How soon should we enter?
If you're thinking of entering, move fast to be sure to avoid disappointment. Some of our LBL hotels told us in 2008 that they could only give us a maximum of 60 rooms: we managed to get 68 rooms in the end (for 54 entries and support crews) but couldn't have taken any more entries! For Micro Marathon, hotel accommodation especially at Carcassonne is extremely tight.
What is the route for LBL?
The route runs from Liege down through Germany, across Austria to northern Italy, where it turns east through the Dolomites into Slovenia. From Ljubljana, it heads back west into the Dolomites again and on to the Stelvio Pass, then down the Gavia Pass to Brescia. From Brescia it heads north again, up the Gavia, down the Stelvio, back across Austria and Germany to return to Liege.
What accommodation is provided?
All accommodation (11 nights) will be in twin or double rooms at hotels of at least three stars (some 5 star) and all meals will be provided, including lunches.
If we can find one or two other people with the same cars, or some others have already entered, can we enter a team?
Yes! there will certainly be a Marque Team Trophy, as on the original event (when it was won by the Zundapps!). In 2008 the winning team was the Messerschmitt Tigers, closely followed by the Vespa 400s and Zundapps. Team entry costs just 60 euros, that's 20 euros per car.
How do we follow the route?
The route will be given out as a list of place names (plus more detailed info for getting in and out of cities) so that you can plot your route on the maps and then follow it - points will be awarded for following the full, correct, route!
Included on LBL are visits to places of interest along the route, hopefully including the BMW Museum at Munich, Boxenstop Museum at Tubingen, Museo Gino Tonutti near Udine, the Mille Miglia Museum at Brescia, Automuseum Engstingen and the fabulous Schloss Lichtenstein - and optional special tests on kart circuits close to the route.
How tight is the timing on the rally?
There is no strict timing schedule as the event is being run as a tour, not a regularity rally. However, to enable us to keep track of everyone and send out search parties if any do go missing, we will require everyone to clock out during a one-hour window each morning, and to clock in during a similar window in the evening. Each day's route will be approx 200 miles and there will be around 10 hours between the start and finish 'hours'.
Is the rally competitive or not? How can we win?
It may be a tour, but there is still plenty of competition.
First, you must keep your car in good shape so that it can get through the day without lengthy delays for repairs. Points will be deducted if official assistance is required.
Second, you must transfer the route, which will be provided as on the original rally in the form of a list of place names, onto the maps. Then you must successfully navigate yourselves on the route you've plotted. You will be required to provide evidence at the end of each day to prove you have covered the correct route and missed nothing out (how this will be done will be revealed later!).
Third, there will be three special tests, along the lines of autotests to assess handling, manoeuvrability and performance, on the superb kart circuits at (for LBL) Spa Francorchamps in Belgium and Liedolsheim in Germany - both circuits are over 1km long.
Are there prizes?
Yes, prizes will be awarded in a wide range of classes and categories, for navigation, performance, style and durability.
If we tow our car to the start, what can we do with our towcar and trailer for the duration of the event?
We have secured parking for all towcars and trailers at Liege for the duration of the rally.
Is it compulsory to have a navigator, or can I drive solo? A navigator/co-driver is required, though if you have a son/daughter/niece/nephew etc old enough and responsible enough to hold a map and point you in the right direction, that's fine. The youngest navigator in 2008 was 11, the oldest was 83!
No, part of the challenge is to get the car and two people up the passes! I understand your concern, but remember that microcars were originally designed to carry full loads in all road conditions and were geared accordingly. On the original event there were four 250cc four-stroke Zundapp Januses, with big Germans driving/navigating, and they managed to complete the entire route without problems - and quite a few of the passes then were unsurfaced, so much harder work. In 2008 we had a 197cc Heinkel and a 191cc Messerschmitt that completed the whole route two-up.
Unlike the original event, we're not running against the clock so there should be time to stop, enjoy the view and let the engine cool down if it gets a bit hot. We will provide a baggage van to transport your clothes/overnight bag during the event, so all you need to have in your car are two people, tools and spares. Deciding what tools and spares to take - minimising weight while covering as many possible failures as you can - is another part of the challenge!
All participants must take out European Breakdown Recovery Cover just in case. We will have mechanical back-up with a trailer to help repair breakdowns and to transport any that cannot be repaired on the spot either to the finish of the day or to the nearest garage where repairs can be effected. The nature of the route, which passes through the same area in north Italy three times, means that it is feasible to miss a couple of days and rejoin the rally when it comes back the same way. It is of course in the entrant's interest to make sure their car is in perfect running order and to drive in such a way as to avoid undue strain, while maintaining good progress. All part of the skill and the challenge of successful rallying!
