I've been looking around t'internet at various companies offering packages to Moto GP this year and the Sachsenring fits the dates available for my "bike trip pass" for this year. A few companies offer trips and MotoExpress look to have a good package. I'd be looking to ride to the event but take advantage of the Hotel, track transfers etc for the motoGP, Sachsenring would be good as its not a track we've been to and the idea of getting the track transfer appeals as you can have a beer or two & not have lug your lid and gear around the track which can be a real faff. Has anyone had any experience of MotoExpress or any other companies offering packages good or bad.
I had first-hand experience of a different MotoGP touring company when I went to Valencia the other month. Although we didn't do their full package I did see how they operate: The positives of what I saw: you get to meet other bike racing fans you don't have to think (too much) about where to go, what to do you may get the best viewing, based off the company's experience The negatives: it's very much like an 'all-inclusive' holiday. if you like that kind of thing, great. if you're independently-minded in any way, not so great. the days were LONG. unless you make your own way to/from track you're locked in to their schedule. high cost for what you can do just as well yourself cheaper (sans the fellow race fans) I think it'll depend on how easy/difficult it is to get to the track from the accommodation, and whether you like the no-need-to-think-for-yourself/all-inclusive nature of a tour package. Personally speaking I would never go with one myself being an independent traveller-type and after seeing one in action but can see the appeal if you want to group in with other MotoGP fans and are happy to go with the flow.
Moily, thanks for the info. It pretty much sums up how I was thinking really. My mates and I have been to a few motoGP & World Superbike events over the past years and I've always organised the whole thing so going "independent" is easy enough. My main Interest in some of the organised trips was access to a hotel close to the track which generally get booked up very early so difficult for independent travellers to get rooms in. The idea of not having to ride to the track and back, maybe enjoying a few beers at the track and also not having to lug biking gear around with you for the day also appealed but the downsides as you highlight are perhaps overriding.
Unless you want the 'ride to the GP' etc. to be a big part of the trip and are staying very close to the circuit (or at the circuit) you may as well drive or fly. As you say in bike kit in summer it is a pain. That said I'm thinking of the German MotoGP as I think that has great bike trip potential as Germany has great roads - its just a dam Big Country (queue Scottish rock band from the 80's)
When we did Mugello last year we took the train/bus up on the Saturday so could drink and enjoy the hospitality but rode up on the Sunday as the roads into Mugello meant it gets gridlocked pretty easily. The beauty of Mugello is bikes over 100cc can ride into the complex and park right up next to the main grandstand! Lock the bike gear to the bike with a Pacsafe, and away you go. Worth doing a bit of research on Sachsenring to see what public transport or taxis are like, and whether you can get any hotel within reach. That would drive the decision whether to shell out for a tour package, I reckon. I'd imagine it'd be cheaper doing taxis and your own hotel particularly if there's a few of you?
