Guys
I stopped going a couple of years ago when my mate's SEAT was hit by a Ferrari going the other way attempting a burn-out in the wet. There was even a WAV file somewhere on the web showing the incident, but my son had to report the accident and set les flics into a nationwide hunt for the other guy who pi@@ed off with large chunks of bodywork hanging off.
It all got sorted out but the same year, I was not prepared to burn-out in Arnage village ( the bar by the mini island ) as my clutch was slightly dickey, when the boyos sat outside waving down any driver with a sports car and throwing beer.
I've been going for 7 years now, camp outside of the circuit so limited pikey probs, do the Hotel de France run, pit walk, and shame....this was my first year for the drivers parade because I was not really upto driving into town previously.
Yup.. I'm getting to be Captain Sensible as the years go on, but managed to avoid having my tent stripped by Pikeys, excessive sun-burn, avoided having my family run over spectating at Houx, appreciated Radio Le Mans despite a weak signal at Mulsanne, and yes, thought the Milton Keynes make-over of the village was not before time, and finally avoided a speeding ticket getting there so for me its been the best year yet.

Regards

Bryan C

PS - Has anybody got any photos pf the Brazilain Dancing Girls...obviously for educational purposes only. Perhaps added to the 'Girls' thread which was very popular before we all set off.

Yep - that goes a long way towards countering  the Pikey problems reported on another web-site.

I remarked to my mates that there was very little litter ( because people were picking it up ), grass verges were being cut - even out in the middle of nowhere, planting beds were not vandalised and were watered frequently ( are you listening Thames Water ) and everything seemed to be working.

I passed some one-way road workings south of Falaise - the old surface was far better than you see in Blitey and it goes on and on. Not forgetting the new motorway now opened past le Mans. 4 hours underground parking in central LM cost 2 Euros.

We all cursed the traffic disruption in the Centre, but the tramway system will be first class and integrated with the other services including a new developmnet outside of the main station.

I don't mind paying taxes if the system works as it seems to do over there.

In Angry Old Man mood. Regards, Bryan C.

...and even the crumpet looked better too !!!!

Thanks mate.
I'll mark it on my map. Possibly hitting it about Tuesday lunchtime !
Regards

Bryan C

Not sure about Johnny, but Perry ( the real Stig ) is calling at the local Peugeot garage on Thursday night for the new 207 launch.
Might go for a book signing and try to beat his time on the PlayStation lap of LM.
Don't think I'll mention fuel economy though !

Regards

BryanC

Travelling home from Le Mans to the Caen, I stopped at a quality 'Routier' but last year couldn't find it. I've been there twice and rated the food and value.

It was a popular stop for the Brits and I can remember its a bungalow road cafe, located on the right when going North, with parking outside and also lorry parking space across the road. I assumed it was somewhere north of Alencon, not as far as Falaise, but not really sure.

I think that they had logs to divide the parking spaces up.

Any ideas chaps or even alternative places to aim for.

Regards
Bryan C

Top Gear - Top Bloke !
We need people like him to remind us that we love motors, machines and engines. I'm reading his new book - its already 1/2 price in WHS, but still a great read.
I've seen threads on here about fast cars, fast planes, fast bikes and of course fast birds and JC has well observed views on them all.
Just loved the comment last night about the only person to look cool in a 4-seat convertible was Adolf Hitler - just in time to stop my mate buying a new SAAB in that slime green colour.
Regards
Bryan C.

PS Tiff is still a better wheelman.
PPS In less than 7 days I will be leading the advance party into Caen late evening arrival. Can't wait.........

Like this ?   

I met a guy at the ferry terminal coming home a couple of years ago, and the Pikeys had swept up the lot - tent with all its contents and including his passport !

He was trying to hitch a ticket with no money and he was really struggling to get back.

Don't take chances.

Bryan C.

But what about the Corvette.

Superb value even if I can't afford one - and the performance.
Its about as close as I will get to a road going C6R.

Bryan C.

Visit a garden centre ?

Yep - another Westie ( 2 in fact if I avoid the regular Westie convoy stopping at the Chateux camp site ) travelling down from Nottingham.

This will be year 6, camping off circuit.

I haven't spoken to Europe Autos but can I assume you have some negative vibes about me getting my hands on a C6R under this Challenge scheme ?. ( Probably all booked for the weekend anyhow  ).

Regards

BryanC

My daily paper advertises that by requesting a test drive, you're also taking up the Chevrolet Value Challenge.  (?)

Just wondering if they have a C6R available about 5.00pm on Saturday 17th June for a test. Guys, I meet need some help with a pit crew and support drivers etc.

Living in hope. It might also need a bit of valeting before it goes back.

See you at Arnage corner Friday in my Westie if the Chevvy offer falls through !

Regards

BryanC
( Crossing Monday afternoon - Portsmouth / Caen )

Well I say its a crying shame - don;t forget they had Le Mans heritage and did far better than I thought they would even tho a tool company sponsorsed them ( De Walt )

A mans car - you never saw girly drivers in them, but for me they lost the plot after the Grantura, Vixen and 3500M and of course Grifith 427  - the Cerebera and after was too esoteric, too expensive and had too many better alternatives.

I wish they had stuck to their roots, the fast back 2 seater was always a successful formula - MGBGT for one, and I'm still looking for a successor for the big trip in June.

Finally a TVR story - a guy showing off his new convertible pulled into teh pub car park, Brmmm, Brmmm ( great engine noise ), heads turned, he switched his ignition key off and promptly pulled out the whole barrel. Mmmm - Cool!

Regards

Bryan C

Wolsey 15/50
Morris 8 1936
BSA 3 wheeler 1934
MG TA 1936
Ford Pop
MGTC 1947  - first motoring trip to France in 1970
Morgan 4/4 Series V
VW Beetle 1200, then 1500
Ford Sierra - firms car
MG Montego - firms car
Fiesta S
MGF
Currently - MX5, Fiesta Zetec, Westfield and Yamaha XT125R.

My son's CBR, the strimmer and mower make me a 19 spark plug family
 
What petrol crisis...........! See you at Arnage on Mad Friday in the Westie.

Regards

Bryan C

Was it this ?

http://www.mdh-photography.co.uk/Gallery/le_mans_05.htm

Regards


Bryan C