2006 US Moto GP

[Van]

So l'm a happy boy, looks like l'll be going down to the US Moto GP on July 23 with the wife to watch Nicky, Vale and the boys!! how cool is that !!!!

only problem is that the wife and l'll be traveling in a mini-van that we toss a foam mattress in and use as a camper.

(yes l know that l should be doing the purist thing and traveling by Tenni but thats a whole 'nother story)

anyway, l checked into camping at the race and all the sites that we can park our little van at are sold out......l pnoned the track and they said we could try the tent only sites, but that it would be up to security to decided on the day if we can park our unit in with the tents or not. l don't want to travel 2 days in a van to find that l cant set up to watch the races and be forced to search for last minute accomodation, which l believe is hard to find and very expensive.

has anyone had experience with Moto GP tours ??....they handle the whole thing, accom. tickets. etc.

or, any other suggestions ???

thanks all

Cheers

Van

[Martin Barrett]

Buy a cheep tent out of wallyworld. It's what I use on the bike.

That way you can pitch your tent, but sleep in the van if you wish.

Obviously I don't know what they'd charge you for the pitch

[Steve G.]

I have alot of experience at Laguna Seca, having been at the last 4 WSB events before Moto GP came in, and taking in Moto GP '05 at Laguna.

First off, I understand the '06 event will have a better traffic control than '05, which was a total frickin' zoo compared to any previous WSB event. The inbound and outbound traffic was indescribable. Even for a bike, [a duel purpose I might add] capable of riding in the ditches, which we did for a couple miles, along side full on street bikes and cars sitting for hours overheating, the organizers [ and the Monteray County police Force] should be mighty embarrased with their ham fisted manner of crowd control. Land of the free my ass, I felt like I was in frickin communist Romania! This isn't Hells Angels we're talking about, it's affluent high spending motorcycle enthuiasts!

Now that I've vented, let me say that an event like this is one to behold, watching the best [or among the best] 25 motorcycle riders on earth. The whole scene at Laguna is great. You will regret not taking in a major race event for years previous. Consider yourself lucky you are going.

We tradationally get tickets on-line, and have them mailed to us, about late May from what I remember. Grandstand location? Well of course it's all personal, but turn 11 has always done us well, right at the start/finish line. They have a jumbotron tv which allows you to see the entire race, for the small section of track you can't see. It's close to the pisser, beer, food, and [important] is on the outside perimeter of the track circuit, so no 4 hr lineup after the race is over.

Early May is a late time to be arranging accomodation for a July event in and around Laguna Seca. Because you are on 4 wheels, you will most likely be shuffled into an eastern valley for parking. From my experience, it is a huge walk. May I suggest looking into the bus transit system the organisers have set up to allow people to bus in [a/c] and bus out to avoid the gridlock that may well be happening. I've read that there will be extensive transit from coastal Monteray and inland Salinas.

Accomodation is another matter. I'm a Salinas guy. I don't like the cold wet fog that rolls into Carmel every evening, or the stupid prices. Salinas is basically the same distance to Laguna Seca as Monteray/Carmel, it's just inland, where it's drier, and much cheaper. It still is an easy ride to Monteray for Friday and Saturday nights Fishermans Row bike extravaganza, a must for Saturday night. We always stay at the Motel 6 South in Salinas, as it's cheaper, has a pool, and is easy walking distance to breakfast and gas. It's probably too late for a hotel in Salinas and Monteray, indeed probably as far north as Watsonville, as far east as Holister, and as far south as Soledad. Camping may be a good option at this point. As for camping at the Laguna Seca grounds, golly, it's party zone central, not really for kids, the showers are a, well, a interesting experience. TAKE SANDLES!!

Not sure if you've travelled down there alot Van. It is quite different than here. Things are in a time warp in the cities, buildings are older and sometimes run down, stuff is dirty every where. I know I'll get feedback from the lads who live there, but it's something that you can't ignore, but realize it's all ok. I find it rather cool, like time stopped! It reminds me of the 60's.

Anyways, it's a great time, and I'll mention more info if you need it.

Ciao, Steve G.

[Guest azccj]

My son and I will be there, but all we could get was general admission tickets. We'll be coming from Phoenix and the race will be our first stop on our trip up to Alaska, travelling on my faithfull Goldwing. Does anyone have any advice for those who will not be in the grandstands. Our plan is to park the bike in town somewhere and take a bus to the event. Any advice would be greatly apreciated.

[Erikw]

Our plan is to park the bike in town somewhere and take a bus to the event. Any advice would be greatly apreciated.

 

I went last year for the first time ever and had a great time. The traffic was really bad, but there was room to scoot by in the ditch -- on an Aprilia Futura no less! Traffic control was inconsistent, so "creative" solutions worked pretty well, like cutting through a parking lot for 1/4 mile when the road is clogged. Getting into and out of the track still involved about 30 minutes of waiting in line in the heat - more if you don't lane-split through the cars & RVs. There is a back way into the track, through the military base, and that seemed better than the huge lines coming up the hills in front.

 

I intended to camp at the track and sit in the grandstands. Neither happend and I still had a great time. Camping at the track would've been much better traffic-wise.

 

I actually had grandstand passes and didn't use them b/c the crowd was so thick. I got stuck in the two bridges trying to get to my spot while the race was starting. Everyone could hear the bikes but not see them and everyone was trying to crush their way through in different directions. It was a really dumb predicament that could've turned ugly.

 

Great spots to watch: The hills below the corkscrew, on the riders' left side of the track, the corkscrew, and the also the right side at that same spot, up between the campers. You have to find some that are willing to let you stand there. Some want to chase you off their turf but most are cool.

 

It really is amazing to watch the riders falling off the side of the corkscrew, changing directions almost airborn.

 

Just go exploring during qualifying & practice and you will find good lots of good places to watch. Just make sure to be in your spot well before the race starts! I hated missing part of it while wedged in a crush of people.

 

Also, its very dusty everywhere. Good walking boots and socks will be useful. Everywhere you'll want to go is Up and over a tall hill.

 

Bring food and water. The food lines were 45 minutes and more. They just weren't ready for the amount of people that showed up. I'd be surprised if its really a lot better this year. That stuff usually takes awhile to change.

 

One last thing, bring a good street map of Monterey. Either their signage was pathetic or my expectation of a sign pointing towards the track was unreasonable. I got lost following a crowd of bikers who were not headed to the track... Have fun its an absolute blast! I'll do better next time!!!

[Guest azccj]

Thx for the advice

[stogieBill]

We wen't for last years Moto GP too.

 

Based on the '84 GP, we found the infield so built up that getting a good view of the race/track is impossible. You can walk around the track and get a great view of 2 or 3 curves, but then that's all there is.

 

I'm sure traffic/parking will be improved this year, but last year was a major disappointment.

 

The US needs to build a track where the general audience can watch the race, not just part of it.

 

I'll be watching the race on SpeedTV this year.

 

Its still a hoot down there. Bbbest wishes for a great time.

[slug]

Anyone riding down there from the Seattle area? I may be heading down on Thursday (gonna take the scenic route part of the way, through central Washington & Oregon), camp or hotel it that night & finish the trip on Friday...