We set off for the Green Hell

Wednesday

I worked a half day so we could pick up the rental car (BMW 118d) and headed off to Kaufering to pick up all the camping gear. We packed full, bought groceries and hit the road (a bit later than scheduled). There was an unbelievable sense of freedom driving on the autobahn. Not so much because of unrestricted speed limits in some areas, but the visual scenery that one cannot get by simply sitting on the train. I experienced some of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen in Germany, driving into the horizon. It has left a great impression in my mind of the German country side and only strengthens the appreciation and beauty this country has to offer. By the way, the 118d is restricted to 220km/h, but it was still a great drive.

We arrived at the Nürburgring around 1am. The first two camping grounds, Brünnchen and Planzgarten, were completely full. Imagine Woodstock with a lot of tents, scaffolding, campers, bond fires, a lot of loud music, small fireworks and people wandering about this is after midnight btw. We end up at Schwalbenschwanz which was just as festive, but they had some open spots. We searched around for a while until we finally found a small plot. We ask three gentlemen nearby if it’s available. Jokingly they asked, “Are you guys going to be loud?” We said no and they welcomed us to park. Welcome is an understatement. As soon as we got out of the car, they handed each of us a beer, and then proceeded to help us setup camp. We talked and joked around with them until 4am. This was not your stereotypical camping. This was a festival.

In the realm of fanatics and sports enthusiasts, one can imagine riots by both angry and celebratory fans. This was something else. The atmosphere was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Here were thousands of people, united under a common interest regardless of who won or lost. While everyone had their brand loyalties, this was a festival to celebrate the love of Motorsport. We met so many people out of random, and the dispensing/offer of beer was more common than a handshake.