MotoGP @ Laguna Seca - anyone going?

[RRose]

Are any of you guys going to the MotoGP race next week?

[mustafa]

I haven't been since the late 80's, but it was a lot of fun. Good spots to spectate from all around the track....especially the corkscrew.

[JrSyko]

I'll be there, a couple of our riders are racing so I guess I'll be working. Looking forward Yamaha's 50th anniversary party though!

[RRose]

Does anyone know anything about the drive from Huntington Beach to Laguna Seca? I'm towing about 15K#'s and I was wondering if there is any major grades that I am going to have to contend with.

[jeff]

Ryan,

I was up there two weeks ago for my anniversary. I enrolled the little lady in the Skip Barber driving school. What route are you thinking about taking? When are you leaving? PM me if you prefer.

Aloha

[RRose]

We are leaving tomorrow am and the plan is to take the 405 to the 101 and the 101 all the way up.

[JrSyko]

What are you hauling? The worst part about the drive probably is going to be actually getting into the raceway. Its about 1 1/2 lanes wide and winds up and over this little hill. With the amount of people they are expecting, it will be a freaking parking lot.

[RRose]

We are taking a 37' weekend warrior fifth wheel...... the race isn't till saturday... and we are getting there in the afternoon on thursday.... so hopefully it won't be a big deal.... if there is a big hill in the campsite to get over I can always throw it in 4 low.

[JrSyko]

No its not a big hill, just kinda narrow but you are getting there early enough so it shouldn't be a problem.

Have fun!

[RRose]

Hey.... what about frequences for the track? Any of you have those? Like the commentary so we can listen to our scanners and know what is going on on the track.

[jeff]

The 101 itself isn't too bad in terms of grades. There are plenty of ups and downs but overall it's pretty easy going. I usually build speed on the downhill and then cruise on the up hills. There are no major grades I can think of that you'll need to watch out for, especially with your SuperDuty leading the way. The 101 is more or less the scenic route and isn't always the fastest. One thing to note, there aren't a whole lot of stations that I've come across that have diesel. At least not right off the highway. My advice? Start out with a full tank leaving the 405 and consider filling up when the tank gets to about 1/3. Lots of diesel guys have run out or almost run out on that stretch. Also, keep a look out for the 5-OH on the 101. There are plenty of hills and valleys and the CHP LOVES to hide out in the bottom of the dips and nab people, especially people towing big trailers. As far as actual grades go, taking the 101 is a hell of a lot easier than climbing through the Grapevine and then west on the 166 to the 101. The 101 is generally a lot cooler and overall is easier on the equipment. It might not be the fastest route up to Monterey but it sure is pretty.

The grade of the hill leading from the main entrance toward the race track is CRAZY steep. It's got to be at least 15%. If heading south to the track you make a 180* right turn into the main entrance. Travel 100' and you make a 160* turn to the left, followed by a 90* turn up the big *** hill. The problem with towing a big *** trailer is if there is any traffic going the other direction you have to get them to stop. There is NO way in heck you can make the turns without using up all the lanes or swinging out into the dirt and then cutting it back. Then once you get to the top there is a small camp ground shack. It doesn't get much easier as roads are still pretty twisty and narrow.

Two weeks ago I was up there during the mid-week. Not much going on except for the Skip Barber racing stuff. The campground area had 10-15 vehicles with lots of room. If the raceway folks are correct, they are expecting 150,000+ people. It's going to be a total and complete cluster **** up there. I wouldn't be surprised if all of the available camping spaces aren't already reserved or occupied. Think Gecko Road on Thanksgiving.

Aloha

[RRose]

thanks for the info Jeff..... luckily we have two spots reserved and Kel's folks are going to be up there first thing in the morning to grab both of our spots. I'm a little concerned about manuevering into our spot.... but we'll see what happens..... having a huge trailer sure is cool when you get where you are going.... but it sucks getting there and it sucks getting home!

[PBR]

i guess they are expecting over 150,000 spectators!!!

hopefully they all have the right tires!!! :)