David,
Contrary to popular lore, you CAN land at Reno-Stead during the air race week (but not while races are ongoing for obvious reasons). The problem is finding a parking spot. Those of us that had been parking on the ramp (my old 172) are typically moved to midfield (away from the main runway) and basically inaccessible for the week. I suspect that you could arrive very early and also get parked in the middle of the airfield, but do not know that for certain. The only alternative might be to find a hangar in which you could park for the week and most of those are fairly inaccessible behind the pit area during the races. That said, I *might* have space in my hangar, which IS accessible. This depends on whether my airplane comes back from the paint shop before or after the races. I should know later this week. If you are interested, email me directly (arehart@unr.edu).
Certainly other airports will be simpler though parking at those places will also fill up fairly rapidly. In addition to Reno-Tahoe and Carson City, Truckee might be an alternative as might be Beckwourth (Nervino - O02), although the latter would require you to prearrange a ride into Reno because there is no taxi or other ground service (to my knowledge anyway). Spanish Springs (N86) is close enough to get a taxi, but is a dirt strip and has limited transient parking. I don't know much about the space availability at Silver Springs, Fernley (Tiger) or Dayton Valley.
There is the R3 (R-cubed, Reno RV Rendezvous) scheduled for Saturday evening beginning just after the last race for the day concludes. There is a
thread here that includes photos and directions, and there will surely be more posts in the coming couple weeks. All are welcome - free beer and BBQ. To my knowledge, no other RV activities are formally planned.
Places to stay - any of the downtown casinos are reasonable choices. There are no motels within walking distance of the airport (RTS that is) but I seem to recall (I drive myself obviously) that there are many shuttles coming and going from downtown so it should be easy to get to the site. I would just google Reno hotels and see what you can find. As is typical of any large event, prices are going to be higher than a non-event weekend.
Crossing the Rockies - best place (safest anyway) is probably at 16500 feet (provided you have oxygen)! The pioneers did it primarily across southern Wyoming. Not a lot of airports enroute, but relatively flat country and I-80 follows this route if you are worried about emergency landing spots. Alternatives might be through central NM (old Santa Fe trail) kind of along I-40. I don't really think there is a "standard" route. Perhaps others will give additional info for you.
cheers,
greg
Reno trip from Florida
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