[LM24] Taking the family to Le Mans - first timer

[Tim the Grey]

Radio Le Mans girls and boys will be out selling the radios I have no doubt. Over ear /single side were 5 Euro, proper FM radio with comfy stereo buds are 10 euro.

911CG? Assuming you lot are like mine, you won't have problems. The racing nuts will be at the racing. The non racing types will be back at the campsite, with books, steo, and sun cream. There is nothing stopping the non-racer members taking the car out to other towns, as you won't need it once you are set up.

Just be aware that a fridge kills car batteries in jig time, if you leave it plugged in!

[Aysedasi]

The RLM boys and girls will almost certainly be out selling the radios but dies anyone know how good they are? For tears I used a little Creative mp3 player with a built in radio, which was great. Of course now I've gone for the brilliant ear defender style radio - not that I particularly want to defend my ears, but because the ability to actually hear the commentary is so darned good!

[Aysedasi]

For 'dies' and 'tears' read 'does' and 'years' - darned iPhone with it's little keys!

[jase]

In addition to whats been said before:
1 The Club Arnage guide is currently being worked on for 2012, this has Lots of do's and don'ts, check lists, campsite/viewing locations you name it. It should be available not long after test weekend.

2. Once you're at the track on saturday, don't think about leaving until Sunday evening, you'll take forever to get anywhere. If you're not camping in the circuit locale, take a couple of blankets with you, plenty of folk just crash out.

3. Personally, I'd drive the N138 down and avoid the motorway, especially coming back. But if you do use the motorway look out for "Aires de ...." these are rest stops (glorified lay-by) with toilets.

4. Don't Speed! the police will be looking out for you, they seem to target the brits, it's on the spot fines and if you dont have the cash, plenty of stories about being escorted to cash points.

There are coaches that take you to the viewing spots at Mulsanne and Arnage, worth it. My favoured viewing spots were between Porsche Curve and Ford for the start, and Terte Rouge at sunrise

[The Badger]

Originally Posted by Gingers4Justice

Completely disagree with this!!

I've been going since I was 4 and if it wasn't for my dad commanding me to return to my tent, I would have stayed up for the whole race!

We used to go as a family to the race, with my little sister and my mum. My sister sometimes got a little bored but we all agree that the best holidays we ever had we going to the race and staying in a gite for two weeks 20 minutes or so from the track. When we can, we'll all do it again.

My mum was never into motor racing before she met my dad and she's still not in to motor racing much, but she absolutely adores the magic of Le Mans. If she could go every year, she would.

Le Mans can be enjoyed as a family event. The place becomes its own universe during the week and there's nothin else like it - I can't think of anyone not being captivated by the atmosphere, the magic and the humanity on display.

Cool , Im delighted for you , but it mightnt be everybodys cup of tea , I was trying to point out . I have experiance of seeing how someone who is not interested , putting the kybosh on the whole week .

If my wife decided to bring the family on a tennis tournament holiday , Id be bored off my tits !!!

Thats my point , there has to be some interest ..... Its not the Silverstone 6 hours with home at the end of the day , and its not such fun when your trying to keep your little ones dry when the heavens open for the week .

[Mal]

Originally Posted by bella

i agree with the badger - in fact, the reason i haven't gone in my decade of hardcore motorsport travelling is that i've wanted to wait to have the right level of interest in the event itself since the core campsite culture doesn't interest me at all. without a team or car to cheer for, endurance racing is hard work and without specific interest in the race, the noise and inconvenience is borderline tolerable.

i would suggest the op hasn't already that picking a team and car to support as a group would be a really good idea. we've got one each from the same team

I suspect you will come back asking 'why didn't I go before?'

Forget the campsite culture there are plenty that don't do that but still get the magic of Le Mans. It is not like any other race - the atmosphere the history, the noise, the dark will captivate you whether or not you have a car to cheer on. Just sit on the tribunes opposite the pits at 2.00am and soak it up and make sure you have good position on the pit straight for at least 2 hours before the race

[vincegail]

Originally Posted by The Badger

Cool , Im delighted for you , but it mightnt be everybodys cup of tea , I was trying to point out . I have experiance of seeing how someone who is not interested , putting the kybosh on the whole week .

If my wife decided to bring the family on a tennis tournament holiday , Id be bored off my tits !!!

Thats my point , there has to be some interest ..... Its not the Silverstone 6 hours with home at the end of the day , and its not such fun when your trying to keep your little ones dry when the heavens open for the week .

I agree with the badger. You must take into account that if someone is not interested/very bored/not happy/.... this could spoil the mood for everybody.
Not to be gloomy, just a tiny warning!

On the other hand: last year, a couple, +/- 45 years of age, were on the 2 pitches next to ours with their 16 year son and 18 year old daughter.
Dad drove the motorhome with mum, daughter the Corvette C3 (lucky b*tch!) with the son. They had a great time all week!

[Gingers4Justice]

Originally Posted by The Badger

Cool , Im delighted for you , but it mightnt be everybodys cup of tea , I was trying to point out . I have experiance of seeing how someone who is not interested , putting the kybosh on the whole week .

If my wife decided to bring the family on a tennis tournament holiday , Id be bored off my tits !!!

Thats my point , there has to be some interest ..... Its not the Silverstone 6 hours with home at the end of the day , and its not such fun when your trying to keep your little ones dry when the heavens open for the week .

That has genuinely surprised me. In total, I have been with 20 people for the first time at Le Mans - none of whom have had any appreciation, understanding or fanship towards endurance racing. All of them loved it. None of them take much notice of any other race, some of them still don't like motor racing, but the group of 3 I orginally went with in 1999 has snowballed to about 21 now.

Not everyone goes to follow the race closely. If you take it easy and just soak up the atmosphere then I can not see anyone failing to enjoy it.

Especially a 7 year old kid. When I was 7, and when I've been with other 7 year olds, the race is absolutely the best thing that's ever happened to you.

[The Badger]

Originally Posted by vincegail

daughter the Corvette C3 (lucky b*tch!)

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by bella

i agree with the badger - in fact, the reason i haven't gone in my decade of hardcore motorsport travelling is that i've wanted to wait to have the right level of interest in the event itself since the core campsite culture doesn't interest me at all. without a team or car to cheer for, endurance racing is hard work and without specific interest in the race, the noise and inconvenience is borderline tolerable.

i would suggest the op hasn't already that picking a team and car to support as a group would be a really good idea. we've got one each from the same team

think you've perfectly encapsulated the difference between a fan and an enthusiast.

ETA - do I understand from your post that you've never been? wonder how valid your advice is to the OP then !

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by Mal

I suspect you will come back asking 'why didn't I go before?'

Forget the campsite culture there are plenty that don't do that but still get the magic of Le Mans. It is not like any other race - the atmosphere the history, the noise, the dark will captivate you whether or not you have a car to cheer on. Just sit on the tribunes opposite the pits at 2.00am and soak it up and make sure you have good position on the pit straight for at least 2 hours before the race

...which reminds me, a decent pair of pocket binoculars are very useful for watching pitstops and seeing what's going on inside the pit garages, especially at night...

[bella]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

think you've perfectly encapsulated the difference between a fan and an enthusiast.

ETA - do I understand from your post that you've never been? wonder how valid your advice is to the OP then !

take a look at what i advise. it's all non event specific about driving in france (i do that a lot), muppetry in campsites from the point of view of a young female traveller (i can list examples of where i've been and camped if you're that bothered), and a general idea of how we're planning to play it as fellow n00bs.

the attitude in this forum seems to be that the racing related joys of lm are best kept secret lest the enemy finds out. for genuine advice regarding non-track activities i've found other enthusiast forums and the oft mentioned ca guide to be more informative.

if anyone can advise the best way to interact with the circuit action beyond the start, the finish and listening to radio le mans i'd be interested to hear. as would the op should he be met with a confused or bored offspring or partner.

[Bentley03]

Originally Posted by bella

the attitude in this forum seems to be that the racing related joys of lm are best kept secret lest the enemy finds out. for genuine advice regarding non-track activities i've found other enthusiast forums and the oft mentioned ca guide to be more informative.

Bella, I'm slightly confused by the first part of that paragraph, but the second part is spot on, although in my experience, Tenths members will always try to help with good advice (even if that involves recommending a visit to a different site).

The different forums that 'major' on Le Mans all have their strengths. There is little overlap with regard to topic, but considerable overlap within membership. Each has it's forte, and therefore its reason for being (and ability to survive). Tenths' strength is on race related aspects of Le Mans.

[Simmi]

It was reading 10tenths and getting answers from the members which convinced me to go to LM for the first time.

[Bentley03]

Originally Posted by bella

if anyone can advise the best way to interact with the circuit action beyond the start, the finish and listening to radio le mans i'd be interested to hear. as would the op should he be met with a confused or bored offspring or partner.

Listening to Radio Le Mans......that is key, and the reason we all bang on about it. It is nigh on impossible, for those lucky enough to be trackside, to follow the race without it.

Preparation - invest the time in the build up to the race (days, weeks, months) to understand the format of the race, the classes (4 classes, therefore 4 races in one) and which teams are racing in each class. Use Andy Blackmore's spotters guide to help you recognise the cars whilst they are on track. Without this basic knowledge, your ability to follow the race trackside (in any meaningful way) will be greatly diminished.

Interacting with the track - they say variety is the spice of life. Bear that in mind during the race. Yes, the majority choose to spend the start and finish of the race on, or close to, the pit straight. But, there are so many options available to the spectator during the race. Make the most of them. From Maison Blanche to Tertre Rouge, the main spectator enclosure, there are countless different views of the track, both from the outside of the circuit and the inside. Do both, and if you discover a particularly good viewing point, stop for a while and take it in. Then there are the 3 official spectator enclosures away from the main one, Porsche Curves, Arnage and Mulsanne. It's a 24 hour race, so add variety to your viewing experience by taking the time to head away from the main spectator enclosure to discover them.

My point really is this - make the effort and you will be rewarded. What you get out of the race is directly related to what you put into it.


(.......or have I totally misunderstood your question, Bella?)

[MGDavid]

Originally Posted by bella

take a look at what i advise. it's all non event specific about driving in france (i do that a lot), muppetry in campsites from the point of view of a young female traveller (i can list examples of where i've been and camped if you're that bothered), and a general idea of how we're planning to play it as fellow n00bs.

.....

Eh?
In the post I quoted I cannot see a single word about 'driving in France'.
How can you know about 'the core campsite culture' (of Le Mans) when you've never been.
You didn't mention that your POV is that of a 'young female traveller' which in any case may be of little relevance to a mature family.
I just felt your post was very negative in many ways and wanted to reassure the OP that it's all good and they will have a ball.

[The Badger]

If your worried about young female opinions , stay away fron Houx Annex . Houx is a much more peaceful campsite , tickets can be had on ebay at this stage .

The majority of people who go there , are adults , while some behave like myself , Ive seen some pretty weird stuff happening in the campsites too . Dont be alarmed by what you see ..... many normal people go wild in Le Mans for the weekend , cuz thats what they do when they go on their hols ..... much like any tourist resort , people can behave badly when let off the leash .

As I explained before , Le Mans isnt for everybody ..... its a motorrace and not a tourist resort and doesnt cater much for children either , as its not a child oriented event . However , its always been like that , so dont expect it to change .

Your askin for advice , your getting it from people who know . Personally Ive been there 19 times plus 4 or 5 test weekends too . Maybe the answers your getting is not exactly what you wish to hear ..... but then again , your askin .

I hope you and your family have a brilliant time ..... but you must have an open mind , one thing its not is Butlins .

[The Badger]

Originally Posted by MGDavid

and wanted to reassure the OP that it's all good and they will have a ball.

If your interested . Ive seen peoples weekends ruined when members get bored , want to go for a day trip 100 miles away , and want to go fashion shopping in the town .

Just remember the reason why your there in the first place , its not for fashion shopping , or feeding the ducks at the pond . Its the worlds biggest motorrace .

I wouldnt take my wife as I know she would show interest for a few hours , after that ..... it would be ear ache .

I would like very much to hear your post race report , in this thread . I do sincerly hope that you all enjoy yourselves , as thats the objective of the week , but I also have my doubts too , and I hope im wrong for your sake .

Tell me something ..... I presume your intending on camping ? Now , have you given thought to what would happen if the skys decide to open up for the week ..... family in the tent , clothes damp and hard to dry , pools of water near or under your tent ..... 3 to 4 degrees at night ..... it can also be miserable .

I dont know how you feel , but I know my family would be *****in at that lark .

I was camping there 3 0r 4 years ago ..... there was so much water , a Swedish couple abondoned their tent , sleeping bags , bar-b-q , the lot and went home on the Friday .

Think about that . And nobidy here can say Im telling a word of a lie either .

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by vincegail

I agree with the badger. You must take into account that if someone is not interested/very bored/not happy/.... this could spoil the mood for everybody.
Not to be gloomy, just a tiny warning!

I have to say after many years experience, I agree too. I have been to Le Mans many times with people who were not really committed to the race. By the time Sunday came around, they were bored to tears and that negative attitude infected others and even touched upon my own enjoyment.

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by Bentley03

Listening to Radio Le Mans......that is key, and the reason we all bang on about it. It is nigh on impossible, for those lucky enough to be trackside, to follow the race without it.

Preparation - invest the time in the build up to the race (days, weeks, months) to understand the format of the race, the classes (4 classes, therefore 4 races in one) and which teams are racing in each class. Use Andy Blackmore's spotters guide to help you recognise the cars whilst they are on track. Without this basic knowledge, your ability to follow the race trackside (in any meaningful way) will be greatly diminished.

Interacting with the track - they say variety is the spice of life. Bear that in mind during the race. Yes, the majority choose to spend the start and finish of the race on, or close to, the pit straight. But, there are so many options available to the spectator during the race. Make the most of them. From Maison Blanche to Tertre Rouge, the main spectator enclosure, there are countless different views of the track, both from the outside of the circuit and the inside. Do both, and if you discover a particularly good viewing point, stop for a while and take it in. Then there are the 3 official spectator enclosures away from the main one, Porsche Curves, Arnage and Mulsanne. It's a 24 hour race, so add variety to your viewing experience by taking the time to head away from the main spectator enclosure to discover them.

My point really is this - make the effort and you will be rewarded. What you get out of the race is directly related to what you put into it.


(.......or have I totally misunderstood your question, Bella?)

All absolutely spot on James.

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by The Badger

If your interested . Ive seen peoples weekends ruined when members get bored , want to go for a day trip 100 miles away , and want to go fashion shopping in the town .

Just remember the reason why your there in the first place , its not for fashion shopping , or feeding the ducks at the pond . Its the worlds biggest motorrace .

I wouldnt take my wife as I know she would show interest for a few hours , after that ..... it would be ear ache .

I would like very much to hear your post race report , in this thread . I do sincerly hope that you all enjoy yourselves , as thats the objective of the week , but I also have my doubts too , and I hope im wrong for your sake .

Tell me something ..... I presume your intending on camping ? Now , have you given thought to what would happen if the skys decide to open up for the week ..... family in the tent , clothes damp and hard to dry , pools of water near or under your tent ..... 3 to 4 degrees at night ..... it can also be miserable .

I dont know how you feel , but I know my family would be *****in at that lark .

I was camping there 3 0r 4 years ago ..... there was so much water , a Swedish couple abondoned their tent , sleeping bags , bar-b-q , the lot and went home on the Friday .

Think about that . And nobidy here can say Im telling a word of a lie either .

But rainy wash-outs are actually pretty rare. 27 years for me, and I can count the seriously wet weekends on the fingers of one hand. And as you know already, 2012 is going to be wonderfully hot and sunny all week........

[Aysedasi]

Originally Posted by bella

the attitude in this forum seems to be that the racing related joys of lm are best kept secret lest the enemy finds out. for genuine advice regarding non-track activities i've found other enthusiast forums and the oft mentioned ca guide to be more informative.

Not sure I buy that bella. Frankly, all the advice you could possibly need for Le Mans is here somewhere - and if you can't find it - ask and it shall be provided. The fact that this forum doesn't drone on about beer and getting drunk is what made me come here from other fora in the first place. Yes, there are plenty of race diehards here for whom issues about who can build the tallest beermountain in the campsite or make the most noise on Mad Friday are of absolutely no consequence, but that doesn't make the advice available here any less genuine than anywhere else. We just spend more time looking at what's happening on track......


What I wouod definitely do though is to endorse the comments made already about the CA Le Mans Guide. Even though it doesn't change greatly from year to year, I still download it every year and have a good read of it - for no other reason really than it really sets my mood brilliantly for what is to come. It is absolutely essential reading for anyone who is going to Le Mans for the first time - and probably for the next few times as well, as you'll only scratch the surface of the event on your first visit.

[The Badger]

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

And as you know already, 2012 is going to be wonderfully hot and sunny all week........

Between my last post and this post , I was having a shower , wondering about the stiff rebuke I would get for mentioning the R word

[The Badger]

Originally Posted by Aysedasi

I have to say after many years experience, I agree too

Eh eh ..... whats this , whats this ..... your finally agreeing with me ?

Sadly , I wont make this years race , again . But I will be tuned in , race on the box , timing and RLM on the PC ..... and I dont want to watch a wet race , shower here and there I can deal with .

P.S. ..... Bet the missis wishs I was there , cuz she aint gonta get near the Tv all weekend !!! LMAO

[Aysedasi]

I used to go to Le Mans with a friend, Peter, who I always called Pierre for the weekend (). He came with us from 92 through to '00, missing only '96. When we were making plans for '97, his partner said to my missus, 'For goodness sake, don't ever tell him he can't go to Le Mans. All I heard from him last year was where he would have been and what he would have been watching - for the entire 24 hours......'

It's almost impossible to imagine not being there. So I feel for you G.