Tell Me What To See And Do At The Reno Air Races

Your friend who told you Reno is VERY sketch during the evening downtown in the casino district gave you good advice....I lived nearby (Truckee) for several years and know the area well.

Minden should be awesome....don't know if you'll have time/inclination/money...but Tim Brill at Acrobatic Company is based there at RTS...he is GREAT at acro and teaching you things about the a/c that are hard to learn otherwise.
Lake Tahoe during the day is awesome is you have time or on the trip to/from....consider Sand Harbor on the Nevada side...its not far out of your way...
enjoy:)
 
.?? Reno at night has to be one of the deadest places I've been, it's like the Ft. Meyers of the west. Even the crackheads are geriatric.
 
John221us said:
Last time I stayed at the Venetian, I think the cheapest BJ table I saw was $20. They even wanted $20 to use the gym for a couple of hours. I am not normally cheap, but I just went for a run outside.
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They have BJ tables in the casinos for $20? I thought that sort of thing had to be done outside the cities in Nevada. :)
 
kimberlyanne546 said:
You're joking, right? You do realize that when I get there I won't know anyone?! How is that a groupie nonsense (whatever that means)?

A POA member posted that they needed help. I volunteered, took a week off work (half my earnings for the year), and looked through my stuff to sell things on Craigslist to afford the hotel and food... I'm going to help out some pilot I've never met and to see some airplanes fly. That's it. Why is that nonsense?
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Aren't there pilot bunnies who just hang out at airports all the time hoping to get rides on planes, or more, from pilots?
 
John221us said:
The Mustang Ranch is about 20 miles east, or so I have heard...
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Lol, yep, just by the railroad tracks and siding by Sparks. We were tied up there one night with the Sperry Car when a couple girls came over and invited us to join them. Apparently there is a long standing tradition of welcome for the Sperry crews after they had put out a fire there in earlier years.:D I just wonder if that tradition survived the period when the Federal Government was running the Ranch...:rofl: I always wondered if the girls there got a GS rating and what it would have been.:lol:
 
LJS1993 said:
Aren't there pilot bunnies who just hang out at airports all the time hoping to get rides on planes, or more, from pilots?
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I give rides to pilots in my plane (most of the rides I get from other pilots originate at their home airports and are planned well in advance such as formation flying, Angel Flights, or fly-ins).

I don't go to the airport to "hang out" with no formal plans - it is too far from my apartment to do so. If I'm there, I am there for a flight or a meeting such as Young Eagles, Angel Flight, a personal flight, to act as a safety pilot, to wash an airplane, to attend our monthly dinners, or to participate in the bombing. I don't just show up at the airport and hope for stuff. The first 8 months of my training, I flew roughly 1-3 days per week and not one person said "hello" at the gas pump, restaurant, or flight school. I was completely alone in my quest for my certificate. Then one day the airport manager / weekend manager came over to my plane and introduced himself, saying he'd seen me around for months. That was in 2011.
 
kimberlyanne546 said:
I give rides to pilots in my plane (most of the rides I get from other pilots originate at their home airports and are planned well in advance such as formation flying, Angel Flights, or fly-ins).

I don't go to the airport to "hang out" with no formal plans - it is too far from my apartment to do so. If I'm there, I am there for a flight or a meeting such as Young Eagles, Angel Flight, a personal flight, to act as a safety pilot, to wash an airplane, to attend our monthly dinners, or to participate in the bombing. I don't just show up at the airport and hope for stuff. The first 8 months of my training, I flew roughly 1-3 days per week and not one person said "hello" at the gas pump, restaurant, or flight school. I was completely alone in my quest for my certificate. Then one day the airport manager / weekend manager came over to my plane and introduced himself, saying he'd seen me around for months. That was in 2011.
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By no means did I mean to insinuate that you were an aviation bunny. However there have to be some aviation bunnies/groupies around that air show just waiting to get a "ride" from some wannabe top guns.
 
Having toured (very briefly) with a band, I can assure you that groupies do not look or behave like in the movies.

As jazz musicians, our groupies tend to either be octogenarians or still hanging out in diapers (yep, we've done more than a few gigs for the stroller set). Occasionally, both.

I have a suspicion airshow "groupies" might tend a bit toward the midlife-crisis crowd. And the kids.
 
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MAKG1 said:
Having toured (very briefly) with a band, I can assure you that groupies do not look or behave like in the movies.

As jazz musicians, our groupies tend to either be octogenarians or still hanging out in diapers (yep, we've done more than a few gigs for the stroller set). Occasionally, both.

I have a suspicion airshow "groupies" might tend a bit toward the midlife-crisis crowd. And the kids.
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:rofl::rofl::rofl: Queen did a song about groupies, it was called 'Fat Bottom Girls'.:rofl::rofl::rofl: Since I maintained the van for the liquor store across the street that had the booze contract with the production company that put on all the big shows in St. Louis I got to go on the booze deliveries when I wanted and stick around for the show. I can attest to the truth of Freddie's words...:lol: It's also amazing what a fifth of Jack will get you...
 
LJS1993 said:
By no means did I mean to insinuate that you were an aviation bunny. However there have to be some aviation bunnies/groupies around that air show just waiting to get a "ride" from some wannabe top guns.
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I don't think I will have time. I think they have me working between 4-6 hours each day, and, if I'm free, I'll probably volunteer more than that. I will be exhausted (the tower has no elevator, only stairs).

As mentioned before, someone needed help, posted their need on POA, so I volunteered to help them. I didn't even expect to meet the pilots let alone get a ride in their airplane. That's not what this is about for me. If I work from 10am - 3pm Tues - Sun or whatever (or more) that's plenty.
 
kimberlyanne546 said:
I don't think I will have time. I think they have me working between 4-6 hours each day, and, if I'm free, I'll probably volunteer more than that. I will be exhausted (the tower has no elevator, only stairs).

As mentioned before, someone needed help, posted their need on POA, so I volunteered to help them. I didn't even expect to meet the pilots let alone get a ride in their airplane. That's not what this is about for me. If I work from 10am - 3pm Tues - Sun or whatever (or more) that's plenty.
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You'll have fun with Jerry, he's a buddy. He's the one who called me about the 310 coming up for sale.
 
Henning said:
You'll have fun with Jerry, he's a buddy. He's the one who called me about the 310 coming up for sale.
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I knew that he knew you and in a way I guess I know you too.

Is this like that Kevin Bacon thing - how many degrees of Henning separation?
 
kimberlyanne546 said:
I don't think I will have time. I think they have me working between 4-6 hours each day, and, if I'm free, I'll probably volunteer more than that. I will be exhausted (the tower has no elevator, only stairs).

As mentioned before, someone needed help, posted their need on POA, so I volunteered to help them. I didn't even expect to meet the pilots let alone get a ride in their airplane. That's not what this is about for me. If I work from 10am - 3pm Tues - Sun or whatever (or more) that's plenty.
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I will make a point that you meet plenty of pilots that will fly circles arounds most aviators you met in the past.

Hoot Gibson (former shuttle commander)
Bob Hoover...really

Along with others that will talk your ears off.




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kimberlyanne546 said:
Hello everyone,

Have any of you ever been to the Reno Air Races? I have signed up to volunteer for 6 days in a row, about 4-6 hours each day, in one of the communications areas.

Other than that, my time is to myself, and I'm wondering what you think I should not miss.

I will have my car and a hotel so "Reno suggestions" are welcome also. I've been told that walking the hotel late at night is OK but to not walk the streets alone at night. Other than this, I know nothing about the event, the races, the airshows, etc.

Thanks for your help, I want to make a "bucket list". I will probably have access to some unique things, so assume I can see whatever area it is you think I should see.

There are over 1,000 volunteers at the Races each year. If this goes well I hope to help them in coming years. I will stay 7 nights at my hotel - so I'll be there even before the racing starts..... my first day to report to "work" is Tuesday morning.

Kimberly
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My suggestion is that you just show up and have a good time.

To me, the best thing about going to different places in the U.S. is just seeing what happens when you show up and start talking to people.

That's probably true of most developed foreign countries, too, but I'm not really a world traveler.
 
radiokaos said:
Kevin bacon....let me get my heathen dance shoes on and...footloose.


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Bacon goes with pancakes and maple syrup...mmmm Thinking about flying out on the 11th....gotta find out what day I need to be back on the boat.
 
Goofy said:
Would have enjoyed introducing you to some of racers and crews but it sounds like you have it all under control. Hey, what the hell do I know....
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When someone says, "Hey, I'm going to the biggest air race in U.S. history, but I need someone to tell me what to do", what's your first reaction?
 
BurtM said:
When someone says, "Hey, I'm going to the biggest air race in U.S. history, but I need someone to tell me what to do", what's your first reaction?
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No silly, I will of course go to the races. I'm working there. Just didn't know how much free time I'll have each day (my volunteer job is in a location where I can't see the event, I'll be in a back room somewhere isolated).

I meant what should I make a point of seeing / not miss. Also, I refuse to research this because I want to be excited. In other words, I don't want to read all the hype and then be let down. I figure, I'll be there for a week and will "figure it out when I get there".

But then I caved last weekend and snuck a peak. My jaw dropped. I thought they did "lap times" like one at a time or something. But no! They were actually racing at the same time. Oh my freaking goodness, that was an eye opening video!!!
 
kimberlyanne546 said:
No silly, I will of course go to the races. I'm working there. Just didn't know how much free time I'll have each day (my volunteer job is in a location where I can't see the event, I'll be in a back room somewhere isolated).

I meant what should I make a point of seeing / not miss. Also, I refuse to research this because I want to be excited. In other words, I don't want to read all the hype and then be let down. I figure, I'll be there for a week and will "figure it out when I get there".

But then I caved last weekend and snuck a peak. My jaw dropped. I thought they did "lap times" like one at a time or something. But no! They were actually racing at the same time. Oh my freaking goodness, that was an eye opening video!!!
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When you are working you will not be isolated. Yes you wont see the races at that moment but you will see other stuff that is part of the races.

Don't worry you will have a fun time and I'm sure you will want to come back in years to come.

You might see something like this which is not part of the races.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avurRGFw8b4

Yes this is not a timed race but they race neck and neck.

I was in the pace plane and this is what it looks life from the sky.

http://vimeo.com/303766
 
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Sam D said:
Kimberly -- You can check out the El Rancho drive in while you are there and then tell me how your experience was. It's our theater.

Sam
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You have a drive-in theater? I haven't watched a movie in a year or two (I'm weird). Sitting there alone in my car might be strange. Especially if the other cars are moving....
 
Oh I see you have to turn on your car stereo. I'm afraid my battery has been odd lately (though it is fairly new). Wonder how many "complementary jump starts" you have to give per your FAQ's.

Is it OK to drain a car battery turning up the stero for a 1.5 hour movie?

I thought they still had those boxes that go in your window.

EDIT: pretty cool idea that, during the day, you use it as a public market / garage sale space. Makes sense because you have all that land and movies are only at night.
 
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kimberlyanne546 said:
Oh I see you have to turn on your car stereo. I'm afraid my battery has been odd lately (though it is fairly new). Wonder how many "complementary jump starts" you have to give per your FAQ's.

Is it OK to drain a car battery turning up the stero for a 1.5 hour movie?

I thought they still had those boxes that go in your window.

EDIT: pretty cool idea that, during the day, you use it as a public market / garage sale space. Makes sense because you have all that land and movies are only at night.
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Yes, its a great business for a piece of property you already own and before you develop it into something else. To buy property to put in a drive-in...not so much!

I see you saw the free jump starts part. Just don't be one of our customers that brings in an old couch to watch the movie from and then leave it there!
 
Henning said:
Not this year, probably next year and I'll do the next step. Although... :idea: I could do it as a Day VFR flight permit to do my annual there....
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No excuse to come out to Reno. There might not be a next year so get off your duff and do it


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Schedule filling up quickly! Leaving tonight after work, super late check in to my hotel and then passing out.

Turns out that a 3D / IMAX movie about the races is playing each night at 7 and 8 for 2 weeks - if any of you going want to check that out.

I'm all set for Wednesday, out of town - my first glider / aerobatic lesson! I will be with a cheif flight instructor. Fun. This was a gift I bought for my boyfriend / me about 3 years ago when I'd never been in a plane or glider. I saw it on TV and the whole deal was "half off". Not sure why I bought it at that time, and haven't been in Nevada at all since I bought it, but now I figured "why not"? What a fun treat.
 
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