anyone up for joining the posse?
It should be another epic trip
*** We currently have 3 places left on the full trip - we cannot offer the hotel or ferry packages now but all 3 trackdays can be booked for £379. Hotel details can be provided so that you can still stay with the main pack - they are all bookable by the web.
Ok it's back..
after trying a shorter trip in 2007 and ending up with most people staying on longer we've gone back to the week format. there is an option for people to break off and the end and stay south if they want, we're expecting a number of people to do this - especially when you see the region we're heading for, or theres the alps to explore afterwards.
we've stuck with 3 trackdays - 2 of which are probably the best 2 circuits in france - a return to our favourite Dijon prenois, our first visit to what most regard as the best elise circuit in france - Ledenon. The little known circuit at Ales makes up the threesome.
The schedule:-
Sunday 24/8 - Crossing channel then Calais - Dijon - 354 miles - 4.5 hrs
most should arrive at Dijon mid afternoon and our hotel will be the as this year which is positioned within a 5 min walk of the old town. Dijon is a great town to be in as a tourist or just looking to relax.
Monday 25/8 - Dijon Trackday
the circuits just 20 mins from our hotel and what a circuit! if you've not been there Dijon really is in the top 5 european circuits and one we've had 2 fantastic days at over the last couple of years.
Tuesday 26/8 - head south - Dijon - Nimes - 278 miles - 3.5 hrs
an easy blat down to the south coast. we are yet to finalise the hotel that will be used for the next 3 nights but it's likely to be in the ancient roman city of Nimes with it's huge amphitheatre. Nimes is just a short drive from the mediterranean citys such as montpellier (30 mins), marseille and less than 2 hours from the french riviera towns of cannes, nice and st tropez. there will be plenty of time to explore.
Wednesday 27/8 - Ales trackday - 30 miles max
a nice circuit that will give us a chance to relax and play rather than the full on concentration required at dijon and ledenon
Thursday 28/8 - Ledenon trackday - 30 miles max
they dont come any better than this - ledenon is an anti-clockwise circuit providing a roller-coaster ride with steep crests and descents & a superb variety of swooping corners. The circuit itself sits high in the hills of the warm Mediterranean Gard region just 30 mins from the coast. quote from a bike organiser:-
"Ledenon is a 2 mile roller-coaster circuit that plummets and climbs across two valleys, providing an interesting selection of corners crests and compressions which mimic those found in the uk such as Cadwell, Knockhill, Brands and Oulton Park. From the first huge, open triple apexing left which tightens up into a corkscrew, to the G-force inducing corners that top them, this is an exciting and challenging track for both the riders and the suspension - think Cadwell mountain and you’re only half way there!!"
Friday 29/8
We will either head to Cannes or St Tropez for lunch and the afternoon on the sea front followed by joining the Route Napoleon up to Castellane for an over night stop. At Castellane we head head over to the Verdon Gorge which is the worlds 2nd largest canyon. This really is an amazing place not to be missed. We're expecting some to stay on the riveria and not head up the RDN with us. Theres an option to skip friday and saturday night hotels if you would like. It does seem a shame to have to head home when we're in one of the best areas of Europe.
Saturday 30/8
drive back up Route Napoleon through Grenoble stoping probably at Macon.
Sunday 31/8 - Macon to Calais - 420 miles - 6 hrs
A few pioints:-
* We are heading into the most popular part of france, if not europe at peak season. this means not only is it likely to be hot but there could be a lot of traffic on the roads. the last couple of days heading back up the Route Napoleon are optionial. we expect people to split into groups - it may be that some just mway blat it while others find different roads, while even if it's very slow some will take a relaxing drive and explore the scenery. one thing we do know is that it's not worth coming all this way down and not visiting the gorge or trying some of the RDN.
* We are expecting at least half the cars, as they did this year to stay on the Riveria or head into the Alps - we'd strongly recommend you look at this. There is an option to not have friday and saturday nights accommodation included.
* Channel crossings - we've done them as extras this time giving option of ferry or eurotunnel - just choose which you want. our default crossing times will be 8-9am on Sunday 24/8 if you want to head out on the saturday or if you'd like to return later please inform us asap - we will need to pass additional charges on. alternatively it will help us if you book your own crossings direct - http://www.eurotunnel1.com http://www.speedferries.com/ http://www.poferries.com http://www.seafrance.com we will only include crossings for bookings taken by 31/1/08.
* Availability - we are limiting the trip to 50 cars but will sell an extra 15 places for Dijon.
* Hotels - will be similar to previous trips - IBIS, Kyriad style - airconditioning is a must, we will also ensure there is a pool at the 3 night hotel.
* Support - we will be taking one van of parts and tools with at least one trained mechanic. we will post a list of parts that will be taken a month before the event. if drivers require other parts they are normally available on next day delivery -we will help where possible but this is your responsibility.
* Helmets - we will not be taking any helmets to rent out. however, we will transport a helmet per driver, and their passengers for those who book by 31/1/08.
* Instruction - this will be available at all 3 circuits for £20 a session, book on the day.
More information about routes, hotels etc will be posted in the European events forum under FF7
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