Pitts2112

Hi!

A few mates and I are heading to Reno for our first time on Tuesday. Anyone here been and have any advice on how to do it and what to miss, what not to miss (aside from the obvious)?

Cheers,
Pitts2112

javelin

Oh - Yessss !


Don't go each day, I would suggest Thursday, Friday, Sunday - take a day out to see the other bits, go to Virginia City http://www.virginiacity-nv.org/ or Minden - gliding, or Pyramid Lake or somewhere to take in the sights of Nevada (apart from fanny and gambling).

Now, the races - get the pit pas, wander down to the far hangars and meet the redneck racing brigade who are the salt of the earth, are in it to win it and are great.

Watch out for passing traffic, espescially on Friday because Fallon is just down the road and you get the occasional F15/6/8 doing the course because they can.

Bleachers - get as close to Section 4 ( We're not worthy ) as possible because they are barking mad, you get the best view of the hooties and they are super nice folks.

When the last race is finished - don't hurry.

Go grab a margarita and slip into the executive box area. There you will find a few northern roughies with some colonials from Maryland - ask for Pete or Lil.

This is where the action is because when the show has finished all sorts of informal things happen - this is when the first jet race took place, this is where all the good tackle flies by.

Other than that, check out the Basque restaurant down town - no menu, a few tables and great food and company. Sunday night go to the Mexican - Mi Casa Too, 2205 West Fourth St Reno - Sublime.

Don't get your tickets on th line - go to Scolari's en route, it is the exit before or on Lemon Valley. They sponsor the do and offer cheaper tickets. Also, get the parking on the west side where the boy scout parking is. They appreciate the business.

It is the best event in the calendar - it won't last, go now and enjoy

treadigraph

Agree with what Javelin says, get the pit pass, it's well worth a nosey around.

Don't take ear defenders. Trust me, the unlimited song at speed is... wonderful.

Lake Tahoe is beautiful if you want a break...

Wish I was going again... next year...

petes1s

Pitts2112

I've been to Reno a couple of times.
My reccomendations are:
1. Pit pass is a definite, also crawl over the Pittses as well as the warbirds
2. on the Saturday night hang around even after the flying finishes. There is a hangar party (in the F1 hangar) where you can mingle freely with all the sky gods on the Queue for burgers. e.g. in '93 I chatted to Steve Wittman about his exploits, and my Wittman Tailwind. they do daft speeches/prozes etc too and it is very friendly.
3. Name your first-born child Reno (first visit I made there was my honeymoon after all)

PeteS1S

Pitts2112

Thanks for the tips, guys.

Ear defenders??!! I wouldn't dream of it! I'm paying a lot of money to hear the full roar of those engines!!!
Pitts2112

Life'sShort-FlyFast

I am envious and will make the trip, hopefully next year. I agree with the sentiment that this will not continue for ever.

treadigraph

Not long ago I startled the hell out of my colleagues by "accidently" playing a clip of Miss America going past at full bore... with the volume turned up...

Aeronut

Anyone heading to Reno this year? Just bought my tickets. Anyone recommend accommodation - eg Casino or other?

Rob Howarth

Hi Guys,

I've done Reno quite a few times. It is a fantastic event, you'll never get to see anything else like it outside of Nevada!!

All four days is a bit much. Personally Fri, Sat and the 'no miss' Sunday finals day is plenty.

Best place to stay, I feel is Grand Sierra Resort, formally Reno Hilton. They sponsor the event to some degree and most of the crews stay there over the race period. GSR has just been re-vamped, it is very nice.

For a day out Lake Tahoe, a real gem of a place.

Downtown Reno has plenty of things going on, all sorts of establishments!!!!

I believe that Dago Red has been retired now which is a real shame, however once you've heard Rare Bear you'll been drawn back year after year!

I'll be there this year for sure.

Have fun. Fly Low, Turn Left!

Rob H

Aeronut

Rob, thanks for your valued input.

Did you use the shuttle form downtown to the event or did you rent a car? Just curios whether I can get away without a car for 3 days?
Cheers

Aeronut

SNS3Guppy

I used to live there. I still haven't been to the races. One of these years...

smarthawke

Aeronut

We stayed at the Eldorado (story in itself...) and the shuttle bus went from right outside the door. Getting up to the races was fine (buses didn't run on the first day though) but getting back again was a problem. We weren't the only ones left stranded by missing the last bus back into town and left looking for a taxi.

The last bus went within minutes of the end of the last race so if you want to stay on and soak up the atmosphere or they are running even a few minutes late then you're scuppered.

Price it all up - it'll be a close run thing between car hire and shuttle bus/taxi. I think if I did it again I'd take the flexibility of the car hire option.

Rob Howarth

Aeronut,

Without doubt get a car. I assume you'll be flying from the UK, so San Fransisco is the nearest major. Don't take the internal flight to Reno/Tahoe airport. Rent a car at San Fran airport (Hertz are very good) and drive to Reno. It is a 4 1/2hour drive, however the scenery is fantastic as you climb up the Sierra's. Stop off in Sacramento for a night if you want to break it up and see the old 'Gold' days town. Another place which for me is a must is Lake Tahoe. It is a stunning place to see.

You then have good reason for the car at the races. Means you can come and go as you please.

Cheers

Diddley Dee

1. Pit Passes a must
2. Take some time to go over to the far side of the track (speed valley I think its called) & see them all flat out & V low.
3. Hire an ac (from the main Reno Airfield) & go flying.

DD

Ken Wells

Javelin Not a god idea to asked for this in the USA, as you will be directed to a PINK DOLLAR establishment' unless ofcourse that is your bent?

EastMids

Valley of Speed... Its off of Red Rock Canyon Road, which is at least one maybe two exits north past Stead Bvd. Drive a few miles (2-3) east and then look for lots of campers and folks on the right off in the dirt. Its an unofficial viewing area and I'd never recommend it over going onto the field, but for some variation on going inside for several days its well worth it. Only thing is, the racers use three circuits and only the Unlimited and Sport category races really work at VOS - the others are too close in to make the viewing there worthwhile.

The hotel buses do the media photographer shuttles around the race course during the day, so they arrive before the first race and leave after the last race. If you need any more flexibility than that, rent a car - the recommendation on renting in SFO and driving is a good one IMHO. Most well known hotel brands are booked for the races, so book early and don't leave it to chance of just showing up if you want a choice of establishments in which to stay.

Pictures can never convey the excitement and the noise, but if you're curious some of my pics from last year's races (the best are not necessarily on the first page) are at:

http://www.airteamimages.com/search....d=37&t2_id=338

I'm going back again in 2008 - see you there!!!

Andy