Art & Inspiration Lets all meet at bonneville....

How old are we really? Got me thinking, we ARE getting old on this board, I personally have never been to bonneville for speedweek, gonna be 65, for twenty years been gonna go, built my 36 for that trip, time to get my shit together. I stood in front of the mirror last night, and noticed the scar on my neck that nearly took my life in 2011, and I remembered my heart attack that nearly took my life a couple years ago, both of which have become less scary as time marches on.
Never have done the new year resolution thing, but here goes, come with me. I have no room at the flats, but I'm going, who's coming? Why don't we meet at the salt flats, a hamb thing, sleep on the ground, congregate, share stories, meet each other, argue over who's rod is the best, put a face to the name, develop stronger friendships over a common goal, and sleep very uncomfortably beside your car or load ten of us in an available room? Cmon, get your shit together, I'm gonna, lets do this.
LeRoy.

 

DO IT! I made the trip back in 2007 after promising myself for years that it was time. Shaking hands with the Grim Reaper back in 2005 convinced me that it was, in fact, waaaay past time. A group of us made the arrangements and off we went. Fortunately, my wife and I did not have to sleep on the ground as one of the guys we went with had accommodations at a motel.

But, let me tell you that first trip down the access road to the salt, and then actually driving out onto the salt was an experience I will never, ever forget. I'm not a particularly religious guy, but when I stood there and looked out at salt and all the racers with their cars getting ready to just go fast for the hell of it, my eyes filled with moisture and my surgically repaired heart beat much faster. I will never forget that experience. I've been involved with cars my whole life and that was the best experience ever.

So, if you can do it, well...JUST DO IT!

 

You are a little late for a sure thing for hotels, and the KOA will most likely full.
But don't let that stop you.
My wife and I have had the disease for many years and even bad year's are enjoyable. I'l be 66 and she is 69, so it is never too late, unless you are dead.
Bonneville is magical, but is having some weather and salt problems. We sat in line for 12 hours to make one pass, but that one pass was amazing.
Never give up your dreams, but also make sure you live out your dreams before it is too late.
Our trip in 1998 was to be my last trip because of my Leukemia, but wonderful things happen and here I still am.

 

Bucket list item for me that I checked off this year. Stayed at the bend and slept in the back of my truck. Definitely going back next year with my '34. I'd like to get my car to pass tech so I can make a run down the salt. I don't care if I'm competitive or not, just making a run would be cool enough for me.

 

First thing, order a rule book from SCTA, then read it five times, then read it again.
You are close enough to bring a project to El Mirage for a construction inspection, where you will get suggestions on how to finish it with-in the rules.

 

If the salt and racing conditions are good this year, I'll be there with the 640 XO/PP Virginia HAMB Special team racing this. Stop by our pit and say hello!

 

After more thought, I'm more commited, I see rooms are available, but damned if I'm gonna pay those prices, I'm not one to sleep outside, years ago when I rode, I would attend the loners campout in bakersfield over the may weekend and sleep on the ground. But, this is a big deal to me and sleeping on the ground its gonna be, something else to talk about later.
Think about it, we can meet along the way, I'll be cutting down through washington and oregon, a black 36 loafing along, old fat guy with a shit eating grin that can't be stopped, get your shit together boys, bring your pills and muscle aches, we'll be old and happy together, afterward, knowing the face of the guy whose post you're reading.....

 

Don't know if I can put together a rod but planning to go as I'm 66. Need a favorable forecast before I set out though.

 

Today on the salt. http://meso1.chpc.utah.edu/station_cameras/bflat_cam/bflat_cam_current.jpg Camera updated every 15 minutes or so.

 

Go. Don't worry about if anyone else will make it there or not....

I've been a few times. It's closer for me, but only by a little bit, it's still a two day drive.

 

Hopefully this will run in AIR class this year.

 

I’ve gone three out of the last five years after not ever being there.
I’d never drive my rod on the salt unless to run it.
The salt is mean and sticky and you will miss a lot if you just pull it out to one spot and park it. I towed a pos VW there so we could drive all over the place and not give a damn.
There have been many threads on here with on what you must take but in my book shade,beer, a chair and an FM radio are the most important.


Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.

 

I'll be 62 in August, have been wanting to go since I was 50 . I have a project car thats been on hold for years to run out there , but i finally got the short block together this fall . The race car won't be done this year , but would love to go and spectate.

 

Never been. May try this year. Certainly getting no younger. Can one bring and use a teardrop camper at the "bend", whatever that is?

Ben

 

I'm going squirrel, long drive for me, but I am going. Talked to the boss, told her she is NOT coming, cars do nothing for her. I'm ready, and yes, my truck will see the salt, seen worse.

 

I will be coming over from the U.K. for the second time next year! Last time I managed to get on the So-Cal team. Doubt I will be so lucky this time!

 

I go from time to time, personally I wouldn't drive a real nice car on the salt, but my scooter is a different story. Thinking of building a side car for this year.

 

I am in , been trying for years runnin out of time I am 75but I can still sleep on the ground. do you know the exact dates .

 

Yes. There were a few there this year. The bend is just that, the access road makes a turn to the right and it is a big open area where you can just park on the dirt. Everything from class A motorhomes to people in tents. There are no service though (just porta pottis) so you have to bring your own stuff. I was there with a buddy that has a truck camper. I slept in the back of my truck under a camper shell. Had plenty of water so I could sponge bath. It gets very hot and the salt reflects the light so make sure you have sun block. My buddy towed his Jeep so we drove that on to the salt and we had bicycles to cruise around on.

 

Aug 8-14, me too, I want to go before I run out of time. Cmon boys, lets get a movement going here, we can meet on the road, make every stop a communal affair.

 

I'll be there if I'm still breathing.....I decided years ago, I'm not waiting till "someday" do do this kind of thing!
Trolls T, I drove my F-1 PU one year and slept in the bed on an air mattress!

 

Made the trip out there in 2014. Ankle deep water for miles. It was awesome to be there. I've planned on going back every year since. Something always kept me home. This will be good and I don't want to miss it. I'll see you all at the bend. Save the salt.

 

I was there in 88 and 98. I pitched my tent at the bend in the road in 98 and someone on here had to chase it down for me during the day when the wind picked it up and took off with it.
I'm not sure I can have a hot rod to go in but the OT ride would make it.
I don't know what the cost now is but you should be able to get a shower at the truck stop for a few bucks.
One thing, no matter what you do for sleeping accommodations don't take anyone male or female or ?? along that gets bored easily There is a lot of time between cars making passes and folks who are used to circle burners or big time drag races get real bored real quick if they aren't into checking the cars out, taking photographs and maybe lookielooing in the pits and watching the action.
For those in the process of building a car to run it is a good time to observe and get a good handle on what goes on first hand. Seeing how guys set their pits up even the most bare bones operations. watching cars go though tech to see the process. Seeing what your push truck driver needs to know.
You used to be able to get on the standby list at Motels and at a certain hour they kicked the rooms loose that people hadn't yet showed up for but I am not up on that now.

Now to put something together using pieces that I already have to have something to drive down and back.

 

I’ve been to Speed Week a half dozen or so times. Do it! You will be amazed how easy it is and how low-key it is - you’ll wonder why it took you so long. Check out the cars and bikes on the salt, watch from the starting line, watch from a few miles down the long course. Then check out the nightly car show at the Nugget Casino in town (it’s one of my favorite parts).

The SCTA website has a good intro for first timers.

The KOA doesn’t take reservations until the first business day in January - so get on it if that’s your thing. It fills up for Speed Week in a day or so. I’ve always stayed in my RV at the KOA.

The RV Park at the Nugget is first-come first-serve - no reservations.

Camping on the salt at the Bend in the Road might be OK, but if it rains you’re literally stuck.

The local hotel rates are north of $300 a night during Speed Week. Some people stay in Wells an hour or so away. The salt is about 80 miles from Salt Lake City.

Do it.

 

There were several HAMB meet & greets over the years. Here we are in 2008.

Mick

 

wow this is a subject that I bring up every year! never been, got to do it!

 

DAMMIT, DO IT!
You have made me even more determined to go back there again this year. (2020)
Camp at The Bend if you have to. The camping "community" is better than any motel in many many ways.
Our van ac quit on us the minute we arrived.
During the day we were outside and cooking in the sun anyway.
At night the mountain breezes kept us comfortable for sleeping in the van with doors open.
NO BUGS.
We made it all week with no ac.
"truck stop" 10$ showers at the fuel stop nearby, free porta potties just a few campsites away, free movie "Worlds Fastest Indian" showing with free popcorn at the camping community at The Bend. Fun evenings between the races.
In between the other races going on , when the whole canyon roared, everyone turned to see the plumes and hear the pa speakers announce the speeds for Danny Thompsons record runs, or Speed Demon's new times, or Carbonite or Turbinator making history.
Or maybe hang out at Tech Inspection for a while and see the coolest of the cool cars show the inspectors all about their cars inside and out.

Or wander through the pits and see some perfectly restored Cushman scooter motor by as you watch a 39 DeSoto Airstream with a flathead inline straight eight with a Roots Supercharger on it !! fire up in advance of making another 150+ run.
Or hang out at one of the three starting lines and watch the coolest and fastest cars on the planet go for a run.

If you want more camping privacy in the evenings, simply move a few feet farther into the desert, and still have free porta potties within walking distance.
If you have ever wondered why people pay so much for "fantasy baseball camp" or " fantasy football" , then show up at Bonneville and keep an ear open for any team that is short handed and needing helpers.
VOLUNTEER to help out a short handed team,
and have the time of your life.
DO IT.
NO EXCUSES.
all you need is lots of water, lots of sunscreen, a hat, and a car seat to sleep on.
NO excuses.


WHY BE ORDINARY ?

 

Went to the World of Speed last year, drove from upstate NY. Worth the trip but world of speed is a much smaller venue but views and people were fantastic. Might do Speed week this year but think all the hotels are sold out so KOA it might be. Do it we don't live forever I'm 65 this year.

 

I first went to Bonneville in 64, and have been about 30 times since, it is great, and you will carry those memories with you for the rest of your life.

 

I checked it off the bucket list in 1998, flew out, car rental and motel in Wendover. Been back 9 or 10 times since with the hot rod 4 or 5 times, daily driver the balance. Did rooms, a couple stints at the KOA and the bend. I’m due to go again, maybe 2020. I have a tent cot which works out pretty well but I have to admit at 76 staying in a motel is looking better and better. I crewed on the 974 Studebaker for 6 or 7 years and miss that since it got retired. Unfortunately mobility is becoming an issue that takes away some of the fun.

Do while you can and while the venue remains viable.