North West 200 2011

210

The race date has now been confirmed for may 21st 2011. If you have never been to this event before it really has to be seen to be appreciated.

more details at;

http://www.northwest200.org/default.aspx

650Ginge

Road racing should be banned. Too many deaths.

hrcbob

650Ginge wrote: »

Road racing should be banned. Too many deaths.

Now now.. Its a fab sport for anyone involved and spectators alike,, Ok its had a bad run of loosing its stars over the years but not one road racer doesnt know what he/she has signed up to know the risks all too well.
Anyway im sure this debate has gone on elsewhere so im not gettin into it here,.

As was said, the northwest is a savage event and highly recommended..

KamiKazi

650Ginge wrote: »

Road racing should be banned. Too many deaths.

Fvck off.

P.C.

KamiKazi wrote: »

Fvck off.

Carefull now.

bladespin

One of the best races in the world, it's easy to see from certain posts above who's been there and who hasn't.

P.C.

650Ginge wrote: »

Road racing should be banned. Too many deaths.

I wish you would start your own thread instead of trying to ruin this one, then we can all voice our opinions, and dissagree with you.

bladespin

650Ginge wrote: »

Road racing should be banned. Too many deaths.

How many?

KamiKazi

P.C. wrote: »

Carefull now.

Down with that sort of thing.

Ratchet

great race......in my calendar now....

Bigus

Any body got any advice for a Day trip to this,
Where to head for ?
What time to leave Dublin
What Day to go
Where to head for
Where to park etc keeping in mind getting back out
Grandstands yes or no ?
Would be Going by Car but prob bring bicycles to to aid access and getting away early

Thanks in advance

goldie fish

Bigus wrote: »

Any body got any advice for a Day trip to this,
Where to head for ?
What time to leave Dublin
What Day to go
Where to head for
Where to park etc keeping in mind getting back out
Grandstands yes or no ?
Would be Going by Car but prob bring bicycles to to aid access and getting away early

Thanks in advance

You can stay anywhere from Derry to the antrim coast and still get there in time for racing. Probably not a hope of getting any accomodation in Portrush or portstewart, and I wouldn't bother with Coleraine, personally. Its hard going for a day trip. Traffic gets mental on the day.

You can get into the start/finish/paddocks area before the races start, but you will have to stay till all the racing has finished. The bonus is there are plenty of places to watch, and all the "amenities" are convenient. You'd have enough time between races to move about, but the coast area is where there is more to see. You can pay a few quid to be a spanners length away from the teams mechanics.
Mathers Cross used to be a great spot to watch, with the bonus of being able to escape before the rush if you know the back roads. However they changed the layout since Robbie's tragic accident, and it isn't as fast as it was. I heard there's a roundabout at the cross now, with a chicaine? They used to go through the bend after the straight at full tilt, the challenge was to try and tell the Honda RC45 from the Ducatis.....
Ballysally roundabout is a good spot too.

Buy a program on the way into coleraine. If you are in a car, locals will be happy to let you park on their lawn for a few euro, but of course you won't be let back on the main road until after the races finish. Roads close a few hours before racing begins. If you are late, you'll have to see it all from the magic roundabout(unless you navigate your way to the coast road.. not for the faint hearted.

There is one main day of racing, practice happens earlier in the week. If you have the time, it is nice to go up the day before race day, just to get the atmosphere in Portrush.

Best advice is Get into Portrush Early, park in the many designated car parks, and follow the crowd.
It's just that bit more special if you go by motorbike though, and drive the course with all the other bikers after....


The only firm advice I will give is this though. Obey the speed limits on the way home. The PSNI are there in force, (are quite entertaining, as they use their speed guns during the race on passing bikes) and clampdown on speed on all routes out after. Don't think because you pass one you are in the clear. They don't do things up there like they do it down here.
And they will catch you...

http://www.northwest200.org/circuit-map.aspx

Oh, and bring sunblock.

Wheelie King

Used to love the Northwest. Strap on a tent and head up to the campsite with the lads for a weekend of drinking and watching bikes go fast, it does'nt get much better than that tbh. But these last few years i've found the campsite experience to be a disaster, overpriced, no bikes allowed on the site anymore, boy racers everywhere playing **** rave music from their cages, no campsite fires allowed etc...it's been terrible. I think i'll be going up and returning on the same day this year as i don't want to miss the racing.

AgileMyth

Haven't been up to it in three years and I'm not going to be able to make it up this year either. Shocking really when its so close to me!

Next year...

goldie fish

Wheelie King wrote: »

Used to love the Northwest. Strap on a tent and head up to the campsite with the lads for a weekend of drinking and watching bikes go fast, it does'nt get much better than that tbh. But these last few years i've found the campsite experience to be a disaster, overpriced, no bikes allowed on the site anymore, boy racers everywhere playing **** rave music from their cages, no campsite fires allowed etc...it's been terrible. I think i'll be going up and returning on the same day this year as i don't want to miss the racing.

North of the magic roundabout should be a cage free zone.(PSNI excluded)


If I had my way etc..

pieface_ie

Road racing should be banned. Too many deaths.

This is a typical stupid comment.

I raced the Irish roads for a few years before been seriously injured at the Manx GP in 2009, i can no longer race due to injuries, but if i was better tomorrow id be straight back out there.

Everyone that has lost there lives or been seriously injured was out doing what they loved. And as people have mentioned we know the risks.

If you don't like it stay away, every time there is a death the do-good brigade jump on the bandwagon with their usual tripe.

Have respect for people who have lost their lives doing what they loved.

giant_midget

Lads, anyone know if there is bike racing on bbc or utv this week? my mother was up the north last weekend and she reckons it should be on tv this week but i can't find it on the listings?