| Re: ALMS at Long Beach Info |
Subject: Re: ALMS at Long Beach Info by bogus on 2012/4/15 4:01:12 Long Beach this year, was, well, disappointing... and I don't blame them, it's all on me. First fail, I waited too long and didn't get Corral passes for today. This is the downside of self employment and making sure you have the free time to go. Which meant I parked somewhere near the 710 freeway. Most of you might be aware, but my lower back has been giving me grief, and the extra walking didn't help. I did get to go through the vendors at the convention center, that was neat. Lots of cool displays. I did have Corral passes for yesterday, and I could have gotten in today, but I couldn't park there. That was the real rub. But yesterday was a weather washout. To get to any of the corrals, you have to drive over the beach! Well, the rain had turned that gnarly. I made it ok, but my wheels are still packed. Tomorrow, I am taking the car through the wash to make sure I don't get any salt staining. Pop up the 2nd picture and you will see what I mean (red lines). Looking at that same map, to give you an idea, I was parked on the far left side of the that picture... where Ocean blvd fades off the photo. I was on the right side of the water, tho... The start finish line is kinda between the words "circuit" and "long" on the map on Shoreline Dr. And it was cold and windy yesterday. They actually cancelled qualifying. The weather today was cool, but the skies were crystal clear. If you watched on TV, it was a lovely to see in person as it was to see on TV. Seriously; just cool, about 60F. Compared to last year, when it was 90F! Make up your mind!!! So at about 2:30, I decided to leave the convention center and head towards the corral and then the paddock... when I realized two things, a) my back was killing me and b) (the other fail) I HAD FORGOTTEN TO PUT MEMORY IN MY CAMERA!!! No pictures for you, asshole. It was at that time, I was totally disgusted with myself, and decided to go home and watch the race on TV... I wasn't destined to do what I wanted, which was get some cool photos, so why subject myself to the worst parking exit after the race... For me to get out, I would have to follow W Shoreline drive going TO the track area, then uturn around at this big parking garage, then head back towards the 710... and this area was simply FULL of cars... So... memo to self and to others, if you are going to the LBGP, make sure you have great parking. For ALMS, bring your Vette. For Indy, I don't know what to suggest. Also, make sure you don't have a cranky back; I am sure the weather the last couple of days didn't help it one bit, because it barely complained last month at Sebring... One last thing. I am going to send a note to the LBGP organizers, but they desparetly need to update their directions into the track. They are printed on the back of the parking pass (I followed them because I didn't know exactly where I was going to be parked). The exits they tell you to take off the 710? Well, they don't exist anymore - RENAMED! I am glad I knew how to get to the general area I was trying to get to, but for a new visitor, it could have been dicey. And they need to add 710 to their instructions. They simply call it the "Long Beach Freeway", which, again, is great for locals, sucks for the visitors... Enough of my pity party... |
