Question for Reno Veterans

Jim Weir wrote in message . ..
If I was doing it, I'd either go into Carson City or Minden. Minden, if you've
never flown gliders, is sailplane heaven. Supposedly the best soaring
conditions in the world.

I'd also call John Ascuaga's Nugget Casino and Hotel in Sparks. Very nice
rooms, excellent food, and probably a bus to get you to the airport. That way
you only have to find out how to get a long distance (Minden to Sparks) once and
then it is a short commute.

Jim

Jay,

If the Drano..ahem...Reno hotels are full there are also a couple in
Minden/Gardnerville. The Historian Inn in Gardnerville is walking
distance to two Basque restaurants. They are a newer hotel and all
non-smoking. We've stayed at both their locations and can vouch for
their cleanliness. There is also a locally owned casino/hotel in
Minden (Carson Valley Inn, or CVI) with a very nice restaurant
(Fionas). The main floor is smoky (this is Nevada) but some of the
rooms are non-smoking.

http://www.historianinn.com (775-783-1175)
http://www.carsonvalleyinn.com (775-782-9711)

Hertz has something with Hutt Aviation at KMEV and there is Enterprise
in Carson City and Gardnerville.

Things to see include Lake Tahoe, Virginia City, and Genoa. Heck,
come a week early and catch the camel races!

http://www.allcamels.com/sf/vccr/

I live at 7,600 feet above KMEV and in addition to seeing lots of
glider tows overhead, the paragliders climb from their launch point
around 6,000 feet to disappear into the clouds overhead.

-Joe

(20 years in Tahoe and still haven't been to the races)

I used to fly sailplane races at Minden (a little south). Regarding the
weather, just plan your flights early. Finishing your flying before say
2:00 pm or so should avoid the good soaring weather and the rough cruising
weather as well as any afternoon storms.

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:32rWc.45865$Fg5.14271@attbi_s53...
Incredibly, it's looking like we might be able to make an attempt at
flying
to Reno for the air races in September. We've got the grandma lined up,
we've got the staffing set up -- all we need now is the weather.

I've been looking at our fly-in options, and it's looking surprisingly
bleak. I was disappointed to find that we can't fly into Reno/Stead
airport, where the air races are actually held. Worse, it looks like
there
really aren't very many other nearby airports, other than Reno
International.

With their typical Class C landing fees, ramp fees, and avgas at $3.38 per
gallon, flying in commercially is almost looking to be more affordable
than
flying our own plane.

Anyone got any ideas here? Is there a nearby airport that's easier and
cheaper to get into? Can anyone recommend decent lodging? (Preferably a
locally owned, non-chain hotel.)

How does everyone get from their lodging to the races? Rental cars?
Shuttle bus? Taxis?

Thanks!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

Jay,... the year I went.. I flew into Reno on a Commercial Airline.. "Reno
air".. took the FREE shuttle to the Hilton Hotel.. paid the $5 Bus service
to get to Stead each day.. and took the FREE shuttle back to the airport
when it was time to leave.. I understand the daily bus fee is higher now..

Plus you'll love the North Bar at the Reno Hilton Hotel.. right in line with
Alexis Park themes

BT

"Jay Honeck" wrote in message
news:32rWc.45865$Fg5.14271@attbi_s53...
Incredibly, it's looking like we might be able to make an attempt at
flying
to Reno for the air races in September. We've got the grandma lined up,
we've got the staffing set up -- all we need now is the weather.

I've been looking at our fly-in options, and it's looking surprisingly
bleak. I was disappointed to find that we can't fly into Reno/Stead
airport, where the air races are actually held. Worse, it looks like
there
really aren't very many other nearby airports, other than Reno
International.

With their typical Class C landing fees, ramp fees, and avgas at $3.38 per
gallon, flying in commercially is almost looking to be more affordable
than
flying our own plane.

Anyone got any ideas here? Is there a nearby airport that's easier and
cheaper to get into? Can anyone recommend decent lodging? (Preferably a
locally owned, non-chain hotel.)

How does everyone get from their lodging to the races? Rental cars?
Shuttle bus? Taxis?

Thanks!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

As others have suggested Jay, Minden is a nice spot. Not sure about
mogas but whenever I've been there, 100ll was cheaper than my home
airport.

Be sure to post and/or e-mail if the trip is a go. Just might give me
enough reason to head up there for the day. It's not a bad drive for
me...though I'd much rather fly. Ah, but there is that nasty problem of
ground transportation.

--
Jack Allison
PP-ASEL, IA Student

"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth
with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there
you will always long to return"
- Leonardo Da Vinci

(Remove the obvious from address to reply via e-mail)

I'm no fan of Reno, but attended a conference there a few months
ago - which happened to be held at the Eldorado Hotel/Casino.
I found it to be clean, well run and conveniently located - with
a big parking garage (free) next door. You can get good rates
by booking online (www.eldoradoreno.com). Good and reasonably
priced food in the numerous restaurants. If I were doing it I'd
fly into Minden (been there, but years ago), get a car from
Enterprise, and stay at the Eldo - but only because I know what
to expect there. No doubt you can get equally good deals at many
other places.

As for the air races, I went for a day a couple of years ago -
because I happened to be working temporarily in that neck of
the woods at the time. I found it more interesting to look over
all the exotic machinery in the pits and display area than to
watch the races themselves. I wouldn't make a special trip to
see it again, but would probably drop in for a day if I'm nearby.
YMMV. Hope you like it if you go.

David Johnson

I'm no fan of Reno, but attended a conference there a few months
ago - which happened to be held at the Eldorado Hotel/Casino.
I found it to be clean, well run and conveniently located - with
a big parking garage (free) next door. You can get good rates
by booking online (www.eldoradoreno.com). Good and reasonably
priced food in the numerous restaurants. If I were doing it I'd
fly into Minden (been there, but years ago), get a car from
Enterprise, and stay at the Eldo - but only because I know what
to expect there. No doubt you can get equally good deals at many
other places.

As for the air races, I went for a day a couple of years ago -
because I happened to be working temporarily in that neck of
the woods at the time. I found it more interesting to look over
all the exotic machinery in the pits and display area than to
watch the races themselves. I wouldn't make a special trip to
see it again, but would probably drop in for a day if I'm nearby.
YMMV. Hope you like it if you go.

David Johnson

I agree with David.
I'm not a gambler, but the casinos are kinda fun, especially if you've never
been before.
The El Dorado, Silver Legacy, and Circus Circus are all adjoined, which is
kinda cool.
Circus Circus is a bit cheesy, but they have a live circus act and a midway.
Don't eat at the buffet there, though!
I'd stick to El Dorado or Silver Legacy. La Strada is a great restaurant
(mushroom ravioli).
If you book soon, you can probably get good rates, and as mentioned, the
parking is free when validated.
From downtown Reno, it's probably 15 minutes to the Stead Airport.

Also, as mentioned, there is nothing in Stead!
My Dad lives there. That's the only reason (besides the air races) I'd ever
go there!

Adam

If you book soon, you can probably get good rates, and as mentioned, the
parking is free when validated.
From downtown Reno, it's probably 15 minutes to the Stead Airport.

Eldorado still has availability, as of this morning.

Their rooms are just $75 per night -- but jump to TWO HUNDRED TEN DOLLARS
per night on race weekend, Saturday and Sunday!

Jesus -- and I felt guilty for jumping our rates 20% for Big Ten Football,
and demanding a 2-night minimum stay!
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"

So, you've now gotten it down to two people...

You've got decent Reno accomodations for Thursday and Friday...

Saturday and Sunday are the outrageous lodgings prices ...

Bring the airplane to Grass Valley early Thursday and rent a cheap car in Grass
Valley on Thursday...stay in Reno Thursday and Friday nights...

Come back and stay on the airbed Saturday and Sunday at Jim & Gail's in Grass
Valley ... you are an hour and change from Minden and Carson, you are an hour
and change from Grass Valley. Whassa difference?

Problem solved.


Jim


Jim Weir (A&P/IA, CFI, & other good alphabet soup)
VP Eng RST Pres. Cyberchapter EAA Tech. Counselor
http://www.rst-engr.com