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

kimberlyanne546

kimberlyanne546

Final Approach
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Kimberly
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
 
well you should be able to get a pit pass being a volunteer. I'd take advantage of that and get a little behind the scenes look on how they get those aircraft ready to race. Besides that I guess it depends on your aircraft taste. I like watching the Sport Class with all the homebuilts. Of course the Gold Class is what they're famous for.
 
Velocity173 said:
well you should be able to get a pit pass being a volunteer. I'd take advantage of that and get a little behind the scenes look on how they get those aircraft ready to race. Besides that I guess it depends on your aircraft taste. I like watching the Sport Class with all the homebuilts. Of course the Gold Class is what they're famous for.
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Thank you. Yes, I've been told I will get to see whatever the public can buy tickets to see and then even some parts of the airport that nobody sees. Walking up the steps to the top of the control tower (fingers crossed) and stuff like that. I will be happy with whatever I am given access to (and take full advantage if I can), but I won't try to get into anything I'm not supposed to, we shall see.
 
Aeric said:
I can't see one iota of humor in this, this was a tragedy beyond belief.
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If Leeward had been 50 feet to the right and gone into the grandstands that would have been "beyond belief"... They got darn lucky he hit in front of the crowds..:hairraise::sad:,

Still ,a VERY bad deal:eek:....
 
Tell us what you saw when you get back... Have fun...

EDIT
Oh, and this thread is worthless without pictures :goofy:
 
Aeric said:
I can't see one iota of humor in this, this was a tragedy beyond belief.
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Meh, it was a crash at a race. Tragic I'll give you, but beyond belief? Hardly, when machines are pushed to the limits this happens, it's inevitable, it's part of racing. At the 1979 US Nationals drag races a Funny Car floated a valve and his supercharger departed taking out the Diamond P camera man 30' away from me. Had it blown a tenth of a second earlier it may have been me and a few more people in the stands.
 
Henning said:
Meh, it was a crash at a race. Tragic I'll give you, but beyond belief? Hardly, when machines are pushed to the limits this happens, it's inevitable, it's part of racing. At the 1979 US Nationals drag races a Funny Car floated a valve and his supercharger departed taking out the Diamond P camera man 30' away from me. Had it blown a tenth of a second earlier it may have been me and a few more people in the stands.
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Ok, hyperbole retracted...
I still think the passing of 11 people is not to be taken lightly.
 
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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The races should be awesome, I'll say no more:yesnod:.
As for other things to do, Reno is kinda sketchy. There is a bowling museum:rolleyes2:. If you have any extra time or day, get out of Reno and take the short drive to Lake Tahoe, it'll be considerably cooler with crystal clean air. The beaches, trails, waterfalls, etc. are beautiful.
 
If you get a chance go out and stand under the race course while the unlimiteds are flying over. We used to sit at the end of the hangers and watch. You can see the big radial powered planes jump forward everytime a cylinder fires.....at least it seems that way. I was never that impressed with the P51's and other inline powered planes but something about a 28 cylinder radial turning 3000+ rpm can wake you up. Watching the Sea Fury with an 18 cylinder sleeve valve engine rumble is something else too.

Watch the formula ones. They are small and don't get a lot of coverage but they are really something else. I crewed for a couple pilots back in the late 80's and early 90's. Most of these planes are built by a guy or two and get a lot of performance out of a little engine. Think about the 150 you got your ticket in and imagine it doing over 250mph. Same engine though running a bit faster than the normal 2750rpm. When they started going to composite construction and longer wings you could see some of them flapping around the course...at least it looked that way. The longer wings flexed more and the air is bumpy with 8 planes and thermals roiling it up. We ran the first carbon prop at the races in 87 I think on AeroMagic flown by Jon Sharp. New tech is moving in but the engines are still just O-200's.

Lots of neat stuff to see around reno. Pyramid lake, Tahoe, Carson City, Minden, Virginia City.....depends a lot on your interests.

Hope that helps

Frank
 
Aeric said:
The races should be awesome, I'll say no more:yesnod:.
As for other things to do, Reno is kinda sketchy. There is a bowling museum:rolleyes2:. If you have any extra time or day, get out of Reno and take the short drive to Lake Tahoe, it'll be considerably cooler with crystal clean air. The beaches, trails, waterfalls, etc. are beautiful.
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Probably not, the races go until 5pm each day and depending if I work mornings or afternoons, I might not be done until 6 or 7. I have plans on Wed and Sat nights already and I'm assuming the other nights will either fill up or I will be tired from all the walking and just relax in my room. I also have a roommate so that will be fun. Don't know how far away Tahoe is from the venue. I don't have a "day off" to do Tahoe, at most I'd only have a few hours and even then the races go each day from early morning until 5 so I will probably need to stay local.
 
John221us said:
I don't know what hotel you are staying at, but the Grand Sierra Resort has a good pool area and a driving range. Atlantis has a decent pool area, too. Both Grand Sierra and Silver Legacy have good entertainment lineups.

http://www.grandsierraresort.com/entertainment/calendar

http://www.silverlegacyreno.com/entertainment/grande-exposition-hall/
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I decided not to post my hotel on an internet forum since I'm staying alone the first few nights (then switching hotels when my roomie arrives Thursday night). I did look up things to do and saw very few:

1. comedy / talent shows

2. food trucks

3. the gym / fitness center in my hotel

(I do not hang out at swimming pools or hot tubs, not my thing)

That's about it.
 
John221us said:
I don't know what hotel you are staying at, but the Grand Sierra Resort has a good pool area and a driving range. Atlantis has a decent pool area, too. Both Grand Sierra and Silver Legacy have good entertainment lineups.

http://www.grandsierraresort.com/entertainment/calendar

http://www.silverlegacyreno.com/entertainment/grande-exposition-hall/
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Wait, driving range? I don't play golf but that could be super fun. However, the first 2-3 days I'll be alone and I am just not that comfortable seeing a show alone or going to a driving range alone, you know?
 
I went to the air races the one and only time it wasn't held at Reno. It was at Cape May NJ. I was 17 years old, and it was the greatest experience ever! Even got to see Art Scholl...
 
I just realized I bought a $300 value (or something) glider certificate on TV about 3 years ago when I was not a pilot. It is located at Minden in Nevada. I called them but said I did not know my schedule.


So one day (or Monday after we're all done) I get to sneak off to Minden, do aerobatics in a glider with a CFI and log some glider training in my logbook for "free". How cool is that?!
 
kimberlyanne546 said:
Wait, driving range? I don't play golf but that could be super fun. However, the first 2-3 days I'll be alone and I am just not that comfortable seeing a show alone or going to a driving range alone, you know?
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Why not? Those shows are not in some seedy theaters and the driving range is just outside the parking lot. :rolleyes:

Get bold Girl! :yikes:
 
Goofy said:
Why not? The shows are not in some seedy theater and the driving range is just outside the parking lot. Get bold Girl! :yikes:
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I have been advised not to walk around alone at night. If someone tells me that I usually listen. How do you think I made it this long in SF without any incidents - not even one minor incident? Because I know how to stay safe.
 
Well, in Reno, you could pay the Stupidity Tax (casino).

But that's not much fun when you can calculate the odds.

I spent too much time there as a kid; the parents had a condo in Sparks. As kids, my sister and I had to hang out at casinos, feeding quarters to the video games, almost always at the Nugget.

The days when you could count on a top jazz act like Count Basie in a Nevada casino have gone. Too bad; the CB Orchestra is still around, just not there.

Maybe you could get some mountain training. Lake Tahoe is not far, and Mammoth is only a little further.
 
kimberlyanne546 said:
I'm driving from SF, I have my car, no reason to pay a cab. It has probably been 5-10 years since I've been in a cab.
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Fine, whatever, sit in your room. :mad2:

Have been doing the races for over 12 years. Volunteered for 6, lived there for 5. But I guess you have better information. Kinda like a get-together at the coast in the summer.... :nono:

Go get em Kim. :idea:
 
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MAKG1 said:
Well, in Reno, you could pay the Stupidity Tax (casino).

But that's not much fun when you can calculate the odds.

I spent too much time there as a kid; the parents had a condo in Sparks. As kids, my sister and I had to hang out at casinos, feeding quarters to the video games, almost always at the Nugget.

The days when you could count on a top jazz act like Count Basie in a Nevada casino have gone. Too bad; the CB Orchestra is still around, just not there.

Maybe you could get some mountain training. Lake Tahoe is not far, and Mammoth is only a little further.
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I have plans for mountain training both this year (I think) and next year. I won't have the extra money for mountain training when I'm in Reno, though this probably is a good time of year.
 
Goofy said:
Fine, whatever, sit in your room. :mad2:
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I doubt I'll be in my tiny room much if at all. I have plans now on Wed and Sat and one day I'll need to go to the glider school, the days should fill up.

When my roommate arrives, I can see if she would like to go with me to any of the suggested activities.
 
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....

The clique atmosphere on this forum is kinda sad. What's the point on providing any useful information when the chatter doesn't give a crap about the value of it but, instead, wants to chitty chat about some groupie nonsense.
Just thought to add some info but now know it's a total waste of time.
Sayonara...........................
 
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SF gal I know, so I am assuming you've done some Lake Tahoe excursions? If not, I'd take an afternoon and do the loop in your car. Stop at some appropriate places (suggestions available). If you had a 4x4 rental, I'd tell you to do what we affectionately call "The Bumpy Road": the fire/logging trail up to Genoa Peak. Not nearly as adventurous as it used to be, but still fun.

If they tow your glider up Kingsbury Grade (which they do often), look down around the comm tower and tell me my place has not burned down, please. Hell, if things work out, maybe I'll be there and I'll wave!
 
We all usually party ar Brew Bros. in the Silver Legacy with many of the performers Friday and Saturday night. Make sure you watch the Sunday gold heat. The pits are a must too.
 
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....

The clique atmosphere on this forum is kinda sad. What's the point on providing any useful information when the chatter doesn't give a crap about the value of it but, instead, wants to chitty chat about some groupie nonsense.
Just thought to add some info but now know it's a total waste of time.
Sayonara...........................
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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?
 
Goofy said:
Fine, whatever, sit in your room. :mad2:

Have been doing the races for over 12 years. Volunteered for 6, lived there for 5. But I guess you have better information. Kinda like a get-together at the coast in the summer.... :nono:

Go get em Kim. :idea:
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I don't have better information, I just can't afford a cab. And yeah Shelter Cove was when I personally had the time and the money to go, we all knew it would be foggy.
 
catmandu said:
SF gal I know, so I am assuming you've done some Lake Tahoe excursions? If not, I'd take an afternoon and do the loop in your car. Stop at some appropriate places (suggestions available). If you had a 4x4 rental, I'd tell you to do what we affectionately call "The Bumpy Road": the fire/logging trail up to Genoa Peak. Not nearly as adventurous as it used to be, but still fun.

If they tow your glider up Kingsbury Grade (which they do often), look down around the comm tower and tell me my place has not burned down, please. Hell, if things work out, maybe I'll be there and I'll wave!
Click to expand...

Awesome, I just talked to the people at Minden and they said mornings are best for aerobatics. I hope to get my RARA schedule soon and book my glider appointment. I will try to remember to look down and / or ask my CFI for you.
 
Henning said:
How can people be bored with all those Blackjack and Craps tables?
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If something is called "crap" do people yell the word when they lose all their money?

If they have roulette, I might play. Blackjack I don't think so. I play poker with a group of guys about once every few years, we have tournaments, though I still don't understand the rules. I don't get it enough though that they can't tell when I'm bluffing and I have literally won tournaments that way. Not always, though.
 
Craps table has the best odds in the house, only bet you have that's even money with the house is on that table. Watch the TV lesson a couple times, take the class where you learn to play on their money, and then understand the game and you can make money at it if you concentrate and have a modicum of luck. Blackjack is the most likely way good play is going to make you money.
 
Henning said:
Craps table has the best odds in the house, only bet you have that's even money with the house is on that table. Watch the TV lesson a couple times, take the class where you learn to play on their money, and then understand the game and you can make money at it if you concentrate and have a modicum of luck. Blackjack is the most likely way good play is going to make you money.
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Just remember, as you walk through the casinos, that the odds are always against you. Always.

Three years ago we were walking through the Venetian (in Vegas), and every 60 feet I calculated enough exotic materials and labor to buy my entire hotel. This went on for many hundreds of feet. And that was ONE floor of ONE casino.

They didn't buy all that by making chumps like us rich. :rolleyes:
 
Jay Honeck said:
Just remember, as you walk through the casinos, that the odds are always against you. Always.

Three years ago we were walking through the Venetian (in Vegas), and every 60 feet I calculated enough exotic materials and labor to buy my entire hotel. This went on for many hundreds of feet. And that was ONE floor of ONE casino.

They didn't buy all that by making chumps like us rich. :rolleyes:
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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.
 
When Kublai Khan had trouble getting the South Chinese to pay their taxes he sent Marco Polo down to figure out what could be done. His solution after observing local behavior? Open a casino, there was a reason KK loved that kid.
 
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