Reno - Advice Needed

[Chris_UK]

Hi,

I'm after a little advice (again). I'm still planning to make my first visit to the races this year, I'm most likely to stay in a hotel in Reno, am I better renting a car or using the shuttle bus? Anybody got any experience?

Many Thanks

Chris

[t-dub]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

Hey Chris, If you're going to rent a car, you better do it now, otherwise it might be kinda difficult if not impossible to later on. The shuttlebus is nice because there's no parking hassle. Either way, you're gonna love it!

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

Having just rented one for PRS.. (SPENDY!!!) I'd say, depending on what you want to do while there, don't rent!

If you want to see the area, and can afford, probably 80-100 dollars a day, or, likely, more (if you can get a car at all) take the shuttle.. then try to hook up with a fellow fan and car pool.. share parking and gas expense..

I met one of the board members there at PRS, was more than happy to let him ride.. err.. (tried to get him to be DD one evening but totally understand his reluctance to do so) with me back, at least, a couple nights..

RENO fans are a brother/sisterhood.. we share a passion that is truly understood by few. Your first priority should be to make it there, secure a place to sleep, then worry about how you get there from Reno.

RENO is truly a mecca... enjoy your first visit, it will always be special.. You are about to be hooked, however, and will either make it to RENO in September from this year on, or be haunted by the fact that you are not there.. I know.. I've been unable to attend a few years.. only one since 1997 and it was heartbreaking.. save for the two friends who brought it to me via phone, as it was happening.

[Box A35]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

Chris,

Go to www.carrentals.com and book one today for $34 per day starting on Thursday 17th thru Monday the 21st of Sept.

I would make a reservation now, you do not even need to give them a credit card number to hold it. That way if you decide to pick it up it is there and the rate is locked in. If you decide against it - just cancel.

The rates double or triple come September. And fwiw, if you booked 6 months ago, they were half of the above.

Here is a link: http://www.carrentals.com/rentalrate...09%2F21%2F2009

There is a LOT to see, especially if you are coming all the way from the UK. Go early, stay late, be on your own schedule with your own vehicle - my 2c, I mean 2p.

[dineega]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

The car rental rates change constantly. It really pays to keep shopping. You don't have to pay now, so book one and cancel if you get a better deal or if you decide not to get a car.

I've never had to pay more than $240 for ten days. Last year it was September 3 when I made the final booking and paid $180 and got a 4WD. I doubt I'll do as well this year but you never know. Traditionally the prices do double or triple in Aug / Sep except for these very brief sales. If you want I'll pm you when I see a deal.

The shuttle is great, but it doesn't leave early enough or stay late enough for me. There's nothing worse than having to leave when there's good stuff going on.

But Wayne is right, you can hook up with someone who is staying in the same hotel or nearby. We're staying in Sparks this year but often go into town for dinner on the way home so could drop you off some nights.

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

Rachel,

We need start sort of a "signpost" of sorts for folks who are in same situation this year at RENO. WAG here, but I wonder if BettyBear might have some ideas.. i.e. if NAG member... Go to "bulletin board 'A'", and have something like a "meet-ride-hangout" thing?

"Thelma-Louise?"

PS thingie: Sort of wondered, if something as above happened, and you had to join NAG to get in on it (best deal of century at something under $25.) and in the same act, helped NAG and the Air Races make it happen.. Betty.. could we ever maybe get a small corner of a board at RENO for a phone exchange for something like this??

Not at all sure if I'm off base here or anything.. jusst seein a neat thing happening and wondering??

[dineega]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

Great idea Wayne - I guess that's why you get the big bucks for running this joint

Most everyone that hangs around here should be NAG members anyway. $15 for those in the USA, and not much more for the rest of us. You get that back and more with your line pass.

We're going to camp at Arlington for a few days - are you going to get that far North Wayne??

[ShermB]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

Betty.. could we ever maybe get a small corner of a board at RENO for a phone exchange for something like this??

Not at all sure if I'm off base here or anything.. jusst seein a neat thing happening and wondering??

ABSOLUTELY!!!
As you know, NAG is an avid supporter of NCAR and racing in general.
I will be putting together the bulletin board in a couple of weeks and would be more than happy to act as a message center for race fans.
We are also trying to put together a function on Thurs. at 5:00 PM to wait out the traffic. More info when it's a done deal.
I also have some rooms blocked at Circus ($49.00 on non race nights/$119.00 on Fri and Sat) PM me for more info. NAG members will also be able to get Season Pass discount, but must be a member by Aug. 31 to qualify. Drop me a note.
Betty

[Dave65882]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

Idea comes to my little brain.......you want to be my DD for the week I would be happy to let you use my car J/K

[ak9er57]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

I've been going to the races since 03 and staying in one of the hotels in downtown. I take the city transit bus which is within 10 min walk. If you are there for the week buy a week pass with unlimited rides. The bus drops you off about 1/4 mi from the front gate( 15min walk) Buses run from early am until after dark. It's the highlight of my year.

marc
anchorage,AK

[AAFO_WSagar]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

ABSOLUTELY!!!
As you know, NAG is an avid supporter of NCAR and racing in general.
I will be putting together the bulletin board in a couple of weeks and would be more than happy to act as a message center for race fans.
We are also trying to put together a function on Thurs. at 5:00 PM to wait out the traffic. More info when it's a done deal.
I also have some rooms blocked at Circus ($49.00 on non race nights/$119.00 on Fri and Sat) PM me for more info. NAG members will also be able to get Season Pass discount, but must be a member by Aug. 31 to qualify. Drop me a note.
Betty

Well there you have it! Join NAG.. which puts $15. into the kitty for this great group who provide support at RENO annually (all the race results are distroed by NAG Patrol DAILY!) you then get the newsletter monthly and... get to participate in the RIDES TO RENO program on the bulletin boarde at the event!

As Dave pointed out.. some of you who need rides, might well get the effective use of a car for a week, should you have the ability to be the designated driver of said car for the owner/renter..

That's a win win win for everyone!

I'm not sure yet if I'm staying at the GSR again or back at the Extended Stay America but would be glad to share rides from either place (If I stay at ESA, since I have to go by the GSR anyway) Will be driving the three passenger Silverado this year but have open bed with canopy that can hold several more riders..

[Chris_UK]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

Thanks for all your advice, flight and hotel booked.... I'll see you all in September... can't wait

[Paynts]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

hi Chris I went from the UK last year for the first time- rented a car at the airport - which was pretty cheap, hotels-you can get mega deals just by walking into a casino hotel off the street didnt bother with the shuttle just drove into stead every day

I'll be at Duxford this weekend if you are there we could meet up for a chat
Regards Simon

[Chris_UK]

Re: Reno - Advice Needed

Hi Simon,

Thanks for the info, unfortunately I'm not going to get to Duxford this weekend, got a 40's style hangar dance on Saturday and a fleet of aircraft (well 4) to get up to Breighton on Sunday.

Cheers

Chris