Just got back from the Nurburgring (took the beemer).

Just got back from a wee trip over to the Nurburgring with three mates. We opted to go for a couple of mid-week tourist days on the advice that it should be quieter than the weekends I had been on before.

We et off with a bad forecast and it was raining when we arrived in Adenau on Thursday for the first session that evening. The ring opened an hour later then the website said so we were down there with loads of time to spare. My mates were all first timers and very nervous and worried. We bought some laps on got on as soon as the initial surge had gone through the barriers. The weather had dried up and by the time we got on the track was dry and it was getting very warm too.

We lined up and went through the barriers. Once we were all together off we went and we were strung out and seperated by the time we went under the bridge. The smell out on track is something else, a real strong burning smell which is quite un-nerving.

One-lap done and we all made it back safely. We all met up again and were bouncing up and down like kids. 5 minutes later and we were back out again for another lap, and back in the carpark before we knew it - times flies so fast. After that the track was closed due to an accident and that was it for the first day...one 30 minute session.

On thursday we went to watch some testing at the Ring, saw some new cars being developed under Ring conditions and went for a ride around the local roads before heading to the track for the afternoon session. Two of my mates decided it looked a bit busier and decided to sit it out so me and Adam went for a first lap while we were waiting for our lunch to arrive. We got back and sat down to eat the burger, and off went the siren and the track was closed again. An English guy had crashed on the last corner on his Fireblade and had to be airlifted to hospital after getting track-side CPR.

The track opened again 90 minutes later and Adam and I went out to use our last laps. We then went and met our mates watching at Brunchen. I had itchy feet and rushed back to the start/finish to buy a couple more laps and rushed out on track to try and get them in before another track closure. I did two laps back to back and then came off into the carpark. No sooner was my helmet off and the siren was off again and that was it for the day.

We all had a great time, the weather was good, the local roads were a lot of fun too and we all made it home in one piece which was the most important thing of all.

Here's a few pics;














And some taken of me and my mate by 'frozenspeed'










More here:
http://gallery.me.com/stoney45/100680

I've been playing it non-stop on PGR4 - what a waste of time!!!! The track is just ssssoooooo different than the game, corners come on you much quicker and the elevation changes are just mind-blowing.

It was my third trip and I cant wait to go again - just fantastic.

Even better was that the ferry, fuel, hotel, food, and laps all came to around £500. Pretty good value really.

The roads are great around there. The b258 is a corker! Have you checked if the Ring is open when you are there? If it is, its an experience not to be missed. Just ride it like a fast road, obey the rules a keep your eyes on yours mirrors and you'll have a good ride and a huge grin!