Thread: Bonneville. Who has been there?
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12-30-2009 08:49 PM #1
Bonneville. Who has been there?
Watching Car Crazy the other night got me wanting to go to Bonneville for Speed Week. It looks like a blast.
Who has been there and what can you tell us about where to stay, airports near by, camping, can you drive right up to where the racers are or do you park somewhere remote, etc.
Don
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12-31-2009 01:34 AM #2
Never been Don, but drove past it. Watch "the world's fastest Indian" great flick feauturing some hotels nearbye." "No matter where you go, there you are!" Steve.
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12-31-2009 06:50 AM #3
We drive, but I think the nearest decent size airport is Salt Lake City. The closest town (just a few miles) is Wendover. Quite a few good sized hotels, but book early, lots of cruising done there at nights. Sometimes you can get a room by checking for cancellations. Wells NV is about 50 miles away and has quite a few Motels too, folks often stay there (helps to look at a map to understand proximities here). There's a "camping" area just off the freeway, next to the access road to the flats. No assigned spaces, no hookups or formal facilities (though some porta-potties at one end), but lots of flat space to park a motor home, trailer, or tent. It can be party central, fireworks and all, so don't plan on lots of sleep.
As far as accessability at the "track", it's pretty close to wide open, come and go as you please, (except the actual course surface of course) though they do control vehicle access to the pits and staging areas. Lots of viewing room. Bring lots of water, a hat, water, and sun screen (and water). We used a motor home and some quads to get back and forth from the camping area to the race site, makes for good combo.
Here's what camping looks like.Last edited by Bob Parmenter; 12-31-2009 at 07:02 AM.
Your Uncle Bob, Senior Geezer Curmudgeon
It's much easier to promise someone a "free" ride on the wagon than to urge them to pull it.
Luck occurs when preparation and opportunity converge.
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12-31-2009 07:22 AM #4
I understand the Curry and Fjiastadt families have been regulars there. Bob, have you met these people?
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12-31-2009 08:21 AM #5
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12-31-2009 08:33 AM #6
Was there two years ago for the 60th Anniversary,due to numerous NZ teams competing.Had a blast and would have gone this year but Hot August Nights was in full swing.We ended up camping in a couple of tents and had a great time.Parked the car at the pits area and used bicycles to get around.Worked out well but it is a couple of miles to the start line.And as mentioned above take sunscreen and big hats,is tough to convince boss that you were sick when you show upto work with a suntan.
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12-31-2009 10:13 AM #7
I go every year, and Bob P. has got it covered. Hotel rooms are very hard to find, so start calling now. You will probably be put on a waiting list, but call back often, there are usually cancellations, but camping at the "bend" is always a possibility.
The first part of the week is usually the most interesting. Theres lots of cruising and an evening gathering in front of the Nugget Casino that is unbelieveable if you are into traditional hot rods.
Once you go it will get in your blood, and just possibly ruin you for life!!
Mick
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12-31-2009 10:19 AM #8
Last edited by Bob Parmenter; 12-31-2009 at 10:22 AM.
Your Uncle Bob, Senior Geezer Curmudgeon
It's much easier to promise someone a "free" ride on the wagon than to urge them to pull it.
Luck occurs when preparation and opportunity converge.
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12-31-2009 10:18 AM #9
I really want to go now. Sounds like it is pretty remote and not many facilities so camping might be the way to go. I'm not a camper normally but in this case it looks like the best alternative. I guess it is REALLY hot and the whiteness magnifies it a lot.
I know they call it Speed Week, but how many days are actually the races? Besides the racing is there much else to do? Vendors for food and stuff? I've been thinking a minibike might be handy.
Thanks for all the info so far guys.
Don
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12-31-2009 09:36 PM #10
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12-31-2009 07:45 AM #11
Been both a competitor and a spectator over the years.
Book a room now, as they go fast in town.
Lotsa sun screen, big hat, and don't wear shorts
(the sun reflects off the salt)When I get to where I was goin, I forgot why I went there>
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12-31-2009 10:17 PM #12
Don ..... been by it on a couple X country motorcycle trips & like you I always wanted to stop in ... HOT in July/August.
I'm in if you looking to slit some rooms/cost Don. Keep me posted.
paul
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01-04-2010 05:05 PM #13
You all are talking my neck of the woods. Bonneville is a great time. West Wendover Nevada has a couple of casino/hotels to stay in that are pretty nice and Wendover Utah (which really the same place just cut down the middle) has a few cheaper spots. It is very HOT in August, temps around 110 on the salt is common. Much cooler for the speed runs in October.
Pride Runs Deep
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01-01-2010 04:07 PM #14
Will be out there again this year forSPEED WEEK in August and I may have a extra room at the Motel 6 !
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01-01-2010 04:18 PM #15
Bonneville
Will be going again this year in August for SPEED WEEK and I have a extra room at Motel 6 in Wendover,ut. Got plenty of Salt for A Margarita !!!Last edited by tazhog; 01-01-2010 at 04:22 PM.
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