[Last Place Jason]

<p>I still can't believe I got picked in the lottery!  You guys are the experts- what do I need to know about getting the most out of the experience?</p>
<p> </p>
<p><span><img alt="wink.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/wink.gif"></span></p>

 

[merigayle]

<p>Congrats!!!!</p>

 

[cgerber]

<p>Yay!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Do some heat training! </p>

 

[mudrunner]

<p>That's awesome....I know a few sad faces who didn't get in....make th most of it & congratulations!!!</p>

 

[shellerz]

<p>as bill mcgovern said, "make sure the pleats in that kilt are sharp." <span><img alt="icon_salut.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_salut.gif"></span></p>

 

[Sherpa John]

<p>Prepare to spend a LOT more money on the following:</p>
<p>Getting There</p>
<p>Lodging</p>
<p>Food</p>
<p>Gas (Holy cow... it was $3.89 A Gallon out there last summer)</p>
<p>Souvenirs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think All told.. I spent about $3500 on Western States and that was in keeping it a part of my honeymoon.</p>

 

[rojewski]

<p>Congrats Jason!!!!</p>

 

[nichols]

<p>Congratulations and enjoy this one. Beware the thumb and enjoy the company of your unitarded buddy.</p>

 

[Fortunate One]

<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vwz3n8EOpa0&feature=player_embedded#" target="_blank">This</a> just in. <span><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span> Congratulations, but chose your crew carefully.  Seriously, from what I've read, you can't do too much downhill work in the spring.  Good luck.</p>

 

[Last Place Jason]

<p>Thanks everyone!  These tips help.  Now I just cross my fingers and hope there are no wildfires...</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Fortunate- someone else just sent me that link... sounds about right. <span><img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif"></span></p>
<p> </p>

 

[The_Professor]

<p><br><br>
 </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Sherpa John</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/71502/western-states-what-do-i-have-to-know#post_1967558"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-right:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-bottom:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Prepare to spend a LOT more money on the following:</p>
<p>Getting There</p>
<p>Lodging</p>
<p>Food</p>
<p>Gas (Holy cow... it was $3.89 A Gallon out there last summer)</p>
<p>Souvenirs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think All told.. I spent about $3500 on Western States and that was in keeping it a part of my honeymoon.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p> </p>
<p>I was out there last year crewing and pacing and we were able to do the trip dirt cheap:</p>
<p>Round trip ticket from Philly to Reno - $350 (found super cheap rate on orbitz.com)</p>
<p>Car rental from Thursday to Monday - $100 (compact - found cheapest rate on orbitz.com)</p>
<p>Super 8 hotel in Reno Thurs and Sunday night - $150 for both nights (we opted for no hotel on Saturday night to save money...rental cars can still be comfy </p>
<p>1 night in Squaw Valley - $150</p>
<p>Gas - we bought as little as possible in CA and drive the 100 miles back to Reno on Sunday after the race.</p>
<p>Souvenirs - expensive, but well worth the price</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You're flying out of Michigan (if I remember correctly) so your airfare shouldn't be too bad...just don't fly into CA since the flight taxes there will kill any cheap fares that you may find...lucklily Reno is only 100 miles from the finish and about 35 miles from the start).</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Congratulations!!!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><br><br>
 </p>

 

[Last Place Jason]

<p>Thanks Prof!  Yes, flying out of MI.  The airfare isn't too bad, but I plan on spending eight days in the area (part of a vacation/scouting locations for possible relocation).  Also, my crew is rather large (four-five people), so we'll need a van.  That will hike the price up a bit, but I'm pretty used to doing everything else on a limited budget.  I like the "avoiding CA air destination" tip... I wasn't aware of that.  Thanks!</p>

 

[Plugging Along]

<p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuIVN3fp0eU" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuIVN3fp0eU</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I have spent many pre race nights on a mattress in the back of a van parked in a Walmart parking lot. Is Greyhound Bus lines an option?</p>