For good reason, the Nürburgring is known as the "green hell." It's known for its unpredictable weather and impossible-to-predict torrential downpours as the world's largest endurance racetrack.
There are workarounds available. Adapt your driving style, schedule your pit stops, and find a hidden place in the next run to save some tyre wear - but, let's be honest, nothing beats witnessing it for yourself.
The options for racers to experience the biggest and meanest 'ring are infinite, with multiple year-round events on the calendar. And if you have a strong desire to become filthy before a ride, why not make your own? Here are five great places to race your bike in the rain.
1)The Nordschleife
The Nordschleife is a one-of-a-kind course with hundreds of kilometres of undulating pavement and out-of-the-way turns (not to mention some incredible tunnels).
Bike tyres have less traction on tarmac and require substantially less air pressure, so if you can't get the most out of your bike with slicks, you'll still need a bike that can carry you through the tight, twisting bits.
If you're looking for something a little more challenging, there's an event in Hockenheim that requires speeding down the slope with the assistance of snow groomers.
This one is a must-try because it is the ideal race for beginners, with qualifying and free practise sessions held in the dark.
2) Sachsenring
The Sachsenring is close to the Nordschleife, though it is better known for road racing.
As long as you have the legs for it, it's small, winding, and has plenty of room for passing and slipstreaming.
The track is comparable to the Nordschleife, except it has fewer bends and no walls, making it less forgiving and faster.
The off-road parts (especially after the long straight) are ideal for practising cornering skills. Just to get a flavour of this famed circuit, you could spend a whole day racing up and down it.
3) The wetter tracks
The weather is the most difficult obstacle for these trails. The more variable the weather, the more you'll have to change your approach, and it's easy to get discouraged in a race if you know you're not fast enough.
It's critical to have a reliable bike that you can rely on, as well as tyres that can withstand high pressures.
Although the Hell of the North is a little wet, once you've navigated the tough, curvy sections, you can relax and appreciate the hills and hairpins.
4) The Brazilian GP circuit
The primaeval Forest of Imbituba in eastern Brazil, while not as flat as some of the other tracks on this list, provides great conditions for a motocross race.
This race takes place on a segment of woodland road that features incredibly tricky, hairpin bends interspersed with brief, flat stretches.
Because of the mixture of these corners and flat stretches, there's plenty of room for low-level overtaking and quick, yet strategic pit stops.
This is the ideal track for anyone wishing to experience the entire spectrum of motocross' capabilities, with bends like Subzero and the Pergusa turn, which some riders have dubbed the 'ultimate combo.'
5) The gravel tracks
Because a rider can only race for so long in the rain, bike races on gravel tracks are common in the nights and on weekends.
These tracks can be anything from a natural trail through the countryside to a stage of the Tour de France, taking in the highest points of each stage while racing at 15-20km/h through the mud and through tough terrain.
Weather, as well as visibility and the tyres you're running, are all important considerations, as they can make it harder to ride quicker around the turns while also allowing you to inflict more damage to your bike through the mud.
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