Nationals Advice

[Hank Wallace]

I am making plans to go to my first Solo Nationals this year and am looking for advice.

Where do people recommend to stay? Where should I stay away from?
Do people generally buy their HoHo's before Nats or is there a way to have them delivered/mounted there?
Is there a "test" course? I am running Thu/Fri, but want to plan on when to get there.

What questions should I be asking?

[pj]

1.  I've stayed at the Horizon and the HoJo.  Neither are very nice, but I can't complain for the price.  

2.  I bring down 3 sets (2 dry, 1 rain) and have 1 set delivered, although that includes the ProSolo.  If you're planning on testing with used tires then you can definitely have tires delivered by Hoosier (or Goodyear), though there's a delivery charge as well as the cost of mounting and balancing.

3.  There's a test course that runs pretty much the entire week.  You generally have to sign up for your time slot pretty early, although I don't believe it's open yet.

4.  Walmart in Lincoln sells bicycles for around $80 if you don't have room to bring one out (although we were toying with the idea of having a Craigslist Bike Challenge).  HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to not walk the mile between everything on site.

5.  If you're running Thursday/ Friday, you'll need a MAP torch and paint scraper, or some kind of powered paint scraper, unless you can manage to get to the wet skid pad while it's open.

6.  Don't forget to have fun.  Nationals is the best party of the year.

[Kathy Barnes]

We've stayed at the Days Inn on O Street. 
I don't know anything about tires,  people who do well  try to keep them clean between days.  The rest of us watch them work.
The test course is usually open through Wednesday.
Prepare for all forms of weather,  and then pack one more pair of shoes and an extra sunscreen. 
Bikes are very helpful,  Nate steals bicycles from everybody.
You can rent golf carts and if walking or biking is a problem - you should.  I borrow golf carts a lot.
The food onsite is marginal but decent food is not far away. 
Annie's Sunshine Cafe has surprisingly good food
There is a hardware section in the IGA near the site.

Boulevard is a local favorite. 

kb

[Kathy Barnes]

Nationals is the best party of the year.

[pzahornasky]

I borrow golf carts a lot.


kb

She practices at RAL.  <ducking>

[Jenna]

Totally forgot about that - the season opener for University of Nebraska Huskers is Fri/Sat - it makes doing things downtown a real challenge.

BuzzThru has the best contingency program IN THE WORLD. I don't know what Kathy is talking about - the Idaho Nachos on site are delicious, though you will look like you belong on the football team if you eat too many.

The earlier you get to the site, the better your chances of being able to pit with the rest of the region. It's also worth going to the banquet to either collect your trophy or cheer for your friends, especially if you are running R/F.

This year, we are staying at the Days Inn on West O Street. Rooms are starting to book quickly.

[solo-x]

Totally forgot about that - the season opener for University of Nebraska Huskers is Fri/Sat - it makes doing things downtown a real challenge.

BuzzThru has the best contingency program IN THE WORLD. I don't know what Kathy is talking about - the Idaho Nachos on site are delicious, though you will look like you belong on the football team if you eat too many.

The earlier you get to the site, the better your chances of being able to pit with the rest of the region. It's also worth going to the banquet to either collect your trophy or cheer for your friends, especially if you are running R/F.

This year, we are staying at the Days Inn on West O Street. Rooms are starting to book quickly.

The Days Inn on West O Street is full now. Anybody book a room for the Pro and Nationals that has a spare bed?