06 Redbull MotoGP at Laguna Seca

[arkline]

For those of you who might have missed it, tickets went on sale for the next round of MotoGP in the US last Thursday. If you have the inclination, now is the time to get on board.

Here's a link that will get you to the ticket vending:
http://www.laguna-seca.com/Events/index.cfm?EventID=12

The tickets go almost as fast as the bikes...

[hotzuk]

Can anyone suggest some good hotels to stay within the area? I am trying Expedia for lodging and am having limited success finding rooms in the Monterey area.

[gharari]

I heard the hotels in the area are ripping everyone off. Most have a 4 night minimum stay and have hiked their rates. That's what I heard from a friend who went this year and wanted to make a reservation for next year.

[arkline]

Well, I waited until the last minute to book a room last year and got what I deserved-not much. There is a link on the Laguna Seca site (http://www.laguna-seca.com) for lodging in and around the Monterey Peninsula. Pricing can be steep, there's no doubt about it. But going down there turns out to be the only real vacation I'm getting so I don't mind so much. The Monterey Plaza is extremely nice, but pricey. I might suggest using a travel agency. But don't wait too long and don't be shocked by the prices. I can almost guarantee that the races and the atmosphere are worth it.

[hotzuk]

Most of the rooms want anywhere from $300/$400 per night. I do not think I am going to be able to "Priceline" any rooms for this event.

[arkline]

Hotzuk,

You might look to places a little farther from the water. Salinas might be a little less expensive. Maybe Watsonville, but it is farther away still. Bob the MaddBrit lives in the area and might have some good suggestions.

The great thing about Monterey and Salinas is that they ran bus service to the track from selected points. The traffic getting up to the track was something else and being able to flash your tickets and climb on a bus and let someone else deal with the mass of cars and bikes was a blessing. I hope you get to make it. I'll spring for a beverage of your choice if you do...

[hotzuk]

Ark,

Thanks for the info. How far is Salinas from Monterey Rey? MR seems like a very nice place to see. Was thinking about taking the family out to see the sights while I was there.

[arkline]

hotzuk,

I'm thinking that Salinas to Monterey is under 20 miles, 15?

I think it is definitely a nice vacation spot. If you're a golfer, which I am not, maybe even better. Beautiful country though. Very different from the east coast.

[roxrider]

traffic and no two stroke classes make this one event you can pass.
I would love to see the two strokes in the cork screw.

[rivi7777]

I'm thinking that Salinas to Monterey is under 20 miles, 15?

It's about 20 miles, Watsonville about 25.

The accommodations for next year are going to be huge problem. It seems the two largest events that occur in this area will be going on simutaneously - the MotoGP and the Salinas Rodeo. The MotoGP was such a huge success, that they asked the Rodeo promoters if it would be possible to change their date. No Way, Jose! You change yours! They've been doing it for umpteen years and wont budge. Bikers and Cowboys, Oh My!

[1MPH]

Bikers and Cowboys, Oh My!

Thanks for the chuckle.

Jack

[geechie]

I think I'm going to wait 'till Dorna brings MotoGP to Barber. I've got an old girlfriend in Birmingham who I think would put me up.

George

[Guest]

Oh, I'd go if it was at Barber, too. Or Utah. Or just about anywhere stateside. Until I retire (like that's gonna happen) and then me and the missus are going to visit Europe - one MotoGP at a time...