That time a year again! After reading @JIVE BOMBER’s “1st Time to Speed Week” thread yesterday, and watching “World’s Fastest Indian” for the umteenth time last night, I am JAZZED! I finally got to the Flats in 2011, hopefully not for the last time! For those of you en route, I wish you safe travel. For those still deciding, or resigned to not going, I’d like to share what I witnessed 9 years ago...a scene unlike any other on Earth! I was overwhelmed! I started shooting from the hip, and regrettably, not taking notes. I’ll do my best to keep this H.A.M.B. friendly. If you see yourself, friends, or any image catches your eye, it’s yours. Help yourself. I have few words, and many images. PLEASE, if you can add any identifiers, or comments, I welcome them! Art
Having never been to Bonneville, I find these pics incredible. It's on my list of "must do", probably not for a few years(I hope) cuz of this nasty Covid shit. When I look at all the cars there covered in salt I can't help but wonder, "do these people tear their cars down after a couple days on the salt?" I can almost hear them rusting away from here. I would fly down, not interested in driving down from the frozen north. I'm told that car rental joints will not allow their cars on the salt, is this true? When I go, do I need to buy a junker nearby & hope I make it to the salt & back? Is there bus service or a shuttle service? What have you guys done when going as a spectator?
Okay, a few more shots and I’ll put 2011 back in the box of fond memories. Not positive, but I THINK this gentle man is the King of Bonneville. Can you help me out? Expect mirages. And here’s the rig that makes all this like nowhere else on Earth. Go, see it, hear it, smell it, taste it...indescribable! Thanks for watching...stay safe, Art
Thank you sincerely @BLUSHU. You just made this thread worthwhile! My Brother and I flew into Salt Lake City from East Central Brrmont, rented a car, sed we were off to Speed Week, they sez “Don’t go off-road”, okay...Got to the Flats, followed the road in, around the Bend (hafta see it to believe it), and down the long approach to the gate. Followed the flow of traffic thru about 50 yards of 8”deep, uh, water, and, following a clearly cone-marked “road”, emerged onto another planet! That was 9 yrs. ago, pretty sure the car is no more. Personally, I would NOT take my ride onto (and all over) the Salt. A bike, sure. No idea HOW the Racers and Rodders cope with it?! (The Rollin Bones know how I bet) Before we left the city heading to Bonneville, we stopped at an RV center and stocked up on the things to make Days on the Salt enjoyable...a fly, tarp, chairs, coolers, eats, drinks, big hats, shades, sunscreen, water, and 3 adults in a compact car....and had the best week ever using up and destroying every bit of it! This is only one story. There’s a thousand more out on the Flats. Go man!
@Shutter Speed , nice pics and write up! I hear ya, last year was my first, after many years on the bucket list. The salt was wet and the racing was not great, but still an unforgettable time. I was invited to be a hanger on-er/crew for a couple of the banger guys I know, and some other good friends are official crew. We were a go this year again, staying in my buddies motorhome at the KOA, planned to help more after learning last year and getting more pictures. Both racers decided not to go, even though registered, for a few Covid related reasons. Everything got scrapped about 2 weeks ago. So bummed, but there is always next year. Pics of the cars that will unfortunately not be competing this year.
@39ChevyBob thank you Friend. Everyone has their own special experience at Bonneville. Yours is a fine example! Your next one sounds even better. Wish I could see that belly tanker a black streak on pure white! It’s cliche, but without exception the race teams there are the friendliest folks I’ve met. We spent a couple days hanging in the staging lanes, talking with crews. There was a heightened sense of something special happening, and all were willing to share it. I honestly haven’t felt the same since.
Yes @Jalopy Joker...that is of the UTMOST IMPORTANCE! I’ve responded and believe all of H.A.M.B.dom can make a difference! If you haven’t contacted the powers that be, what better time? Do it! SAVE THE SALT!
Flew into salt lake city and got the casino shuttle bus. Drops you right out side the nugget door. Crazy cheep for a return ticket. Did this last year. Sent from my KOB-L09 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
O and find the save the salt van I got T shirts and patches from there, the place is surreal, as somebody said like no place on earth. People are so friendly, lots of smiles even thoe some are under pressure. I'm sure you would pick up a lift to the salt and back, we did last year and paid for dinner as thanks. Would of loved to have been there this year, but all these grate images will make up in a way. Going to try to be there next year if this world changes for the better. Sent from my KOB-L09 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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