I recently took a little European road trip, hopping aboard the Eurotunnel and heading all the way to The Netherlands just in time for the Valkenswaard Motocross Grand Prix.
It was a long drive, and after checking into my hotel in Eindhoven and getting a good night’s sleep, it was time to rise for the day. I wandered into town bleary-eyed and not quite ready for the emotional separation from my bed, but after stumbling into Bagels and Beans, a charming little coffee shop serving the most incredible freshly baked bagels, the separation got a whole lot easier. Sadly, I was running late, and with Valkenswaard MX GP races due to start soon, I took it to go (bacon, avocado and cream cheese, served with the dreamiest of dark hot chocolates if you were wondering!)
Fifteen minutes later and I was at the track!
After picking up my pass and heading through the gates, I wandered through the crowds to scope out the best place to watch before settling at the top of the hill, ready for the races.
Bikes flew past
And distractions happened
But despite my advances, this dog had no interest in becoming my best friend, so eventually I resigned myself to watching the riders do their thang.
Next thing I knew the hours had flown by, and it was time for lunch. I tore myself away from my comfy spot, packed up my chairs and wandered down to the grounds in search of the array of lunch vans to choose lunch from…
Only there wasn’t any.
There were literally just the same branded vans serving French fries and Bratwurst. This left me totally heartbroken, not only because I was looking forward to devouring something warm after sitting in the cold for hours, but because I hadn’t bought any food with me, was hungry and verging on the edge of hangry, and due to my digestive system hating them… I can’t eat Bratwurst. (sob sob).
It was a good job I had that bagel for brekkie because it was literally the only thing I had to eat the entire 9 hours or so that I was there (cue the violins and sad music over a missed meal).
But it was time for the next set of races.
I made my way back to my previous spot, but it appears everyone had the same plan. Because there were tall people everywhere (which, for someone who is a mere 5ft4, is a mild inconvenience!) but eventually a gap opened up and so my chair and I shimmied on in there.
As the races re-started the fans gathered, eagerly awaiting their favourites to fly past them. Chainsaw engines whirred, engines revved, dirt flung and smiles spread across spectator’s faces. Motocross may be a high-paced death sport but it’s one that is so easy to become absorbed in and each time I leave I want to run to the nearest shop and buy myself a bike. (Don’t worry mum, I won’t!)
The entire weekend was enjoyed in a completely unexpected way. I was a little hesitant to go at first, as whilst I had gone on day trips for Motocross before, I’d never committed myself to a four-day trip in case I didn’t enjoy it. But I can honestly say that I did (especially on the second day because I took a packed lunch so had some sweet sweet snacks to occupy me!) Don’t get me wrong, there are vast improvements to be made *cough* more food options *cough* but on the whole, it was pretty damn fun!
Valkenswaard MX GP was a two-day event with ticket prices around €70 each.
