Reno Air Races

Bish Wheeler · #1 (**permalink**) 03-30-2005, 07:14 PM

As "The Tomsic" mentioned a while back, on a different thread, we are planning a Reno trip in September (the 14th thru the 18th) for "The Reno Air Races". This is a way cool event if you are into aviation, speed, noise and horse power. There are pylon races for ever type of plane from midgets to unlimiteds (P-51's, P-38's, F4U's, F7F's ,F8F's etc.) plus diplays of all kinds.

Nothing is cast in stone yet, but we will probably rendesvous in Bend OR and then light out for Reno which is about 6 hours away.
If you think you would like to do this ride, check in and give your opinion. At this point Jay Emerson, Walt and I are on for sure.

Bish

lizzard71 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-30-2005, 10:18 PM

If you have time, you might be interested to know that the Bonneville "World of Speed" is the same week as the air races this year. Would be another 4 hours across the state to Wendover Utah.
Maybe a side trip to Provo to Kirkham?
I have a friend who races sport class, I am at Reno most every year.
lizzard71.

Jim Downard · #3 (**permalink**) 03-31-2005, 05:05 AM

Do you know if Rare Bear is the the plane to beat. I remember reading some years ago about that little F8F and how fast it was. So much hp and such a small airframe. Kind of reminds me of a Cobra. The last year I heard anything about the races, Rare Bear got hold of some bad gas, and Strega won the race.

Jim

Walt Tomsic · #4 (**permalink**) 03-31-2005, 03:02 PM

As a footnote: I've contacted Sports Car Market Magazine and they will be running a notice about the run in their July issue. Also, Deni does the graphic design work for the LeMay Car museum and will mention it in the member newsletter. The upshot is, we could have a real interesting mix of cars (and bikes) in the caravan. I'll be contacting a few motels here in Bend to see about an "event rate" and will keep posting as things develop.

Waldo

7968Jim · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2005, 09:46 AM

i have put in on my calender. been wanting to see this event for years.
james

Bish Wheeler · #6 (**permalink**) 04-02-2005, 05:38 PM

Great James, got ya on the list. Stay tuned!

Bish

lizzard71 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-02-2005, 08:58 PM

Get your room reservations soon, all the larger hotel/casinos will be booked by June. I like the Peppermill. Also, eat at the Black Bear, very good place.
A drive across the mountain to Carson and/or Virginia city would be fun, too. Or Tahoe.
Rare Bear (F8) placed 2nd last year but won because the 1st place airplane Dago Red (P51) cut a pylon and was penalized.

Walt Tomsic · #8 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 03:54 PM

Here's the press release for the Reno trip. Deni and I drove the route this past week to check it out and believe me, it's awesome (dudes).

The run to the Reno air races will begin in Bend, Oregon on Wednesday morning, September 14th, 2005 and return on Saturday the 17th. This will be a ‘road rally’ in the classic European style, nothing competitive, no entry fees, timed sections or traps. Organized by friends and supporters of the Lemay Museum, “America’s Car Museum,” it’s open to anyone with an interesting car or bike and a sense of adventure. A printed trip guide will be provided covering route directions, distance markers, suggested restaurants, gas station and rest stop locations. Participants will need to make their own accommodation reservations in Bend, Reno and perhaps Susanville. A list of places to stay with contact information follows.

The route has been carefully chosen to provide a fun and memorable driving experience. We’ll avoid Interstate highways and truck routes and take advantage of lightly traveled, designated “State Scenic Byways.” Road surfaces are predominately good to excellent with a few short stretches of patched and undulating pavement, primarily through hilly sections. There is no broken pavement or potholes to deal with. A few moderate climbs are included but nothing too extreme. The drive features a good mix of sweeping curves, long straights and a few short twisty stretches to keep things interesting. What is truly spectacular is the scenery. This is classic western vista stuff straight out of a John Ford western. You’ll experience everything from pine ringed mountain lakes to endless views of high desert scrub and dry lake beds. The scenery alone makes the drive worthwhile.

Cars may proceed at their own best pace, choosing to convoy together or motor off in smaller groups. In all cases, each car should stay with at least one or two ‘buddy’ vehicles for the duration of the drive. You may elect to spend the first night in Susanville and drive into Reno early on Thursday morning or, you may decide to drive straight to Reno in one day. The first approach keeps Wednesday’s driving distance at a comfortable 310 miles but requires an 80 mile drive the following morning. Either way, the total distance is just under 400 miles and a stop in Susanville will still put you in Reno early enough to enjoy a full day of activity.

The capstone experience of the trip will be the races themselves, literally, the world's most prestigious and famous air speed event. It’s pylon racing at its best with various classes featuring small purpose-built aircraft, jets and WWII vintage, piston engine fighters screaming by at virtual eye level. If you’ve ever wanted to see a P-51 Mustang in action, this is your chance. The official website for the races is www.airrace.org where you can access information regarding tickets, times, race schedules etc.

Once in Reno, you may decide to attend two days of air race competition or spend a day visiting some of the area’s other attractions like Virginia City, Lake Tahoe, the casinos or the Car Museum. This rather relaxed road adventure is an opportunity to use the vehicles we love as they were intended, on some great roads, to meet and be with other people who share that love, to see some remarkable aircraft performing as they were intended and to have a lot of fun. Join us for a road trip well taken!

-------

I'm currently gathering motel info and will post. A Reno resident, ex-pilot, modified Healey (100-6/small block Ford) guy I've hooked up with on-line says the place fills up fast so early reservations are a must. According to him, it's a spectacle you have to experience at least once in your life. He's going to get me some insider info on places to stay but if anyone else has suggestions please post 'em. I know the Peppermill has been mentioned but we noticed it was south of town while the races are up north and Reno traffic ain't pretty!

lizzard71 · #9 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 11:08 PM

All accommodations are well south of the air races, which are held at Stead Airport which is outside of town. The Peppermill is a little farther then the downtown motels, by a mile or two. The Nugget in Sparks is a little closer but there is nothing that is a short drive to the air race unless you camp out there. The Nugget downtown is the "offical" hotel of the air race.
Reno traffic at its worst is pleasant compared to Phoenix.
Go if you can, it is enjoyable, my favorite time is spent in the pits-lots of access.

Walt Tomsic · #10 (**permalink**) 04-17-2005, 11:55 AM

lizzard 71...

thanks for the input... what makes the Peppermill your pick?

lizzard71 · #11 (**permalink**) 04-20-2005, 10:36 PM

Hi Walt.
In no order, 1 higher end resturant, an excellent coffee shop, prices are competitive, friendly staff.
I've won a little money there.
And the cocktail waitress uniforms are really hot.
Like I said, in no particular order.
lizzard71.

M & M · #12 (**permalink**) 04-20-2005, 10:53 PM

I was waiting for someone to mention the Pepermills cocktail waitress outfits!

Oh god I hate when they bend down to serve your drink!

OK, I am a perv............

Bish Wheeler · #13 (**permalink**) 04-21-2005, 10:56 AM

OK, the Peppermill it is!

Walt Tomsic · #14 (**permalink**) 04-21-2005, 02:40 PM

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