We were bounced off our return flight from seeing 'The Mouse' last year and, as such, were given 6 'free' flights for our inconvenience.... Sooo.... I have managed to persuade my wife and kids that we should visit California with our good fortune and, whilst there, 'Wouldn't it be a real education to spend some time visiting the national parks in Utah? I have heard that the Salt Flats are a real site to behold and the best time of the year to visit them would be some time around the 14th August....' As you can imagine I was busted in less than a minute (Damn kids and the internet...) but I have a pass to leave them for 3 days whilst I head out to Bonneville, so its not all bad! So, as I am on a shirt button budget, can anyone suggest a place to stay, places to eat etc? Really don't want to be walking around like Billy no mates so would love to meet up and tag along with anyone that is going, doubt if I will get a chance like this again so really want to make the most of it. I have done a search, read the numerous write ups by the great and the good but would really appreciate any tips or pointers that you can pass on. If there are any guys going from the UK let me know. As you can imagine, I am VERY excited and have already begun to count off the days.... Look forward to your comments and advice, P.
i get the topo done by then i'll have an open seat..but it's going to be a real effort to make it....but it is ultimatlely what i am shooting for.. SALT... 2010...i'll know way before then..right now i'm trying to get it assembled enough to make autorama the end of feb......and that looks like it is going to be do-able.....
Well if there is any assistance I can give just give me a shout. The commute from Essex to Michigan might mean that helping out in the garage might be a bit tricky but let me know! P.
Last year, 2009, was my first time to the Salt. The word here was just go, everything will work out, don't overthink it, just go. "They" were right. I had no place to stay, no idea where anything was and no wheels. It all worked out fine. I was crewing on a car, but they were staying at 200 a night in Wendover. And by the time I got on the plan ALL the rooms were gone, everywhere. Bought a $30 tent and a $35 cot and got dropped off at the Bend in the road. The Sinclair off route 80 is walking distance, shower, C-store and restaurant. Always got a ride back to the Bend. Only walked one way each time. Always got a ride to the Salt in the AM by hitch-hiking, And the team brought me back to the Bend on the way out at night. If I were you I'd rent a car in CA. drive out to the Salt. Stay at the bend, You could just sleep in the car. use the Sinclair for the facilities or the "Trucker's Rest" in West Wendover for a $2 shower. Eat at Mildred's burgers at least once. $12.95 Prime rib at the Red Garter Casino. Smith's grocery/supermarket if you are really budget minded. Oh, and if you rent a car, you could taxi me around and I'll show you the good spots Take a side trip to the Airbase in Wendover where the Enola Gay was based. Frank.
Hi Frank, Will have a car, only way I can get out there, so looks like I better get a 'Taxi' light to stick on the roof of the rental! P.
Paul Y: PM me when it gets closer to August. I just returned from a six week trip of racing events around the U.S. and I hitch hiked the whole way, via the HAMB. It'll all work out if it's meant to. If you're willing to crew on a car and/or perform some labor, you'll be doing it the same way thousands of passionate lowbuckers have done it since rodding began. I figured if it was good enough for Burt Munro, it's good enough for me, too. Personally, I think doing Bonneville on the cheap is the traditional way... and a great adventure!
HI P, one of our guys did also get a rental car, and the rental people were not upset when the car got returned. There is a guy with a pressure washer at the "End of the road" that will clean the underside of the car and the car wash in West wendover has a Vac for the carpets. And this year there was high school girls washing cars in the Mandalay parking lot for donations to the school. You just need to tell the rental people you are going to Salt Lake City, UT. NOT to Bonneville. You won't be disapointed with speedweek. Everyone is friendly, and helpful. Seems like half the people there are HAMBers. Frank
Since you have the luxury of a rental car, you could also stay in Wells or in Salt lake City near the airport for cheap. We pricelined a extended stay suite hotel for $45 a nite, but its an hour from the SLC airport to the flats. kinda takes the fun out of it, unless you go into SLC at nite. They do have a brewpub or two and a great mexican place there.
We plan to get our guys together on the salt again this year, so keep in touch. You're welcome to hang with us any time you want, we'll be there all week. Cheers
I have a friend in the UK who, I think, is planning a trip to the salt in 2010. I will e-mail him and find out what his plans are. I planning to go with the sidecar. But the last thing you will be doing is "walking around like billy no mates". You will find we are a friendly bunch. Just stop and say hello and next thing you know you will be crewing for sombody or at worst you will have a new friend. I will be staying at the 5 star Bend in the Road in a 30 year old RV. I'm assuming the better half and the nippers will be left in SoCal and you will be heading to the salt on your own. If thats the case the bend is the place for you. When you get here (SoCal) buy a cheap tent and airbed and sleeping bag and you're set. Seldom Seen Slim puts out porta potties and the truck stop has food and showers cheap. But be warned! If you do show up it won't be your last! On my first trip there the salt was wet and I swore I would never return (I figured I wouldn't have to. I had about a ton and a half of salt stuck to everything). But I've been back and (God willin') I'll be back next year. Hope to see you there.
firingorder1????,no good hiding behind another name Bill i would recognise that Weslake anywhere!!. PaulY as many people have said just do it. As Bill said we are going back to the salt but in 2011 not 10,to up the record we set in 07!. Do not be scared you will be Billy No Mates for not very long once you start talking and asking questions because the salt family as it is known is the most friendliest in the whole world. If you have a car and do not mind roughing it (camping) then the bend in the road is the place to be,and i hear rumours that they know how to party. During the day or should that be days,as you will not see it all in one day as the place is huge as the pic below will show. The pic is a big one so save it to your PC and then zoom in and you will find a red arrow (no not a plane) but us waiting in line to race. If you have any questions that i can answer feel free to ask. David
^^^^ There you go Paul. David is one of the good guys. He'll tell you all you need to know. But in truth all you need to know is how to get there. The rest will take care of itself. See ya there in 2010!
You can stay in Wendover if you can get a room. Tooele Utah (pronounced two-will-uh) is the next biggest town on the way to Salt Lake City. They will have some hotel rooms. It is also home to Miller Motorsports Park. They have a cool collection in the museum there. Mostly Cobras, GT40s and Mustangs as Mr. Miller was (rip) a huge Ford/Shelby fan. It is probably 45 minutes from Tooele to the salt. Another 20 minutes or so to SLC.
We'll definitely be there opening day again this year. We always have a shade tent set up in a great spot to watch the racing. Plenty of water, and a few extra chairs for wandering foreigners. last year we had a kiwi stop by, gave him a drink of water and he fell asleep in our chairs for half the day. Turned out to be a really cool guy. Hit me up when we get closer to speedweek and I'll give you my contact info. We're hoping to be there this year in a '55 Chev and a '54 Chev instead of my truck. Either way, JUST GO!
Sleep in the back of the rental car or on the ground at the "bend in the road". Buy a tarp and light sleeping bag and donate it to the Salvation Army when you leave. Bring lots of sun tan lotion and water. You will have lots of new friends when you leave the salt. Wear an odd English t shirt- anything to to get the conversation going. Food is easy- a room to sleep in is hard to get and expensive. Remember it's a 12 hour drive from LA to the salt. Come and say "Hi" to me; i'll be driving the "Stupid Car" and picking up the trash.
We never had a problem getting a room and then something happened in 08, we couldnt get a room so we booked in Wells. Its about 50 miles away. We did a quick check the second day with hotels in Wendover and picked up a room for a couple of days, worked out nicely. This year once again we couldn't get a room. We were just going to camp or stay in Wells again. A couple weeks out just for grins we tried Wendover hotels again...They had some cancellations and we got a room. Just make your plans to go, keep trying for a room, something will happen. Id have to say there is just something about Bonneville that people just seem to be more friendly there...stuff will work out.
This will be my first trip to the salt also. After listening to Safari-Wagon and the Rolling Bones at SEMA 2009 we decided that we will be making the maiden voyage in our yet to be completed 1927 Model t tub and will be camping at the Bend. With a four door tub there will be extra sitting room so the ride will be free and no top so it will also be a sunny one. Cant wait, especially since it is only 25 degrees outside right this minute. Now thinking warm thoughts of bright white salt and the sound of hotrods echoing in the distant.
there is a good chance that myself and about 6 others, from the sw Mo. area will be going and if we do we will be doing it the traditional way camping, I'll keep track of this thread and let everyone know for sure, would love to meet you all and would help in any way possible.
I suddenly feel a lot more loved! Really can't wait, going to camp on the bend and go for the full fat experience. Best bit is one of my children has decided that he would like to get salt fever and has started to scope out what the etiquette is. The rest will be spending a few days in Vegas so I can go guilt free. Closer to the date I will post up a picture of my ugly mug so that you will know who to avoid..... Thanks again for all the positive info guys, look forward to seeing you on the salt! P.
The Jalopy Journal
