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!