Seeing "Hitting the Apex" elevated the bar for me in my plans for the coming year. I want to attend a MotoGP race. The 2016 schedule brings the party to Austin, TX, this year. Indianapolis would be more convenient, but apperantly sales were lackluster last year(at only 150,000 geez).
Dates are April 8-10 with GA tickets running about $165. I haven't asked for the time off yet, but I'm assuming it would take a Wednesday through Monday to do this right.
Here is where we plan. Who wants to join?
Have you been to Cota before?
Never been. But MotoGP is there so that's the plan :)
Don't let the low ticket numbers (tiny little 150K) put you off on going to Indy. It's a fun event. The racing is good. The facility is massive. They have part of a golf course inside the track. Yeah, it's that big.
Also, If you start at COTA (which I hear is amazing) you might feel let down if you go to Indy next. Start at at Indy and work up to COTA or Laguna Seca.
Cota is expensive. A 4 day trip cost me and the wife about 2500 after tickets and hotels and food and gas. A chili dog and a beer was 20 bucks. Hotel was almost 300 a night. Just a heads up dunno if motogp will drive hotel prices the way f1 did but it's a wonderful facility. Get a parking pass for lot t and you can walk out to your car and get lunch from a cooler and a few beers.
There is no Indy for 2016.
I will attend one day, but 2016 is going to be busy for me.
Round Date Grand Prix Venue
1 20/03 Qatar* Losail International Circuit
2 03/04 Argentina Termas de Río Hondo
3 10/04 Americas Circuit Of The Americas
4 24/04 Spain Jerez de la Frontera **
5 08/05 France Le Mans
6 22/05 Italy Mugello
7 05/06 Catalunya Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
8 26/06 Netherlands TT Assen
9 17/07 Germany Sachsenring
10 14/08 Austria Red Bull Ring
11 21/08 Czech Republic Brno **
12 04/09 Great Britain Silverstone
13 11/09 San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini Misano
14 25/09 Aragon MotorLand Aragon
15 16/10 Japan Twin Ring Motegi
16 23/10 Australia Phillip Island
17 30/10 Malaysia Sepang International Circuit
18 13/11 Valencia Comunitat Valenciana - Ricardo Tormo
Only 1 race in North America, 4 in Spain, It's not fair!
Lynn and I were discussing attending the Austin Race coming home last night.
I have a couple races on my "bucket list", a moto GP and the Peoria TT. Let's talk about doing Austin.
Spain has a rabid fanbase that sells out every event. Then there's the fact that Spanish petroleum company Repsol is one of the largest MotoGP sponsors and that Spain also has the largest and most prolific youth roadracing series, it's not hard to see why they are able to get multiple events. Dorna is all about return on their investment. Travel expenses are HUGE and the US does not generate enough interest. Look at all the motorcycle internet site forums. The "racing" sections are usually the least active, showing the lack of interest among people who are dedicated enough about motorcycles to seek out and participate on such sites.
What do you guys have in mind? I will need to do this on a budget. My options are camping or a hotel further away from the mahem. Lowest price I found close to the venue was $139/night, 9miles away.
I'm all game for bringing my own food and drink. I checked in to Amtrak. 66hrs from B'ham to Austin with routes through DC and Chicago. WTF? And there's always riding :)
Or RV rental with bikes in tow.
Quote from: Chitza on December 05, 2015, 08:29:46 AM
What do you guys have in mind? I will need to do this on a budget. My options are camping or a hotel further away from the mahem. Lowest price I found close to the venue was $139/night, 9miles away.
I'm all game for bringing my own food and drink. I checked in to Amtrak. 66hrs from B'ham to Austin with routes through DC and Chicago. WTF? And there's always riding :)
Or RV rental with bikes in tow.
It's only 11 1/2 hours by bike, thats doable in a day. . . . . 6 stops for fuel / break right about every 2 hours. would be a nice day of riding. figure 50 to 75 in gas to get there, not too bad, though camping would def help on being able to stay an extra day or two.
There is a "tent space offered" thread on ADVRider: http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/tent-space-map.776925/ (http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/tent-space-map.776925/)
Map:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&hl=en&authuser=0&authuser=0&mid=zxfYRSJHdx_0.k_vVZjYEd3NM (https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&hl=en&authuser=0&authuser=0&mid=zxfYRSJHdx_0.k_vVZjYEd3NM)
Did someone say "BUDGET" ;)???......Volunteer to work the race...corner working, etc...... I worked the Indy race a few years ago. Get in free, free camping, they fed us breakfast lunch and dinner...Didn't get any pit time, but others did, I was new so I was out on the track working a corner.
If you go to COTA be sure to attend the flat track race as well.
http://www.amaproracing.com/ft/news/index.cfm?cid=64170
AMA Pro Racing and Team SMI announced today that Circuit of the Americas will play host to AMA Pro Flat Track in 2016. The world's premier dirt track motorcycle racing series will make its inaugural visit to the purpose-built Grand Prix facility on April 9, 2016, running in conjunction with the Grand Prix of the Americas.
We went to COTA for MotoGP last year & it was AMAZING! Taking more friends & more bikes this year. We plan on heading down on Thursday & home on Monday. The Holiday Inn, Austin Airport is close to the track, bike friendly, great staff and right around $300 a night (note that all hotels in the area are generally priced higher and non-refundable around the event dates). Great people, great experience! We did the Ducati Island Package (hubby rides the Duc) and the parking alone was worth the upgrade....not to mention the parade lap.
You can't go wrong @ COTA.
Unfortunately, I won't be making it to the MotoGP in Austin :(
Bike is eating up my extra funds in prep for another trip.
Quote from: Chitza on January 31, 2016, 07:56:53 PM
Unfortunately, I won't be making it to the MotoGP in Austin :(
Bike is eating up my extra funds in prep for another trip.
That sux.... I can't go either, working that weekend, saving vacation time for a LOOOOOOOONG trip in July. ;)
Yup, same here. Planning a month long kayak trip through the Grand Canyon for the fall.
Quote from: Al Goodwin on February 05, 2016, 01:02:37 PM
Quote from: Chitza on January 31, 2016, 07:56:53 PM
Unfortunately, I won't be making it to the MotoGP in Austin :(
Bike is eating up my extra funds in prep for another trip.
That sux.... I can't go either, working that weekend, saving vacation time for a LOOOOOOOONG trip in July. ;)
Gee, Allen. Where could you be going? 8)
Looks like Austin is a go for me!
Quote from: hmoore on March 07, 2016, 03:06:08 PM
Looks like Austin is a go for me!
Please.... photos and video. Crappy cell phone video is better than nothing.
Will be scooting down I-20 heading to Monroe, LA after I give an exam at 11 AM. From there, I will head to Dallas and then onto Austin tomorrow.
Quote from: TamiM on January 02, 2016, 05:08:02 PM
We went to COTA for MotoGP last year & it was AMAZING! Taking more friends & more bikes this year. We plan on heading down on Thursday & home on Monday. The Holiday Inn, Austin Airport is close to the track, bike friendly, great staff and right around $300 a night (note that all hotels in the area are generally priced higher and non-refundable around the event dates). Great people, great experience! We did the Ducati Island Package (hubby rides the Duc) and the parking alone was worth the upgrade....not to mention the parade lap.
You can't go wrong @ COTA.
TamiM: Hey, I recognize that Ducati. When will you and Rob get there? I couldn't get the Ducati Island Package - waited too late. :(
I rode the Duc 899 to Monroe and met my former student there. He had his D675 on a trailer, so I just threw the bike on the trailer, sort of welcoming the relief from the wind gusts and ergonomics of the sport bike, and we made a push to Dallas, TX.
We made it into Dallas about 3:45 AM. Of course, with all of the excitement (at least in my mind), I'm already up early and ready to go for the last leg of the trip. We are about to head to Austin within the next hour or so. It's about a three hour drive from here.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps6ak8dcpi.jpg)
Another pic before leaving Monroe. I'll try to remember to keep snapping pics to update this thread (that I've apparently hijacked - give it up). :D
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqymyodv3.jpg)
Take it hmoore! I'm living vicariously through you!!!
Quote from: Chitza on April 08, 2016, 08:46:15 AM
Take it hmoore! I'm living vicariously through you!!!
Agreed and subscribed! Take lots of pics!
We ended up staying with my brother-in-law in Cedar Hill last night. We left about 30 mins ago, stopping for gas at a Fina gas station in Cedar Hill. They make you pay inside before filling up since there was no credit card reader at the pump. So, we put $23 on the card, go out to fill up and the pump let's gas out at 1 gallon per hour. It was sooooo freakin' slow. After $19 (well, we hit $19.01), we went back in and just told the clerk we were full. She stinkin' handed us $3.99. We did not have a penny to give her to make an even $4 and apparently there was no "give a penny, take a penny program". Haha!!
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpst3kw7yvo.jpg)
Quote from: Chitza on April 08, 2016, 08:46:15 AM
Take it hmoore! I'm living vicariously through you!!!
Well, I hang in the background here all of the time living vicariously through you all. It's time I contribute something. :)
Quote from: Nice Goat on April 08, 2016, 10:36:04 AM
Quote from: Chitza on April 08, 2016, 08:46:15 AM
Take it hmoore! I'm living vicariously through you!!!
Agreed and subscribed! Take lots of pics!
Will do! :)
We stopped at a Buc-ee's to get refreshments and finally top off the gas tank. There were 112 pumps outside, 30 urinals and 20 stalls inside the bathroom, shopping carts, food stations with a chef hand-carving meat for the sandwich bin -- all inside of "gas station". Jeez!
While en route to the station, an R1 walked a 12 o'clocker past us on the HWY. We ran into the guys at the "gas station". The group's from Dallas headed to Austin. After inspecting that R1, the blue pipes from the full Graves titanium exhaust looked sick, and sounded so fierce.
So, I'm standing there when the guy who stood the bike up walked up. His buddy said, "this guy wanted to know who was the @$$hole standing the bike up on the interstate". I definitely did not say that, especially since it was just me in a crowd of about 10 guys. Haha. Funny guys!
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps8kgbeu88.jpg)
That's when you get "crazy-eyes" and say, "That's right!"
Quote from: jrobinson on April 08, 2016, 01:26:36 PM
That's when you get "crazy-eyes" and say, "That's right!"
Yep. I can swipe my nose like Bruce Lee and say "just the 10 of you?"
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsrsr7e6qm.jpg)
Moto2
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps9xuefn6e.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsvwf3913y.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpspjo5jtfp.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqfatak42.jpg)
Where's Waldo? I mean, Marco.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps0zcjbm2h.jpg)
Time for a full day of practice sessions and qualifiers.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsozd4sr2x.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsf0rkbww6.jpg)
Ear plugs are definitely a necessity!!
R@1n is looming. I hope it skirts away from us though a few drops are falling sporadically.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsc0jwf7jb.jpg)
GP practice session.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsalhfub1d.jpg)
Colin Edwards
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps81ubqmub.jpg)
This is a first time posting a video. I hope this works.
Below is an interview of Marquez by Colin Edwards. Sorry Dani Pedrosa. I didn't tape him.
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.7874CBE3-3DE3-4CE2-B2F1-389C20FBBD91_zpsq2d7sz3m.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.7874CBE3-3DE3-4CE2-B2F1-389C20FBBD91_zpsq2d7sz3m.mp4)
All I had for Colin Edwards to sign was my Michelin pass.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsdnawcq82.jpg)
Front straight:
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsjmudgi73.jpg)
Moto2
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.5D75F475-68C6-44DC-A183-2BF7465A2C65_zpsjo2xewee.mp4[/html
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsah4bk6uu.jpg)
The legend!!
VR46
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpspsdjqdq8.jpg)
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.A2B8878D-99E5-4C78-B3C6-05581EB7DB49_zpswjlgb47l.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.A2B8878D-99E5-4C78-B3C6-05581EB7DB49_zpswjlgb47l.mp4)
My team Yamaha contract just went through with the announcement by Lorenzo!
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsukks685k.jpg)
S. Redding
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsgs4lgcsl.jpg)
Redding thanking me for being the slow guy on team Yamaha. LOL!!
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsk9pajmep.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2zqnrwdn.jpg)
Nice touch - 58 RIP MS
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsd0p1mofw.jpg)
Excuse the old man messing up the photo.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps7bqy64bs.jpg)
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.8C04B327-E8A9-4B84-A786-93BFC9FDEC95_zpsjaddwqkt.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.8C04B327-E8A9-4B84-A786-93BFC9FDEC95_zpsjaddwqkt.mp4)
A. Dovi
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsgl0n5w0n.jpg)
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.470E77EA-B054-4CC0-BD78-3A2FBB91ED85_zps2enjqx13.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.470E77EA-B054-4CC0-BD78-3A2FBB91ED85_zps2enjqx13.mp4)
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.E42E7A37-D0C1-4023-BFC6-698ABF8BC951_zpsuxr7hq9e.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.E42E7A37-D0C1-4023-BFC6-698ABF8BC951_zpsuxr7hq9e.mp4)
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.2ADDA333-7551-4FC2-B91D-7C0B21C6236A_zpsklm268h6.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.2ADDA333-7551-4FC2-B91D-7C0B21C6236A_zpsklm268h6.mp4)
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.3EA44F7B-15E0-4E16-BC10-A665284A8D13_zpsysftqn3z.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.3EA44F7B-15E0-4E16-BC10-A665284A8D13_zpsysftqn3z.mp4)
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.3DF3FEC0-CA32-4F2D-867D-6B2357871503_zpsj7zqio6h.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.3DF3FEC0-CA32-4F2D-867D-6B2357871503_zpsj7zqio6h.mp4)
Bradley Smith
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps90jqy97h.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps69ecgsnz.jpg)
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.4831B358-2829-43A4-B93D-DD29ED770BB8_zps5ew5efga.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.4831B358-2829-43A4-B93D-DD29ED770BB8_zps5ew5efga.mp4)
First lap - Moto America 600 Race.
Start of Moto America 1000
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.B30AEC29-7F30-4E86-896A-C42E21960AEC_zpszpkmrc4n.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.B30AEC29-7F30-4E86-896A-C42E21960AEC_zpszpkmrc4n.mp4)
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.BD00C214-0AE9-4975-A2A4-5113B2591EE3_zpshi1hn5bx.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.BD00C214-0AE9-4975-A2A4-5113B2591EE3_zpshi1hn5bx.mp4)
First lap - Moto America 1000
Doesn't look too crowded ... yet!
Quote from: Nice Goat on April 09, 2016, 05:41:02 PM
Doesn't look too crowded ... yet!
It's not that bad at all. I wonder if the crowds will be larger tomorrow.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsa2xpxfha.jpg)
For those not at Austin tonite, Fan's Choice has the Lone Star 1/2 mile streaming; http://www.fanschoice.tv/watch-live/ama/flat-track
Thanks for the flat track link. I didn't go but watched a few of the races from that link.
So, it's another morning of excitement here in Austin. Alabama is being represented at Ducati Island. I still have not seen Rob.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsk24kebwg.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsahjq4kwa.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsw0zdlgcl.jpg)
I had to represent my buddies from Amish Racing today! Thanks John Cook for the tee!
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.9F86FF27-D3CE-44AA-B9FE-256DBC7236B5_zpsm71flg4k.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.9F86FF27-D3CE-44AA-B9FE-256DBC7236B5_zpsm71flg4k.mp4)
MotoGP practice session.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsouk648pz.jpg)
Sweet art over in the fan zone.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps2ork4fov.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsgr7a1z6u.jpg)
YouTube sensation 650iB.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsopxntqnu.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqxzfti8w.jpg)
Cleaning the bikes between sessions.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsytwk9d9l.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbhsmiwhc.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpso0v5ii8g.jpg)
http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.97B0D124-6287-450D-BF8F-848017678A8E_zpso6oulh5v.mp4 (http://vid30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/trim.97B0D124-6287-450D-BF8F-848017678A8E_zpso6oulh5v.mp4)
<---- jealous!
Believe me, when that humidity kicked up a notch and I was bathing in the hot sun with motorbikes and 50,000+ fans, I did dream of a nice air-conditioned room, a couch, and TV with remote. And, of course, a choice beverage. :)
To not reveal anything about the race, I'll just put up a couple more random pics. I'm sure a discussion will ensue regarding the results. I just don't want to be the one to let any cats out of any bags.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsn5n1w0cw.jpg)
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsqxacrola.jpg)
Quote from: hmoore on April 10, 2016, 09:39:23 AM
Thanks for the flat track link. I didn't go but watched a few of the races from that link.
So, it's another morning of excitement here in Austin. Alabama is being represented at Ducati Island. I still have not seen Rob.
(http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c313/hmoore19711/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsk24kebwg.jpg)
I hate that we missed you!
Ducati Island - Only pic with the two of us from the whole trip
I'm sure we will get together at a bike night. Amir tells me that he and Rob get out sometimes. Whenever he lets me know, I'll come out to Cycle Gear and hang out.