Le Mans 2014 - June 14th -15th

Early warning: Announced that will be held on weekend of June 14/15 and will not clash with an F1 race. So who's interested?

Always interested Mike.

Been doing a bit of digging for replacement to Le Bounty. Not going well so far !

Hotels : not a hope ! Been checking all the sites and everything booked.

Gites : Nothing local at all that I can find.

Camping :

Found these : http://www.motorsport-tours.com/ similar prices to Le Bounty but don't appear to open till the Thursday. Also near the airport so could be very noisy ! Talk of a transfer to the main gate but no times given (ie; early hours ?)

Speedchills ( http://www.speedchills.com/le-mans-24-hours/private-camping ) is another one. I used them in 2007. Downside is they are in the middle of a public camp site which is very noisy to say the least. Also looks expensive when you start to add it up. Lots of walking to get anywhere or risk taking the car out through the idiots around that area. No thanks !

Airtrack ( http://www.thomascooksport.com/Motorsports/Le-Mans ) have a good name but are very expensive I believe. No prices shown at present. Also within the circuit so may have to run the idiots again to get in / out.

To be quiet honest for all it's faults this year I still think Le Bounty may take some beating. It's far enough out to get away from the problems but has the shuttles when you need to be there.

Feel free to see if you can find any other alternates Mike and we can see how it goes.

Have been looking around as well and agree, Le Bounty still looks the best bet despite the problems you had this year.

Cerberowner wrote:

Have been looking around as well and agree, Le Bounty still looks the best bet despite the problems you had this year.

Just got to convince the others now then !  

It appears that are complains regarding the food queues this year HAVE been taken serious. This has just been posted on their Facebook page by John.

For some reason this years 24 Hour event had some problems with queueing for food, breakfast seemed to be the main one. We have hoped that serving food over 2 hours+ guys would stagger themselves, but the British love to queue lol.
It has to be understood it is impossible to serve 120+ guys all at the same time so next year we are looking at coloured wristbands that will have to be worn at meal times and these will be issued when booking in at the venue. The colours will represent sittings,1 colour will be = to about 15 guys.
When the colour group is called out on the PA system all the food needed to serve that group will be in the warmers and the kitchen will then be preparing food for the next coloured group.
We are always looking to improve as we want everyone to enjoy their stay with us.....we do care. We can only do this if guys talk to us while at the venue about any issues that have, we can then try to do something about it.
John

With this in place I'm now even more inclined to make a return visit again. Always better to stick with what you know than take a 'leap of faith' into something new.

What's your thoughts ?

At least they are trying! still got the bus issue! over crowding ! and the noisy bunch of cock from euro sport!

Agree, at least they've quickly realised there was a problem and are looking to resolve it for next year. A bit more of an apology in John's posting might have been appropriate though - seems it was all your fault!

Don't see there being an issue with Eurosport anymore as I don't think they will be welcome again. Also heard a few of them moaning about various things that didn't suit the snobby twats.  

As we discussed on the boat home, I think Steve is more aware of the issues as he was front of house a lot of the time whilst John was in the kitchen. The delays on the breakfast were bloody terrible but at least they are now discussing it and have a plan in mind to resolve it. I think it's time to give them some space to further plan for 2014 and then speak with them nearer the time of booking.

I'm happy to look at other options if anyone can come up with something. I spent nearly 2 hours searching last night and as my post above was left with camping on the circuit or being upto an hour away to find hotels or gites, neither of which appeal to me.

Surely it goes without saying that it was Paul's fault Mike ! It usually is !!!!  

Ian V wrote:

Surely it goes without saying that it was Paul's fault Mike ! It usually is !!!!  

Absolutely, let's leave him behind next time  

Thanks for looking around for alternatives Ian. Have done the same and come to the same conclusion that le bounty is still probably the best bet.

Cerberowner wrote:

Absolutely, let's leave him behind next time  

Now there's a thought !

Been a lot of 'to and fro' on the Facebook thread, and some sensible suggestions put forward so hopefully things will be back to normal for next year.

Spoken with John via private message and put forward a couple of other thoughts  / improvements.

Our Mr King has certainly got to John with some of his comments !!!! I think we now let the dust settle and talk with John and Steve later this year see what the crack is for next year.

Right, just to bring this back up to date.

I understand that prices for Le Bounty will be increasing by 10% in January, so need to get on top of this. Both myself and Mike have said we are heading to Le Mans and Le Bounty again next June, who else wants to join in the fun !

So that's myself and Mike sorted for camping for 2014. Deposit paid for Le Bounty again.

Anyone else going to join us ?

Over night stop in Dover on the Tuesday booked ! £29 for a twin room - result.

Just a nice early ferry on the Wed morning to book. Looks like this year we will be doing the 'old' road to Le Mans.   

Well after a bit of a panic last night (DFDS 7.30am ferry on the Wed already fully booked !), and a discussion with Mike, ferries now booked. Phew !

P & O out at 7.35am Wed 11th - DFDS back at 15.30 Mon 16th.

Right that's everything sorted. Is it time to go yet ?

Well 5 weeks today I suspect myself and Mike will be sampling the London Pride at Le Bounty.  

5 WEEKS TO GO

Well another Le Man's trip is over.

Race was a little dull, the weather was scorchio and the beer was cold ! Suppose I'd better get the car unpacked now I'm up.

Thanks to Mike for your company. Coming soon.....Le Man's 2015. !

and guess who had to much beer on Friday evening?

Thanks again for organising Ian; same weather next year please.

Cerberowner wrote:

and guess who had to much beer on Friday evening?

Thanks again for organising Ian; same weather next year please.

I think that will be all of us Mike. I blame those new guys !