Hey lads, me and the old fella were thinking of going to Assen this year. We've never been to a GP race abroad before and so we're a bit clueless as the best way to go about it. Ideally we'd like a package deal but some of these sites look a bit iffy. So suggestions would be welcome. We know it's not going to be cheap.. (won't be taking the bikes btw)
Get on a boat/plane/chunnel and get your arse to Groningen, book a hotel. This is your base. Groningen is nice. Get the train each day to Assen and walk to the track from there. You will not need directions. And remember the race is on Saturday... It really is that simple.
To begin with you need a reliable ticket supplier. You have a choice, Dorna, the circuit or a good independent. I have used GPTicketshop.com since 2006 and have found their web site informative and the people helpful. Find a hotel near links to the track and book through the internet direct with the hotel or one of the major internet booking sites like Booking.com. Assen you could get to through Eurotunnel if you want to drive or by air if not and again is all bookable on line. It really is very easy to do your own package. I would also suggest you look at other European rounds as I know from experience Barcelona for instance is easy to get to, flights are cheap, there is a train direct from the town centre(ish) to Montmelo and there is a variety of accommodation to suit most budgets. I am biased but I think Barcelona is a great place and the Catalan's really do MotoGP. If you do fancy Barcelona I can give you all the information you need. Andy
I'll never set foot in Barcelona again as long as I live. Out of a party of eleven, nine had their pockets picked, and one got properly mugged. But that's a different story. Assen. First time I went we booked through MCi tours, and I'll happily recommend them, but it ain't cheap - £499 this year. You get grandstand seat and coach transfer to the track, but you really don't need either, you can do it for half the price yourself. The one good thing about tour companies is it gets you out there to see what it's all about, then the next time you can do your own thing.
Holland's a much different prospect of course, such nice people. I found myself in Hoogeveen on a Sunday morning with no cash at all, and couldn't find a cashpoint. A complete stranger came up, I explained my plight and he said I wouldn't find a working cash machine in town. He took some paper and a pen out of his coat, wrote his name and address down, gave it to me, then handed me 50 euros and asked me to pay it back the next day!
Assen is great,Holland is great and the Dutch are great.Dont forget Amsterdam on the way home.Although you may not remember Amsterdam at all.
Cheers for the suggestions. All booked now, hotel and flight through Expedia, tickets off of the motogp site. We can worry about getting about when we're there i guess. Can't wait
If you stay in Groningen you must try the Three Sisters (Drie Gezusters) pub. Apparently it's the biggest pub in Europe with something like 17 different bars. You don't have to try every bar - I did that for youead:
