"Public" and Motorrad training courses on the Nordschleife 2012

The Nurburgring have now released full public traffic dates and times from the end of March through to 1st July, showing all weekday and weekend timings which are available for public traffic to enjoy the 21kms of the Ring. Go to http://www.nuerburgring.de/angebote/fahrerlebnisse/touristenfahrten-nordschleife/oeffnungszeiten-nordschleife.html Hopefully in the following 3-4 weeks the dates for the rest of the season wil be made available, The planning starts here! Once again Motorrad are providing their famous 'Nordschleife Perfection' motorcycle training courses on the Legendary 21 kms of track set in the heart of the Eifel region of Germany. For those of you not familiar with Motorrad they are Europe's largest motorcycle magazine and also provide a large number of touring and training possibilities throughout Europe, and in fact the world, with events as far away as the USA. For 2012 the number of Training courses at the Nordschleife has been reduced to 2 events and these are explained in more detail below. Of course only having the 2 events means that anybody who is seriously interested in attending needs to get their entry in asap to avoid disappointment, as places are very limited for this year. All instruction on both courses will be provided in English. Due to the pressure of events at the Ring for 2012 no hotel accommodation is being offered by Motorrad, meaning all participants are free to make their own arrangements locally, the two large hotel providers at the GP track both already being fully booked for other events. Ring Pure 3-4th May. For riders who are inexperienced on the Nordschleife, or lack the confidence to tackle the track without Instruction. Both days are in the company of a group of riders, (max 8), of similar ability and always under the guidance of an Instructor when on track. Both days will include 2 periods of section training which consists of the track being sectioned into pieces roughly 2-3km long, and one hour spent training on this section before moving to a second section. Following which the training takes the form of full laps for the remainder of each day. Participants may be asked to move to groups more suited to their abilities, quicker or steadier, if they are not comfortable or happy with the group they are in, following discussion with their Instructor. NO accommodation or evening meals can be provided on this course, so you are free to make your own arrangements. Again, this is due to the Dorint and the Lindner hotels being unavailable, but sandwiches etc will be provided at lunchtime. Cost 849 euro Ring Sharp 29/8-1/9 (Due to 3 evening meals provided, arrive on the 29th August, two days lapping 30-31st, leave 1st Sept) For riders who have taken previous training at the track, (highly recommended), or can prove themselves to be of a high level of competence on the Nordschleife and confident to lap the circuit unaided. If a participant is found by the lapping Instructors to not be of the required skill level they will be asked to join an Instructor for a period of supervised lapping. The Ring Sharp is 2 full days on track beginning with a period of refreshment and explanation of the rules and requirements for lapping the track without assistance from your Instructors. The circuit is then free for riders to lap alone and enjoy this unique experience. In the event of wet weather all groups will be reformed and lapping will take place as a group with Instructor. NO Accommodation is provided leaving you free to make your own local arrangements but 3 meals will be provided at the Dorint in the evenings along with sandwiches etc at the track at lunchtimes. Cost 999 euro. Anyone interested can obtain application forms from Neil Leigh who works as one of Motorrad's Instructors -- http://www.aeaventures.com/ All the best, Jim.

Useful site

Can sometimes save lots ..... enter your postcode/location and see which petrol station offers the best price http://whatgas.com/ All the best, Jim.

Riders with remarkable powers of recovery

This "Rode Safely" video from 1955 shows a time somewhat different from current reality - however, interesting to notice how some things remain unaltered with the passage of time. The riders featured in the staged accidents show almost superhuman powers of invulnerability, if only we all did! All the best, Jim.

British Nurburgring?

Something positive to get our teeth into? -- http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/19328 -- All the best, Jim.