Because its never too early to think about laguna seca

I'm in the early stages of trying to figure out how to make the trip to Laguna at the end of July for Moto GP.  One option (that my SO wasn't so excited about) was a hostel in Monterey. 

www.montereyhostel.org

It's a few blocks from Cannery Row, and was $128 for a three bedroom private room.  That would be a screaming deal with some friends, and I'm passing this along to you.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to do this.  Staying at a (nicer) hotel is preferred, Saturday I'll probably be in Monterrey, and Sunday at the track.  Anyone have any experience or recommendations to share?

At night the action is on the cannery row. Motels price gouge to an insane degree but still book up early.

Camping at the track is not bad, but mostly lacks facilities. Forget Salinas, nada going on.

Remember it can be Ventura like and cold and foggy even in summer along the coast.

It can also be hot and sunny, so who knows.

Traffic in and out of the track can be very slow, even on a bike.

The free with your ticket shuttle bus is a good alternative.

Get a pit pass along with the ticket.

Don't set the bag with your event t shirt and whatever down in the porta potty, and walk out without it. Twice. :pissed:

Be ready to spend about $1,000 for the weekend.

Bring a marker for autographs to the races.

Bring water, the bottled water at the track is another price gouge.

So is the beer, and the food. Have some food and a beer anyway, and enjoy. :beer:

Bonus: If there's a track school the day after, take it then go down to the row after.

You'll be pumped up with testosterone and maybe get lucky. :goofy:

If you aren't planning on drinking at night, stay in Watsonville.  Cheaper, but thirty minutes to the track down Highway 1.  Highway 1 has been redone somewhat so it'll be less congested, but you'll still be in a bit of traffic, particularly leaving the track.  The Best Western and the Holiday Inn Express are good.  Aptos is a bit farther.  It has the Seacliff Inn and Seascape Resort.  Capitola is even farther; some options.  Santa Cruz even farther out but biggest "city" in the area.  Salinas is an option but still a 20 minute ride/drive. 

Hostel might be a party scene.  European fans attend the race.  'Nuff said.

Cannery Row is becoming Daytona.  Stretched Hayabusas with built in televisions and neon running lights dominate the parking.  They have replaced the vintage race bikes that used to be parked along the road, making a wonderful walk.  You'll still see some nice bikes.  They park there early and don't bother with the races.

If you ride in after the race, you'll follow the traffic to Cannery Row.  It'll take about thirty or forty minutes in heavy traffic from the track, even though the track is probably only about six or seven miles away.  Parking off of cannery row can be found in a three or four story public lot two blocks up from Cannery Row if you ride in after the race.   

Hot in the day, cold at night. 

Before you walk around and look at all the bikes, put your name down at a restaurant or you'll be eating at about nine p.m.  El Torrito Grill, Bubba Gump Shrimp, some pizza joints, some local bars. 

I stayed one night at that hostel a few years ago for the Laguna races. The room had bunk beds for 5 or 6 people, communal bathroom, etc. It's a Hostel, but everyone was nice and it's quiet after a certain hour. I think they have a curfew?

I rode around the next day and found a room at a local hotel for just under $200/night, I think it was the Ramada. If you can get a group of friends together it might be worth it, I didn't want to sleep another night in that tight of quarters with snoring strangers. 

Thanks for the input all.  Got reservations at the Alisomar Conference Grounds.  It promises to be quiet, is on the pennisula at not an outragous rate, and looks to be a winner.  It's close to Cannery Row, but not a RIDE to get home.  Probably going to truck her up there and then enjoy the weekend on the bike.

Any input on if turn 11 grand stand tix are worth it?  My only experience at this track is track days in my Miata.

Turn 11 is good, last turn of the race.

Don't forget the corkscrew. :beer:

Figured I'd bump this since we're getting closer.

Anyone else here heading to Laguna this year? 

I couldn't get reservations at my usual spot so I'm off Cannery this year (very sad) but a bit closer to the track. Sitting at Turn 4 Suite but spend a lot of time walking around.

The plan, same as every year:

Thursday night leave OC and stay in SLO.

Friday morning (early) riding in to Monterey. Walk around the track and get my souvenir shopping done. 

Saturday track.

Sunday track.

Monday heading home.

Might stop in Solvang again to visit the Vintage Museum.

MotoGP weekend at Laguna Seca & Monterey makes a great summer getaway. Staying in/near Monterey makes for a more enjoyable stay, imnsho.

If you are riding to the track I'd suggest paying for the paved parking at Red 9. I prefer the grandstand at T4, but take sunscreen 'cause the cool breeze can fool you. Especially if you drink too many tinnies. The last few years have seen temps struggle to reach the mid-70°'s, it can be foggy/misty till late morning, the a**holes ahead of you never have their ticket ready.

There are tons of good restaurants, the ones on Cannery row will be packed on Saturday night. Try Gianni's Pizza just up the hill on Lighthouse. Many motels mandate Friday & Saturday, and they all have max rates on an event weekend.

This will be my 20th year riding to the Laguna Seca - can't wait to head out.

67 days and counting.

Things seem to be falling in to place and I may make it down this year. 

Gonna try to get an epic three or four day ride in before the race.  Buddy riding in from Carson City.  We'll meet up and tour Northern California.  Haven't mapped it out but it'll be fun.  Wife is going to join me in Monterey.

thinking about getting the rev limiter pass, which lets you sit on the pit wall on Saturday.  I think its an additional fifty bucks. 

Turn 11 is okay, but very hot and hard to see the big screen.  Turn 4 grandstands are better in my opinion. 

Anyone up for a meet up at the track on Saturday?

I'm going down early Sunday morning from Fairfield. Anyone want to join me?

I'm going down early Sunday morning from Fairfield. Anyone want to join me?

Meet ya in S. San Jose where 85 hooks up with 101?

Gregg,

OK, sound good.

I'll be working the race again with USARM. Last year - trackside at Turn 9. Still waiting for this year's assignment...

+1 on the weather related comments. You really need to plan for every possible combo. Cold, Fog, Rain, Sun, Heat, Wind. It's always an adventure.

There's noting like seeing the GP bikes up close and LOUD.

56 days.

We're below the 2 month mark. Tickets should be arriving in the mail soon.

49 Days.

Patiently waiting.  No tix from the tix fairy yet.

The ticket fairy came and visited me on Saturday.  Gen admit tix, parking, and seats for 2.  SO EXCITED!

Got mine today!

Got mine 2 weeks ago. Stare at them everyday. 

17 days and 13 hours to go.

Man, after Assen I don't think I can afford to miss this!

I went to the Texas race, loved the track layout, and would really like to make Laguna, but doubtful this year.

Around the corner. NEXT WEEK.

Who's coming back Sunday and who's coming back on Monday?

I live in Ventura, so your about 1.5 hours south of me.

:laugh:  I was on my mobile device and couldn't see your location. Too funny. Ok. How about what time are you leaving then? I'm still tentatively going at this point. My shift was cancelled last weekend so I'm hoping that it is this weekend as well. I'll know for sure tomorrow what my plans are and PM you. You must have some really good back roads planned out to make SLO you midway point. 

Sadly, we are slabbin' it most some of the way.  Dividing the ride into 2 2.5 hour chuncks seemed to work out well, especially since I was originally planning on leaving after work at 5.

Our plan (and remember that my brother and I aren't the most punctual) right now is to leave my work in Ventura packed and ready to roll at 2:30.  After a brief visit to my house to pick up what I will forget and let my dog take a wiz, off we go.

Edit: This is the route I'm going to suggest.  Taking the 150 is a nice little road, and more importantly will bypass the construction on the 101.  It cuts down to two narrow lanes.  Depending on the width of you luggage, lane splitting maybe tough.

http://goo.gl/maps/wgXmp

Nice weekend. Great race. Heading home tomorrow, Monday morning. Down the coast and across the 46 to the 5 back to Orange county.

Walked around the lot and found these (including us):

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I may be going up for WSBK in September. Any one else thinking about it?

I'll be at WSBK for Sat/Sun, Fri TBD. Haven't decided if I'm camping or not...might bring the car, grab a nice hotel and make a weekend of it.

I too was there and saw quite a few VFR's...

Here are some of my pic's.

http://www.vfrdiscus...at-laguna-seca/

Was a good show on TV. Satriani doing the Star Spangles Banner instrumental. :woohoo:

The racing too. Reminded me how going to the race is a whole different experience than seeing it on TV.

Reminds me I haven't been to a race in person in hmm, a couple years or so. :mellow:

Damn you Willow Springs! You should change the name from International Raceway to Test Track. :dry: