:2992881)

Just got confirmation of camping & grandstands , ferry booked can't wait for June.

Mystery · 29 Nov 2011, 22:21 (Ref:2993198)

Hmmm. Interesting. Wife and I drove down during our first French road trip in the summer. Spent a memorable afternoon at the museum and nearly bought tickets for the 24hr bike event, until spotting it was on daughter's birthday.

Seriously tempted for this year so might be back here for rookie visitor advice sometime.

GT6 · 30 Nov 2011, 19:02 (Ref:2993597)

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincegail

Hi GT6,

I already booked using an agency for this year, but for upcoming years I don't think I'll be wanting to pay the agency fees anymore. How does the Le Mans tourist office (known to you as 'Nadine') work? You just mail them with your preferences and ACO membership number? And from which date onwards was this possible this year? Or did you mail her the day after last year's race, as I usually do with the agency?

Thx in advance,

Vincent

This year was a little different, i had to join the ACO to get the camping before it was sold out, but if you e mail her before the ticket release date she will send you the application form and as an agent for the ACO process it for you on the release date, she has for the last 10 years always come up trumps and also manages to get me classic camping and tickets as well.
Her job at the tourist office is as the link for all race related matters so you will also help to make sure she keeps her job. Her english is perfect and having meet her last year I am only to glad to advertise her services to all.
Please use her rather than an agent you will also save a small fortune

vincegail · 30 Nov 2011, 19:41 (Ref:2993617)

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT6

This year was a little different, i had to join the ACO to get the camping before it was sold out, but if you e mail her before the ticket release date she will send you the application form

I am already an ACO member so that's allright with me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT6

Her job at the tourist office is as the link for all race related matters so you will also help to make sure she keeps her job. Her english is perfect and having meet her last year I am only to glad to advertise her services to all.

English speaking French are a rare breed indeed, and I am more than willing to help with her not getting the sack.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GT6

Please use her rather than an agent you will also save a small fortune

More beer money!

Thank you GT6!

**Aysedasi** · 1 Dec 2011, 07:26 (Ref:2993817)

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincegail

English speaking French are a rare breed indeed, and I am more than willing to help with her not getting the sack.

I'm not sure I agree with that! I've personally found that most French speak English - even in the village patisserie - but what they prefer is for you to speak French - and we should! (Although not necessarily when buying tickets! And says he whose French is hopeless!)

vincegail · 1 Dec 2011, 09:44 (Ref:2993868)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

I'm not sure I agree with that! I've personally found that most French speak English - even in the village patisserie - but what they prefer is for you to speak French - and we should! (Although not necessarily when buying tickets! And says he whose French is hopeless!)

I always first address people in their native tongue (if I know how to). But I've experienced a little bit too often that it is not a matter of 'I cannot speak English' but more like 'I don't want to speak English'. Sadly enough, the latter ruin it for the former. As happens a lot...

**Aysedasi** · 1 Dec 2011, 11:17 (Ref:2993905)

Possibly, but in the main, my experience has been that their English is vastly better than our French. If you at least try, they respect you all the more for it.

Years ago I went over with the brother of quite a famous cricketer in our group. He refused to even try to speak French. In the Village he tried about 10 times to order 'sausage and chips'. They refused to understand - they did, of course. But it was his insistence that they must surely understand and his unwillingness to try and order in French (I mean, how difficult is ordering food at the circuit in French...?

), that caused the problem. He didn't get served.....

racerkeke · 1 Dec 2011, 17:02 (Ref:2994039)

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincegail

But I've experienced a little bit too often that it is not a matter of 'I cannot speak English' but more like 'I don't want to speak English'.

In my experience, "I don't want to" means "I'm not confident I can". Most people understand but can't string the words together in the other language fast enough or with good enough pronunciation. I see it every year with my fellow commissaires. So we use a pidgin made up of hand gestures, English, French, and sound effects. A "Pescarolo!" with a wide grin goes a long way.

keke

**Bentley03** · 2 Dec 2011, 11:55 (Ref:2994353)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bentley03

Ticket request for teamDOT was emailed to the ACO this morning.

teamDOT's arrangements for tickets/travel/digs are now finalised.........

Ticket allocation received from ACO as requested - Parking Blanc and Tribune 17 (Durand).

Ayse and I have an overnight crossing on the Saturday (scrutineering here we come

), Tony an overnight crossing on the Tuesday, and we all return to Blighty on the same late afternoon crossing on the Monday.

And, we will be staying at our usual digs.

Simmi · 2 Dec 2011, 17:17 (Ref:2994464)

Sounds good teamDOT. Have many years do you need to have gone to be considered a team?

The only thing I want to do slightly differently this year is to try and get in a couple of hours earlier on the Tuesday to make the afternoon autograph session.

Simmi · 2 Dec 2011, 18:03 (Ref:2994483)

I wonder if CTD will be joining me in Le Mans town centre to watch England v Sweden on Mad Friday?

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