WCRM 2016.5 September

[bubba zanetti]

How about at the Reno Air Races Setember 16, 17 and 18  

High performance, highly modified, piston driven aircraft and motorcycles just seem like a good mix. Hmmm?
Been a few years since I have been, but can tell you it is amazing. Some good riding near bye too.

[Sport-Touring]

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I enjoyed my one and only trip to the Reno Air races! Good idea, bubba  

[Blue is Best]

Good idea. There are good roads nearby. I've never been to one of those air races either.


What's the deal on all the smoke at start-up? If my car or bike did that I'd be rebuilding it!!

[bubba zanetti]

Good idea. There are good roads nearby. I've never been to one of those air races either.


What's the deal on all the smoke at start-up? If my car or bike did that I'd be rebuilding it!!

Both the Bristol Centaurus on the Sea Furies and the Pratt and Whitney R2800 on the Bearcat,were double row 18 cylinder radial engines. And so a significant number of cylinders allow gravity to drain oil past the rings. It burns at startup. They sound insanely wonderful at full power as they flyby at over 500 mph.

The Merlin V12 on the Mustangs produce more fire than smoke as a significant amount of fuel enters the manifold before it is ignited.

Like this ...

[Blue is Best]

Good stuff. Can I get one of those engines for my car?

[Oxblood]

Motorcycles, high powered aircraft. Could be fun!

[naustin]

 

[leeo45]

Any recommendations on hotels or lodging in Reno?

It looks like this thread and also the idea of a secondary WCRM have died, however I am planning to ride out from Atlanta independent of any motorcycle gathering.   I haven't been to the air races or to Reno in at least ten years so hoping for some recent insight.   A lot of the casino hotels used to be pretty nice with great rates and covered parking.   Last time I was there the rates had skyrocketed and the facilities had declined.  I don't want to spend the week in an expensive, smoke-filled, dump.   Camping is an alternative since that's what I'll be doing on the way out.    Thanks for any info.

[bubba zanetti]

I prefer to stay in Carson City. Reno is a dump of a town in my opinion. Casinos hold no interest for me. Found it very disappointing.
Carson is a nice spot. Quick ride up to Tahoe or Virginia City, which has a wonderful graveyard.  Easy ride to the races.

[bergmen]

Other possible places to stay are North Shore Tahoe or Truckee. Truckee is about 45 minutes away from the Races. I went last year (2015) and had not been for many years. This event is like drinking from a firehose regarding super high performance racing aircraft. By all means get a pit pass, especially on the last day (Sunday). Lots and lots of furious activities getting ready for the Gold.

Hoot Gibson flying Strega (500+mph lap):



The giant prop on Rare Bear (highly modified Grumman F-8 Bearcat with a super high horsepower Wright R-3350 radial engine) requires a "3-point" takeoff, no rotation to level before reaching flying speed:





Dan

[Nodaclu]

Any recommendations on hotels or lodging in Reno?

I haven't been to the air races or to Reno in at least ten years so hoping for some recent insight.   A lot of the casino hotels used to be pretty nice with great rates and covered parking.   Last time I was there the rates had skyrocketed and the facilities had declined.  I don't want to spend the week in an expensive, smoke-filled, dump.   Thanks for any info.

Having lived there a couple of times over the years, and being a regular visitor still, I can tell you that most of the downtown hotel casinos continue to decline. The Nugget in Sparks is, sadly, in sharp decline as well.

The Peppermill and Atlantis remain two top flight options in the area (though expensive during weekends and holidays), and the rise of the Grand Sierra Resort (formerly MGM/Ballys/Reno Hilton) has been a sight to behold - defying the odds and the naysayers. It's become my first choice in the area these days. It isn't super cheap either, but seems to run at slightly better rates than the other two, on average.

Rates during the air races will likely be very high though...Carson City may be a better option - especially with the freeway (finally!!) completed between the two cities.

[bubba zanetti]

Stayed at the Motel6 in Carson City last time I was there.

I have a big trip planned in October and simply do not have the holiday time to make this. That pains me as riding to the Reno Air Races is one of the more enjoyable trips I have taken.