NL18 - Assen Weekend Away (PD)

It will be two years since the last trip we did as the Devall Boys.  Last time we had a trip to Brno to see the Czech MotoGP and to stay with friends near the circuit.

The 2018 trip will be shorter and will be a weekend across to the Netherlands for the MotoGP and the Dutch TT at Assen. About 260 miles each way.  Easily do-able on the Rocket.  I don't know what my brother will have by then. His Sprint is getting on for 4+ years old already and he must be lusting after a new one.

I have booked a hotel in Groningen. It is called the "Hotel de Doelen".  It is also 3* and right in the city centre.

It's as near as possible to the circuit given the massive numbers that will go.  I did look at one and put a hold on it temporarily but it was in the middle of nowhere. Not easy to get food and drink in the evenings.

It's still 8 months away but it is one of the most popular meetings in the calendar. Not much wriggle room now as there are so few hotels and B&B's available.  

Next action is buying a grandstand ticket and dig out the mini Union Flags to wave for our lads in leather on the track.

The last time I went was with Claire on the GS, and that was 2010!  It doesn't seem that long ago.

More to follow........

Update 2/11/2017

In the fast moving world of hotels releasing their reservations for the future,  Neill saw a cheaper and more central hotel had appeared online this morning.  I went on and as there were too many people looking, probably doing the same as me, I booked it.  For the time being (!!) we are booked into the Simplon Jongerenhotel. How long for?  Only time and more hotels coming online will see!

Update 3/11/2017

The fast moving world of trip planning! Neill suggested so that we could get into the circuit on Saturday for practice and qualifying that we should go across and stop along the route. He then booked somewhere.  It's not cheap, but it seems that even outside school holidays that a hotel in Belgium should be priced somewhere about the same as a Michelin Starred meal for ten. So we have a night at In 't Boldershof

Update 16/11/2017

Today we have sent off the ticket order form. It came in a PDF with formatting and "send" button. It didn't work.  But it is sorted now. Sent!