Cheste, Valencia Spain - Moto GP Feature

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Cheste - Moto GP

Cheste town is situated just 26km from Valencia, and hosts the Valencian Community Moto GP race every year, around about late October / November.  For a town of just 7,500 peeps, it's a pretty tranquil place, most of the time, but when you have a big motor racing circuit just at the edge of town, you know it's also got a fair chance of being noisy as hell at times too. The Ricardo Tormo Circuit (named after one of Valencia's most famous motorcycle legends) also holds Formula 1 testing (usually every December and/or January) as well at Formula Renault (a bit like the old formula 3000) the World Superbikes (another bike championship) and the World Touring Cars Championship (they used to show a lot of this on BBC).

This year's frivolities begin on the 6^th of November, through to race day, on Sunday the 8^th. Whether you are a motor sport fan or not, if you're into parties & people, it's without a doubt, well worth the effort of heading up to.

For the unbelievers (shame on you - it's sooo much more exciting than Formula 1!), the Moto GP is the pinnacle of motorcycle racing, where your heroes are messers Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and our very own James Toseland. We all remember the greats such as Barry Sheene, Randy Mamola and Mick Doohan (what? Who they? Oh never mind). Anyway, this is  F1 on 2 wheels. Slick, fast, dangerous, and great fun. And just to see the troops of bikers arriving in Cheste for the weekend is a spectacle in itself.

So, fan or not? Well, is doesn't really matter. This is one mad fiesta, probably not for the kids though. It's drink fuelled, loud, brash, but overall, just a big fun weekend. Bikes are a side issue. Everyone goes simply to have fun. You don't have to go the races, as most of the fun happens right in town, from the Friday night, right through until Sunday evening, when things start to wind down.

Personally, if you haven't been to a motorbike race before, and you're living handy to Valencia, I really would suggest forking out the moolah, just to get a bit of the atmosphere. Prices start at a pretty reasonable €35 for a 'mountain pass'. Hmm, well, that basically lets you onto the hill that overlooks the circuit, where you can sit on you bum and watch the proceedings. Not the most comfortable, but bring your cool box and you can have a picnic, with a beer and get 3 days of racing for less than the price for a night out. Much better is to buy one of the cheaper seat tickets, which start at €70 rising to €200 for one by the pits. Funnily, enough, that's the price we paid 4 years ago, when we first went to see the Moto GP, so it hasn't gone up in price at all. Fair dues. Worried about buying a cheap seat? Don't be, this circuit is fantastic - it's situated down in a bowl, almost like an amphitheatre, and you can see at least 80% of the circuit from any seat, so you really do get to see the whole race.

Fantastic. Plus there's geezers floating around all day with these great beer backpacks, selling away like nobodys business. A fairly intelligent idea, yes, you may be able to buy beer, but it's no alcohol beer - let's face it, thousands of bikers heading home after watching the race, with too much beer inside them = recipe for disaster! Smart move chaps.

The circuit has a capacity of 120,000 peeps - I think it's about 60-70000 seating, with the rest up on the mountain behind. I'd say the majority head to Cheste for the fiestas too. If you've been to Bunol for La Tomatina, here's a gauge. They reckon 35,000+ people go to Bunol, treble that, and you get the picture for Cheste. In fact, some of the bars probably make more money in the Moto GP weekend than they do the rest of the year!!

So, fancy the racing as well? Go for it, you'll have a blast watching it, at probably the most spectator friendly circuit on the calendar.

But, what's in it for the non bike racing fans? Well, this is just one great big fiesta weekend. You don't need to love you bikes to fit in in Cheste.  We have been along 3 times for the Moto GP weekend, and although it's calmed down these past couple of years, it's still great fun. Lot's of beer tents in the streets, lots of food stalls, loud music everywhere, bikers showing off their somewhat dubious riding skills (although this is being knocked on the head quite a bit these past couple of years), I've even seen a guy walking around with a mini moto (you've probably seen one of these little minature motorbikes, that have a real engine - makes you look like a big elephant on a bicycle) on his shoulder, revving it away to the music! Or, the guy who had a shopping trolley with a motorbike engine with a big fat exhaust just pushing it around town, revving away. Yes, some people are just mad. Oh yeah, then there these 2 guys that had bought a motorbike of ebay, just so they could bring it to Cheste to set it on fire. Haaa, god we really did have such a great time!!

But outside the madness, it's just a great buzz. There really is nothing to be afraid off. There are people from all over the world here to just have a good time, and watch a bit of racing, and the whole things just seems to gel as a really friendly, big street party.

While you're there, if you fancy a big slap up meal, there's a great restaurant just beside the circuit, in fact, you can see it from the A3 as well. It's called La Carreta, and it's a real old fashioned stylie Spanish Hotel/Restaurant, with old leather & wood chairs, and a real rustic feel. I love the place. Not sure what it's like to get into at race weekend, probably bunged, but worth a jaunt, even if it's just for a cold drink.

If you fancy a few drinks and staying the weekend and don't fancy sleeping in the car (been there, done it, worn the tee shirt), there are some hotels around, but they tend to be back in towards Valencia, or around the big Bonnaire shopping centre. There are a few small, privately owned B&B's around you could try out. My personal fave is www.villalaspalmasvalencia.com as they are literally right on the circuit's doorstep. In fact, I just don't think there's anywhere closer. Lovely people, and if you're into your bikes, Mark can hook you up with a dirt biking tour thrown in too! I also know a couple more in and around, if anyone is looking for somewhere, just contact me! (and no, I'm not affiliated to any of them, and don't get a free meal for recommending them!)

Cheste is really simple to get to - If you're from Valencia, just head up the A3 towards Madrid, and you can actually see the circuit from the motorway. If you're over Lliria or the North West of Valencia, you can get there on the CV-50. Check out the circuit website for more directions.

Above all, just get up there and enjoy yourself!!

Cheste circuit website www.circuitvalencia.com

Villa las palmas website  www.villalaspalmasvalencia.com

La carreta restaurant website www.hotel-lacarreta.com

This article was contributed to BRICHAT & Guide2Valencia by Lang Hunter.
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See EVENTS section: Spanish Motorcycle Speed Racing Championship in Cheste 6th November

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