AMA Superbike, Birmingham, AL June 22-24

[Dave.TX]

At Barber Motorsports Park on June 22-24. Anyone going? I'm trying to make the trip on the motorcycle. Already have the time off, hoping I can afford it. Riding out from Austin, TX, area. Won't be camping, will stay at an area hotel.

[mesmotized]

I am planning on going.  I went to the Big Kahuna at Road Atlanta and had a blast.  Barber is a little less than 3 hours from Atlanta, so I'll probably just ride out for either Saturday or Sunday, depending on my schedule.  I'll know more as the day approaches.

[Tyrroneous]

I'll be there!  Made hotel reservations last week.  I'll be bringing the family, so not riding for me.

[motodog650]

Planning on being there Fri - Sun. Looking forward !!  

[mesmotized]

Planning on being there Fri - Sun. Looking forward !!  

Are you guys setting up a tent again?  I forgot to come looking for you guys at Road Atlanta.

[Dave.TX]

Cool! I've never been to any motorcycle races. Been to NASCAR at Sears Point (that's what it was called back then) and Outlaw races in Petaluma, CA. That's about it. Looking forward to this, looks like I'll have the dinero to go so just have to make reservations and buy the tickets. I should get out there on Thursday the 21st. Don't have to be back to work until July 2nd so have time to cruise around.

[Ga-Bandit]

Don't have to be back to work until July 2nd so have time to cruise around.

or ride with Pete the next weekend at BARBER (X-ACT Motorsports)

[motodog650]

Are you guys setting up a tent again?  I forgot to come looking for you guys at Road Atlanta.

Not sure yet but we'll be watching the races from the back-straight. We'll have to hook up !!

Cool! I've never been to any motorcycle races. Been to NASCAR at Sears Point (that's what it was called back then) and Outlaw races in Petaluma, CA. That's about it.

Different crowd than the four wheel races. You'll enjoy !!

[Dave.TX]

After the races I'll be moving on, leaving town Monday morning. I may have a week until I go back to work but can't afford to stay all that long.

May try to do the Tour Of Honor sites in Tennessee in a day. Was thinking of riding the Natchez Trace Pkwy but then found out it's 50mph speed limit the whole way. Ugh. 400+ miles would take  f o r e v e r .

Looks like I'll be staying somewhere on the SE side of Bham, around Hwy's 459 & 280 (Cahaba Mall area). Haven't made reservations yet but will soon. Any suggestions on which places to stay and/or avoid would be helpful. Being just me I'm leaning towards the La Quinta (they give an LEO discount). I can get a few places with an AMA discount but LQ would be cheaper.

[motodog650]

Looks like I'll be staying somewhere on the SE side of Bham, around Hwy's 459 & 280 (Cahaba Mall area). Haven't made reservations yet but will soon. Any suggestions on which places to stay and/or avoid would be helpful. Being just me I'm leaning towards the La Quinta (they give an LEO discount). I can get a few places with an AMA discount but LQ would be cheaper.

I always stay in that area (Homewood) when I go to Barber. Lots of dining, lodging and shopping options and only about twenty minutes from the track. Last year I stayed there at the Courtyard by Marriott for $50 a night thru Priceline...

[R Doug]

Due to a recent change of events, I may be attending this as well.  I'll know more this weekend.  

(fingers crossed)  

[Dave.TX]

R Doug, would be cool if you rode then I'd get to see that KTM (haven't seen one yet). Finners crossed! I'm sure there will be hundreds of bikes there to look at, not to mention the museum which I plan on spending all day at. I'll be getting a DSLR to take pics with, better than the point-n-shoot I have.

Made reserv's at LQ for $171 total, about $42/day. Not bad. It's by a Burger King and Taco Bell. Woo hoo. Wonder if I can roll the bike into the hotel room if I get on the ground floor?

I can always change my reservation if anyone wants to go riding before/after the weekend races. Maybe we can all meet up for dinner somewhere. I've posted on a few forums and there's plenty of people I've never met going, none that I know. I'm okay riding on my own, gives me the flexibility to do whatever and go wherever. Wish I had time to ride to NC to see my buddy and his wife. If I went that far I'd have to ride the Dragon, Cherohala and all that stuff. maybe next year.

[raptor2a]

I think I'm heading over on Sat morning...unless something comes up and I may go on Friday...but I'll look into booking into the LQ as well and maybe we can hook up for dinner or whatever...no worries though...I'm like you though...no pressure to be anywhere - other than the races...
Rob

R Doug, would be cool if you rode then I'd get to see that KTM (haven't seen one yet). Finners crossed! I'm sure there will be hundreds of bikes there to look at, not to mention the museum which I plan on spending all day at. I'll be getting a DSLR to take pics with, better than the point-n-shoot I have.

Made reserv's at LQ for $171 total, about $42/day. Not bad. It's by a Burger King and Taco Bell. Woo hoo. Wonder if I can roll the bike into the hotel room if I get on the ground floor?

I can always change my reservation if anyone wants to go riding before/after the weekend races. Maybe we can all meet up for dinner somewhere. I've posted on a few forums and there's plenty of people I've never met going, none that I know. I'm okay riding on my own, gives me the flexibility to do whatever and go wherever. Wish I had time to ride to NC to see my buddy and his wife. If I went that far I'd have to ride the Dragon, Cherohala and all that stuff. maybe next year.

[R Doug]

What's the LQ, is it the LaQuinta?  

[Dave.TX]

Yeah, LQ is short for La Quinta.

I'm on the Two Wheeled Texans forum and a group of us meet for lunch every Thursday. Today two of the guys said they want to go, one of them confirmed later that he will be able to. He has a Honda ST1300. The other guy has some things that need to fall into place before he can commit, he rides a Moto Guzzi Quota 1100ES. So I'm riding out with at least one guy and Melody is very happy about that (my girlfriend).

I also picked up a nice DSLR camera so won't have to fiddle with the point-n-shoot. I'll be really happy with better quality pictures at the museum and the track.

Yeah, we'll have to get together for dinner and such.

[Tyrroneous]

Years ago, the STN contingency that attended the races at Barber used to meet for dinner at Superiors Mexican Grill (located on Hwy 280) on Saturday night.  It sounds like it might be time to reinstate this long lost tradition?



And for those staying in the 450/280 area, there are some cool backroads that can be taken all the way to the track.

[mesmotized]

Years ago, the STN contingency that attended the races at Barber used to meet for dinner at Superiors Mexican Grill (located on Hwy 280) on Saturday night.  It sounds like it might be time to reinstate this long lost tradition?



And for those staying in the 450/280 area, there are some cool backroads that can be taken all the way to the track.

I am interested.  I am not springing for a hotel though, so it would depend on what you mean by Saturday "night".  I could probably stay until 9 pm (at the latest).  That way I could make the 3 hour trek home to Atlanta and still make it home at a sensible hour.

[R Doug]

I've booked a room at the LQ for Friday and Saturday nights.  I'll miss the activities on Friday at the track.  But, I'll be there all day Sat and Sun.  

Unless something comes up, I'll see you then.  

[raptor2a]

Anyone know what time the races start on Sat?  aren't they at like 2 or 3? I want to be sure I leave in plenty of time to get there on Sat...if they are early, I may come over on Fri as well.

I've booked a room at the LQ for Friday and Saturday nights.  I'll miss the activities on Friday at the track.  But, I'll be there all day Sat and Sun.  

Unless something comes up, I'll see you then.  

[R Doug]

Anyone know what time the races start on Sat?  aren't they at like 2 or 3? I want to be sure I leave in plenty of time to get there on Sat...if they are early, I may come over on Fri as well.

I believe all of the races are in the afternoon but there is qualifying in the morning.  Also, there's the museum.