Nurburg Ring from a bikers perspective - Do's and Don'ts - The Circuit Layout and Circuit Danger Points

DO's

Remember that this is a public highway and normal road rules apply. You may come round a bend and find a slow moving coach. In the event on an accident, German national road regulations are applied.

Check you mirrors on every straight to know what is approaching. When cornering you will not see the vehicle behind. Calculate when the vehicle will be up your rear and then signal to show your desire to be passed. The official passing side is left.

Take regular breaks and do not dehydrate. Dehydration causes headaches or lack of concentration. The ring is 13+ miles and one lap can cause severe mental strain. One lapse of concentration or mirror useage in a bend can be fatal.

Do put your headlamp "ON" at all times. It may save your life by allowing the vehicle in front to anticipate your overtake. (if only the car drivers would do this too.....)

Check vehicles for leaks. Riders crash regularly on this circuit.

Remember there is precious little "run-off", no gravel traps at all, and Armco his hard.

DONT's

Don't go crazy or even 6/10ths on your first lap. This roadway thru the forests is not an FIM racetrack and is designed to be as challenging as possible. A good rider will need 50 to 100 laps to learn the circuit adequately.

Don't expect much grip in the wet: it is not like a modern race-track surface. There are bumps as well.

Don't explore the limits of your vehicle here. Save it for the safer modern tracks of highway.

Don't overtake on the right (???) Indicate left to show you want to pass the vehicle in front and wait for the other vehicle to indicate right to allow you to pass. Remember, cars may not slow down for a slow rider.

Don't carry a pillion passenger until you have learned the circuit. Then allow extra safety margins

Never stop on the track. If you must stop, pull well onto the grass away from the usual crash zones. To warn traffic, place yoursef behind armco and walk further back than you think since waving too close to a crash scene will cause distraction. Give the slow down signal waving both arms up and down.

The Nurburg Ring Nordschleife Circuit

Nordschleife Circuit Hazard Points (for "hazard" read "regular cock-up")