Mmm, I’d expect to see one or two BSB/Superstock 1000 riders. We had Josh Brooks in the garage next to us in 2015 with the then new R1M. Andy
I'd rather give up riding than go to Cartegena. Admittedly I've only been to spectate when passing through but the area is a shithole and facilities look crap, not where I want to spend a holiday when Almeria is so close and cheaper.
Personally, I love Cartagena. I've done a lot of the Spanish and French tracks, and it is one of my favourites . Very Technical, and awesome to go fast around. I've done a 1.38 on a Zx10 around there. The local people are really helpful at the track and the little bike shop down the road is extremely helpful and no one takes the piss on prices. The cafe on site is very reasonably priced and good food. I'm struggling to see what people are moaning about, unless they are way above lowering themselves to anything below posh.
The Estoril circuit is grade 1 Formula One with all the infrastructure associated with that status and of course the cost. The area of Estoril is going to touristy and have bars, restaurants and places of interest. Cartagena is not a race circuit despite what the owners would have you believe but they are trying really hard. The circuit is located in a desolate area out of town in sight of the AP7. The nearest touristy area is La Manga although the town of Cartagena has made huge strides over recent years to present its Roman and pre Roman maritime history. For me, Cartagena has Tio Andres, a small and very traditional Spanish tapas bar. The sort of place you don’t ask what the food is because it’s ugly but my, it tastes wonderful. If you are happy to ride and forego the glam and night life, Cartagena delivers in spades but if you want something more to entertain you, Estoril will be the one. Andy
Yes circa 20 of us this year! Watch out! Last year we got separated from everyone Else and different hotel lol....
I'm not in the slightest bit posh, but when I'm spending a few grand on a weekend I'd rather do it somewhere that's actually nice and still a great track.
I've been to cartagena a few times now and I'd go again. It's bendy bit of tarmac which one spanks ones motorbike around... Wouldn't choose it over Jerez or Portimao, but it's a good laff and actually pretty tricky.
I think that sums it up Gary. If you're happy to just go and ride your bike the track is very technical and not easy to go quick around. For me the bike trips are my main holidays so I like to go to the better tracks with good pit garages, 4* hotels and good restaurants. I have been to Cartagena 4 times in the past, mainly for pre season tracktime, but won't bother again.
Don’t get this Laguna Seca, Philip Island etc shit at all. By all means do them but hire a bike when you get there. Shipping your own bike all over the globe? Fuck that!
I always stay the extra night. A few beers and wind down. A leisurely wander to airport next day instead of all the frantic packing and strapping followed by go go go!
Yup - I do 4-5 euro trips a year now, so a quick and dirty mid-winter 3 dayer to Cartagena works for me. However, if I was limited to one trip pa I'd go elsewhere and make a holiday of it. Portimao is perfect for that. If money was tight(er), or flight times didn't workout I'd go to Cartagena without hesitation.
Roger, so Estoril now and then when my life turns on its head financially when I eventually have children, it's Cartagena.
Yup! To answer your original question book Estoril. Don't get me wrong Cartagena still has a lot to offer, it's physically demanding and technically challenging. It's easy to feel heroic at big long sweeping circuits like Jerez, smaller gnarly circuits need different skills.
I recently did Valencia. Fantastic track, superb facilities and a beautiful town to mooch round. I'll definitely be back there when the dates align A few on here weren't too keen on Valencia though. Puffs.
