[Walt Tomsic]

Gents...

OK, I've done the research and here are the recommendations for lodging ($$$ = $100+) ($$ = $75+) ($ = $50+):

Bend --

Riverhouse: (541-389-3111) $$$,
Shilo Inn: (541-389-9600) $$.
Both of these are river front places, very nice and right at the start of the run, within walking distance of a number of restaurants.
Cimarron: (541-382-7711) $, not quite the ambiance of the other two but clean and reasonable, a mile or so from the starting point.

Susanville--
Best Western Trailside (530-257-4123) $$
High Country Inn (530-257-3450) $$
We did a drive by and each of these look good, the Trailside had a nice coffee shop right in front.

Reno--
Peppermill (866-821-9996) $$$
Sands Regency Casino Hotel (866-386-7829) $$
The Peppermill's attraction(s) have already been noted however, they have a three night minimum stay during the races so Susanville not an option. The Sands is less expensive and looks OK at least on the website and they have no minimum on length of stay. .

Be advised, most places in Reno bump up room rates for the very dates of the races in Reno. For that reason, a first night's stay (Wed./14) combined with a last's nights stay (Fri./16) both in Susanville would be the least expensive way to go and would cut the drive distance from and returning to Bend by about 80 miles.

In all cases, best to get reservations asap, everyone says the town fills up fast for this ala Hot August Nights. You can always cancel later if need be. So far, we have two Washington Cobras and two Oregon Cobras plus a number of other cars who have stated their intention to partake (an E-Type and at least one Stingray) makes one want to hum "Hey Little Cobra." Now if I can just get CSX 1999 (as you all know, Shelby's first and best idea) ready in time, we can replay that whole 60s thing all the way to Reno.

Walt