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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: LowRyter on March 14, 2015, 10:18:50 AM

Title: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on March 14, 2015, 10:18:50 AM
Several have mentioned intent to go.  I wonder who's in.  

Should we get tickets or go Gen Adm?  Turn 1 is pretty good vantage.  Don't forget to get buy your parking pass even if you go GA.

I have a couple leads on some reasonable lodging rate.  

(http://g2.img-dpreview.com/171B574463EF457EB75066D42967838A.jpg)

(http://g3.img-dpreview.com/AF8E2E4B997048BBA3AABABC2965BC79.jpg)

(http://g4.img-dpreview.com/F3F562FF72E644A684F077A27F0A512D.jpg)

(http://g2.img-dpreview.com/5F099D008136429EA8D27CE4435B1E10.jpg)

(http://g1.img-dpreview.com/6C4A8C840B97425688AB92D20A70D702.jpg)
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: mjptexas on March 15, 2015, 07:52:10 AM
Plan to be there all 3 days.  Let me know where you end up staying and we'll grab breakfast.
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: LowRyter on March 15, 2015, 09:49:26 AM
I plan to get their Thursday night and to leave on Monday.  I am very liable to run the Three Sisters and San Antonio the following week.
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: guzziknight on March 15, 2015, 01:58:20 PM
I'm riding from Atlanta and will be there Thursday night through Monday morning. We have tix at turn 15. Parking is free for motorcycles.

Let me know if anyone wants to meet up Saturday for breakfast.
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: LowRyter on March 15, 2015, 02:05:38 PM
Hope to see you there
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: PJPR01 on March 15, 2015, 04:49:49 PM
I'll be riding up from Houston with my girlfriend on Sunday morning most likely, if not Saturday night.  Will only be get there for Sunday's race. 

There's a chance a couple of other Geese might be up there as well, checking with some of the other normal riders here in town.

Will be on my Silver Norge....may finagle another couple of White Norge's and a Griso to join me for a fun ride up and back.

Hope to see some of you guys there...we have general admission tickets this year...last year had seats on Turn 16.
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: dan407 on March 15, 2015, 05:14:22 PM
I'll be riding up from Houston with my girlfriend on Sunday morning most likely, if not Saturday night.  Will only be get there for Sunday's race. 

There's a chance a couple of other Geese might be up there as well, checking with some of the other normal riders here in town.

Will be on my Silver Norge....may finagle another couple of White Norge's and a Griso to join me for a fun ride up and back.

Hope to see some of you guys there...we have general admission tickets this year...last year had seats on Turn 16.

Are there good viewing positions with general admission?
Some tracks have terrible viewing with ga some are quite good.
We're thinking of going, but I'm not sure which tickets to get.

Thanks




Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: lucydad on March 15, 2015, 05:37:29 PM
It's a possible.  Went two years ago and had a blast.  Will advise if plans jell. 
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: LowRyter on March 15, 2015, 05:39:28 PM
Are there good viewing positions with general admission?
Some tracks have terrible viewing with ga some are quite good.
We're thinking of going, but I'm not sure which tickets to get.

Thanks






COTA is the best road course for GA viewing.  The only downside is that they don't allow coolers.  Only a water bottle, no food, no drinks. 
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: PJPR01 on March 15, 2015, 05:51:58 PM
+1 on the great viewing from just about everywhere.  Since most of us would be coming on the Guzzi's, I'd be surprised to see anyone with a cooler on the back...but if you do have one, let's make sure it's stocked with Grappa and Pieroni for the after party!  :)  Last year we had tickets at turn 16 which was fantastic if you want to see the guys lean it flat to the floor...so if it's your first time at COTA, might be worth to spring for a bleacher seat.  Either way...it's a blast!
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: LowRyter on March 15, 2015, 05:58:57 PM
we can do some parties at the hotel. 
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: swmckinley54 on March 16, 2015, 08:18:44 AM
I live in Austin and plan to be there. Just an FYI, motorcycle parking is FREE this year, at least that is the word here in Austin anyway.
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: guzziknight on March 16, 2015, 08:58:30 AM
I'll be staying north of the track. Maybe we can plan a Saturday morning breakfast if one of the locals can set up a location.
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: LowRyter on April 02, 2015, 06:00:05 PM
Bump.  I just saw a Lemans board guy is in Austin and is interested in a Meet Up.

Can we ask Rocker to put this on a sticky? 
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: oldbike54 on April 02, 2015, 06:28:18 PM
Bump.  I just saw a Lemans board guy is in Austin and is interested in a Meet Up.

Can we ask Rocker to put this on a sticky? 

 He is at the barn , Chett or Luap , are you there ?

  Dusty
Title: Re: COTA Moto GP - Who's Going? (2015 Apr 10-12)
Post by: rocker59 on April 02, 2015, 10:11:13 PM
He is at the barn , Chett or Luap , are you there ?

  Dusty

I just got it.   ;-T
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 02, 2015, 11:07:44 PM
ty Rock
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: jbell on April 03, 2015, 06:01:37 PM
I should be there all three days, but will be working (they pay me to go to the races).  Plenty of good viewing for GA tickets..  Turn 12 is great to see them come down the long back straight and then hard braking with the back wheel hovering off the pavement going into a slow left turn.  Turn 15 is great viewing as is turn 7.  According to the website, all motorcycle parking is free and the best part is, you're parked close to the Grand Plaza main entrance.  Past years they have had a gear shack to check your helmet, boots , jacket, but I don't know if this year or not or cost.  As previously stated, the only food/beverages allowed in or out is SEALED bottles of water, no exceptions.  Check the COTA website as they have a lot of activities going on.  Bring comfortable walking shoes and welcome to Austin, y'all.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 03, 2015, 08:21:29 PM
we outta have some meet up or social and breakfast too. 

I am staying at the Taj Motel 6 in Midtown.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: guzziknight on April 04, 2015, 05:01:03 AM
It was suggested we meet at The Magnolia Café on South Congress for breakfast on Saturday. I was thinking about 9 am, if that works for everyone. If folks RSVP here we can get an idea of who's coming. If there are other suggestions, let's hear them.
 
Also, AF1 Racing, the Guzzi/Aprilia/Piaggio/Vespa dealer is having a party Friday night, and Aprilia rider Alvaro Bautista is supposed to be there. Tickets are free, but you need to reserve them. I'll be there, but probable after 8pm.

http://themagnoliacafe.com

http://af1racingaustin.com
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 04, 2015, 09:24:08 AM
man, it looks like it's going to be action packed.  They've added the Moto America along with Moto 2&3.  Saturday will have Super Sport and Super Bike races in addition to Moto Qualifying.

http://circuitoftheamericas.com/motogp/schedule

Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: mjptexas on April 06, 2015, 07:48:56 AM
I'm local and plan to attend all 3 days but I have pass to Ducati Island so the Guzzis will be in the garage this week.

It looks like Ducati Austin is planning something for Thursday night so you may want to check that out.  Vito runs a class operation.  Last year he had the Ducati team at the store.  Here's the link in case anyone want's to check it out: 

http://www.motoaustin.com/default.asp

The Hand Built Motorcycle Show is on for the week too:

http://www.handbuiltmotorcycleshow.com

The big day there is Saturday.

If anyone has any questions drop me a note.  I've only been in Austin for 30 years but I've kinda figured out how to find my way around.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: Arizona Wayne on April 06, 2015, 12:17:45 PM
Just read on another forum(www.superbikeplanet .com) Guzzi is going to have demo bikes+ many other brands and Geico Ins. has free MC parking for their riders.   So much going on sounds like you guys are going to have a BLAST !!!  :BEER:
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: PJPR01 on April 06, 2015, 12:28:48 PM
Let's hope the rain gods cooperate, a few days ago it was 70% chance of rain for both Sat/Sun...at least today, it's down to 30%...so we just need everyone to blow hard and push those rain clouds away so we can have a nice ride and race!
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: mjptexas on April 06, 2015, 12:56:01 PM
It was suggested we meet at The Magnolia Café on South Congress for breakfast on Saturday. I was thinking about 9 am, if that works for everyone. If folks RSVP here we can get an idea of who's coming. If there are other suggestions, let's hear them.

SoCo (South Congress) is a zoo on Saturdays.  Magnolia Cafe is a nice place but I have a dollar that says you'll be looking at a 45 min wait at that time.

If  y'all don't want to wait give me an idea of where most people are staying I can offer a suggestion for a decent breakfast that could be a bit quicker.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 06, 2015, 05:24:05 PM
that hippie joint we went last year was OK   ;D

what if we hit the Magnolia on Friday morning ?
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: lucydad on April 06, 2015, 06:04:00 PM
Just too many moving parts this weekend to make it......hoping the weather is good.  Nephew is going, so watch for a new Yamaha triple.

Is anyone competitive besides Honda?  Two years ago it was a one-two with distant blue Yamaha third in the big race.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: oldbike54 on April 06, 2015, 06:48:27 PM
Let's hope the rain gods cooperate, a few days ago it was 70% chance of rain for both Sat/Sun...at least today, it's down to 30%...so we just need everyone to blow hard and push those rain clouds away so we can have a nice ride and race!

 There is a really mean joke here  ;D

  Dusty
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: lucydad on April 06, 2015, 07:39:57 PM
I will suck hard from Sugar Land, TEXAS.... ::)
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: mjptexas on April 07, 2015, 02:24:12 PM
As expected, Ducati Austin sent notices today about their MotoGP Party.  Thursday evening from 5 to 8.  Beer and food.  Vito is 'hinting' that some professional riders that have 'recently been on the podium' will be there.

Address is 812 East Braker Lane.   This is north on I-35, probably 5 miles from downtown.  The store is just off the interstate to the east on Braker.  Vito is a really good guy and throws a nice party.

BUT BE FORWARNED!  Traffic north out of downtown Austin at that time of day is bad enough to make even the most seasoned California commuter cry out in despair.   You will have an opportunity find out why this stretch of highway is ranked as one of the 10 worst in the United States.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: PJPR01 on April 07, 2015, 05:44:21 PM
There is a really mean joke here  ;D  Dusty
  Totally unintentional I can assure you!  :)
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 07, 2015, 08:36:34 PM
As expected, Ducati Austin sent notices today about their MotoGP Party.  Thursday evening from 5 to 8.  Beer and food.  Vito is 'hinting' that some professional riders that have 'recently been on the podium' will be there.

Address is 812 East Braker Lane.   This is north on I-35, probably 5 miles from downtown.  The store is just off the interstate to the east on Braker.  Vito is a really good guy and throws a nice party.

BUT BE FORWARNED!  Traffic north out of downtown Austin at that time of day is bad enough to make even the most seasoned California commuter cry out in despair.   You will have an opportunity find out why this stretch of highway is ranked as one of the 10 worst in the United States.

Just north my Motel, the Taj 6.  I should be able to make it.  Free Beer you say (Guzzi Content)?

Austin I-35 has always been the worst traffic jam in America....even the I5 and the 405 aren't worse.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 07, 2015, 08:37:20 PM
  Totally unintentional I can assure you!  :)

40% rain all weekend...........  ::(
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 08, 2015, 07:48:39 PM
wow,  it's 90% chance of TStorms.   I might take the car tomorrow.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: guzziknight on April 08, 2015, 10:24:37 PM
I'm in Houston now. Will be in Austin tomorrow. Any decision on Saturday breakfast yet?
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 08, 2015, 10:40:49 PM
dunno....but come over to the motel and kill a few beers.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 09, 2015, 10:24:55 PM
Mike and I got some free Ducati beer.  Met last GP's podium guys.

(http://g2.img-dpreview.com/6378B379752C4439A7D7BD75D5712A29.jpg)
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: Yukonica on April 10, 2015, 09:35:40 AM
Hoping everyone there will have a great weekend.
I'm sitting watching rain delayed FP1 on a laptop. Not as near as I'd like to be.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: PJPR01 on April 10, 2015, 11:24:34 AM
Crikey...it's not looking good at all for the race from a weather perspective, but we'll be heading up early Saturday morning by car I imagine now and most likely will hit the Hand built show from 10-12 (sponsored by Guzzi!!).  If it's a total rainout, we'll just enjoy the day up there and watch it on TV from the hotel or maybe at the Oasis on Lake Travis.  I guess we'll just have to wear a Guzzi Tshirt to keep a bit of Moto content for the weekend!

I've just put new Pilot Road 4's on the Norge, got 12K miles out of the Pilot Road 3's (very pleased with their performance), but I haven't even ridden it yet to scrub in the new tires, so riding with a passenger on brand new tires in a total squall for a couple of hours doesn't really appeal to my sense of safety!  :)  Will just have to take the Sports car up! 

Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 13, 2015, 12:58:04 PM
I thought I'd update with a few photos.

First, I'd like to thank Mike and Trish for their hospitality (spelled D-U-C-A-T-I)

(http://g3.img-dpreview.com/ED63B7FAEB6A4C28BD363CD7FA4AE607.jpg)

(http://g1.img-dpreview.com/DD9F717D4D0D44CDA6F0F3BDFB1AE8B3.jpg)

(http://g2.img-dpreview.com/3C6B5F78A7994F07964BC4D9E33A6859.jpg)

now for some track photos.

COTA is the top road course facility in the Western Hemisphere

(http://g4.img-dpreview.com/D7FA075340DD43179FB93CF4632F436F.jpg)

I got a few photos of the riders

autograph buddies (see above) (Dovi finished 2nd and the Maniac 5th)

(http://g2.img-dpreview.com/915F7105D9D64E2D8F36FF066F023233.jpg)

(http://g3.img-dpreview.com/06DFEBCC744448CAA5C7B91D2445EA04.jpg)

(http://g4.img-dpreview.com/1DE5F0B03C9D461DAD9090D2E82B9CB5.jpg)


Jorge (finished 4th)

(http://g1.img-dpreview.com/8FB3FBA492524AED854F30931CFFB968.jpg)

The Doctor got 3rd

(http://g4.img-dpreview.com/11426784352243C59F6DF868C85C5F0C.jpg)

(http://g3.img-dpreview.com/B151C42D314648599752A403B68427FC.jpg)

Marquez wins the whole deal including and incredible poll run

(http://g1.img-dpreview.com/6E82075D87B04F379EDC373D44B6E97D.jpg)

(http://g4.img-dpreview.com/3DD6AD8C4ADC42389B9DB92C54E836AD.jpg)
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: jbell on April 13, 2015, 02:41:33 PM
 I work security (think one step below Mall Cop) at COTA.  Don't hate me, but I worked all three days in the Bonnier Magazine (Cycle World, Sport Rider, Motorcyclist and 8 more) Suite.  Super nice people, the best I've been treated at one of these events, and I met Wayne Rainy, chatted with Steve Rapp (cool guy)  and met and chatted with Peter Egan who is very approachable, unassuming  and a wealth of entertaining stories and who also personalized and signed a 3' x 4' blow up of the Cycle World Cover for March (Ducati Scrambler issue) for me.  Also scored a limited edition, not for sale Dovi t-shirt, met a couple of rock stars, a TV star and Tommy Lee Jones (doesn't talk much) and a number of industry people.  Of course, I didn't get to watch the races on the track, had to settle for three days of air conditioned comfort and seeing it on the four closed circuit big screens in the suite. Sure hope I get that assignment again next year.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LaGrasta on April 13, 2015, 04:19:22 PM
I'm all about MotoGP, wasn't able to attend live, but was glued to the screen for hours this past weekend. Thanks for the thread, pics and also the security clearance (JBell)!

Sad about so few Americans on the grid; Nicky is all but done. Many of the guys are easy to route for though, I must say all seem so likable. Generally for me, it's #46, #29, #93
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 13, 2015, 05:50:00 PM
I think Honda should've given Pedrosa's bike to Nicky.  He ran about as well as the Honda customer bike will go.  Perhaps Honda could give Pedrosa's bike to each of the satellite Honda riders when they are in their home country?

I think Nicky deserves better from Honda.  Anyway, Honda needs to get a better rider on that bike, otherwise they could be in trouble by not giving Marquez any help in the points race.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: PJPR01 on April 13, 2015, 06:04:46 PM
Moto GP was fun again this year and the turn out looked decent, but I'd venture to was down vs. last year considering how many open seats there were in the stands and the GA spots were nowhere near as packed! 

We enjoyed the race and the whole festivities, plus the Biergarten was nicely decorated!  :) 

The Guzzi tent and Aprilia Tent were decent, always short a bit on nice Guzzi merchandise and goodies, but I did find one nice Red Guzzi shirt for my girlfriend. 

Of course, the weather forecast was woefully wrong...claiming 80-90% chances of rain for the weekend, and nary a drizzle, ironically the 2 pm forecast called for a downpour, and it was the sunniest part of the day!   Anyway,  we ended up not riding the Norge, but driving up in the sports car which was fun anyway as we had a nice spirited run on the Lockhart Autobahn!

Marquez continues to amaze...Il Dottore...well...he's still got some fight in him, the rest of the guys look like amateurs by comparison...it's incredible how much of a gap there is between the top 3 riders and the rest of the field.

Watching these guys lean over almost to the ground makes you grin every time they pass by!  Great fun!!
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 13, 2015, 06:15:41 PM
I thought the crowd was decent.  I wouldn't expect the crowd would be as big on year 3 vs year 1.  Typically it ratchets to a sustainable number at probably 50k on race day.  And weather fears was another factor. 

I had no problems with the traffic this year.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: mjptexas on April 14, 2015, 07:34:41 AM
I thought I'd update with a few photos.

First, I'd like to thank Mike and Trish for their hospitality (spelled D-U-C-A-T-I)...

John, was great seeing you again.  Maybe next time the weather will be a little better for riding.  Let's think about a Hill Country ride on Thursday before the race next year.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LaGrasta on April 14, 2015, 12:40:53 PM
Crowd numbers are reported at 140,000 over the three days.
Title: Re: Guzzi Gaggle at COTA Moto GP - April 10-12, 2015
Post by: LowRyter on April 14, 2015, 12:42:51 PM
John, was great seeing you again.  Maybe next time the weather will be a little better for riding.  Let's think about a Hill Country ride on Thursday before the race next year.

I've been meaning to ride the Greenie on the 3 Sisters for some time now.  I had a really great visit.  Thanks for your hospitality.