Is LL's really worth it for a 30+?

cb49
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cb49
Edited Date/Time 7/8/2014 7:32pm
I'm counting down the hours until sign up cut off tomorrow at 5pm. After doing simple math this trip is not going to be cheap. My best guess is I'm going to be a 15-25 place rider.
Entry fee with parking $450
Gas there and back $500
Lodging $400 to $600
Food $200 ish for a family of 3.
Being trapped with a 9 month old, 4 year old and a wife for a week solid in blazing hot temps. I qualified before when I was younger but always got hurt before.
Is it worth it?!
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motomike137
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motomike137 7/6/2014 3:38pm
7/6/2014 3:38pm
It totally depends on how much of moto junky you are Smile I did it last year at an older age than you and knew that I wasn't going to set the world on fire but I decided I wanted the experience in spite of the cost. I had the luxury of and pleasure of having quite a few people I know also going down from Michigan and one of my best friends had been there many times and new the ropes and also had some connections. Also I had a good enough trailer to live in for the week that I wouldn't be roughing it at all. So it all depends on how much you want to have the satisfaction of at least doing it once. I ended up having a ball just so you know and am damn glad I got to race in it one time.
bobby397
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bobby397 7/6/2014 3:42pm
7/6/2014 3:42pm
Best vacation I've ever been on.
level
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level 7/6/2014 3:44pm
7/6/2014 3:44pm
Oooh. With a 9 month old I'm not sure if it will be worth it. Maybe when about 3 years old. Be much more fun.
dean122
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dean122 7/6/2014 3:46pm
7/6/2014 3:46pm Edited Date/Time 7/6/2014 3:46pm
With all the adversities that seem to be in front of you, this is one time you'll look back on and wish you went. You may have the greatest time of your life and on top of that, it's time you get to bond with your young family on the road. You can't put a price on that.

The Shop

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bigborefan
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bigborefan 7/6/2014 3:53pm
7/6/2014 3:53pm
I went in 84, Open B. Got smoked. But hey, I got bragging rights and still have my bib.

I'd say it's your call. It's all about the memories and experience I guess.
agn5009
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agn5009 7/6/2014 3:55pm
7/6/2014 3:55pm
There are too many variables for us to be able to answer this for you. Only you and your family can decide. First, are you able to make the trip without it putting too much of a financial burden on you? I know people who take out loans or a second mortgage to go.... not recommended obviously. Does your wife want to go? Would you guys rather take some other sort of traditional vacation? If it's something you really want to do, and your wife is all for it, and it's not gonna put a huge dent in your wallet, then I'd say go. But treat it more as a vacation and have as much fun with your family as possible
Cygnus
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Cygnus 7/6/2014 3:57pm
7/6/2014 3:57pm
Yes it is .
cb49
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cb49 7/6/2014 4:19pm
7/6/2014 4:19pm Edited Date/Time 7/6/2014 4:20pm
Is there plenty to do for whole damn family?

Get a room or rent a camper and throw the bike in the truck ?
The Rock
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The Rock 7/6/2014 4:31pm
7/6/2014 4:31pm Edited Date/Time 7/6/2014 4:34pm
level wrote:
Oooh. With a 9 month old I'm not sure if it will be worth it. Maybe when about 3 years old. Be much more fun.
THIS!

I went to LL in 2008 and can tell you the humidity is ever bit as as bad down there as it is on the Miami Valley's worst humid August day. Personally I would save your money, train and enjoy watching your kids grow so when you do go you're in the best shape possibly and or go for it and have a bucket list opportunity potentially be marred by the realities of bringing young kids to a hostile environment....at least if you aren't properly prepared.

If you absolutely positively have to go (been there Smile done that) I totally understand but you have to go with a rental RV. My buddy Bob and I went to Budds Creek in 2007 and rented a motorhome (smallest one Leisure America rents) and it was such a killer weekend .Cooked our own food, showered every day, zero traffic and great racing.

Best outdoor weekend ever.

thesadguy
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thesadguy 7/6/2014 4:33pm
7/6/2014 4:33pm
Lorrettas is pointless unless you want to be the next James Carmichael.
KMC440
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KMC440 7/6/2014 4:38pm
7/6/2014 4:38pm
May I kindly suggest that you and mom make it an adults only retreat this year.
cb49
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cb49 7/6/2014 4:40pm
7/6/2014 4:40pm
KMC440 wrote:
May I kindly suggest that you and mom make it an adults only retreat this year.
I'm pushing for that.
Thelen20
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Thelen20 7/6/2014 4:51pm
7/6/2014 4:51pm
Well i'm 28 now and still have not made it to ll's. It will be worth to this 30+ or 35+ or 45+ year old guy if i ever make it! Lol! Good luck!!!

25th fastest guy in the world in your class is not too shabby!!!
justme
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justme 7/6/2014 5:00pm
7/6/2014 5:00pm
Thelen20 wrote:
Well i'm 28 now and still have not made it to ll's. It will be worth to this 30+ or 35+ or 45+ year old guy...
Well i'm 28 now and still have not made it to ll's. It will be worth to this 30+ or 35+ or 45+ year old guy if i ever make it! Lol! Good luck!!!

25th fastest guy in the world in your class is not too shabby!!!
To each their own but that,fastest guy award, along with a $1.50 will get ya a cup of coffee in most joints today.
bigborefan
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bigborefan 7/6/2014 5:04pm
7/6/2014 5:04pm
I never hear people actually talk about the track itself. If i recall it's noting spectacular. Flat field, no elevations changes. I do remember it got deep ruts. And the humidity is the real deal. Of course that was long time ago.
bd
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bd 7/6/2014 5:28pm
7/6/2014 5:28pm
thesadguy wrote:
Lorrettas is pointless unless you want to be the next James Carmichael.
Wow. I disagree thesadguy !


cb49, you qualified for largest Motocross AM event in the world. Take that in and feel it.

Pretty damm impressive.
oshow
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oshow 7/6/2014 5:32pm
7/6/2014 5:32pm
Yes it's worth it, not many things better than being at LL.
Don't take the 9 month old though..
dboivin
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dboivin 7/6/2014 5:40pm
7/6/2014 5:40pm
take whatever your estimate is and double it....that will be more accurate. The track will suck. It will be too damn hot, you won't be able to breath when your moto is over. You will hope you never see another golf kart in your life. 2nd that for mopeds.

all that being said, i've been there about 8 times. couple times riding, most of the times wrenching. some good memories, some bad.

Pit Row

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Kyle978
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Kyle978 7/6/2014 5:45pm
7/6/2014 5:45pm
With the heat, mediocre track, almost guaranteed 1+ mud moto(s), and epic beer tents, LL's is much more epic as a spectator IMO
Steve 396
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Steve 396 7/6/2014 5:48pm
7/6/2014 5:48pm
My friend is wrestling with the same exact question in the 35+ class but he is the first alternate in our region. My son tried to qualify but didn't make it out of regionals and part of me is glad he didn't (if he did we would have found a way to go though). I mean that sounds very harsh but damn look at how much it costs to go. Watching last year on TV (yes I know its not the same) the track didn't look that fun. I think it all boils down to the fact that you "made it" vs racing it. Money is probably better spent riding with your friends BUT, on the other hand you have made it to the biggest amateur event and so many try to do what you have done. It's your call and it's a tough one....
Grizz
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Grizz 7/6/2014 5:54pm
7/6/2014 5:54pm
Loretta's isn't worth it unless you're gunna win or want to have fun. Hope that helps.
dboivin
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dboivin 7/6/2014 5:58pm
7/6/2014 5:58pm
Kyle978 wrote:
With the heat, mediocre track, almost guaranteed 1+ mud moto(s), and epic beer tents, LL's is much more epic as a spectator IMO
a lot of truth in that small sentence. the times i went as wrench it was much more fun. Its a giant campground with moto as a sideshow. beer tent/pavilion was where it was at on those trips.
Forza
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Forza 7/6/2014 6:07pm
7/6/2014 6:07pm
Just do it!
500guy
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500guy 7/6/2014 6:07pm
7/6/2014 6:07pm
I see it this way.

1. You have already decided what place you will get. All this time I thought they held the race first then put out results.

2. You already have several excuses for when you have a shitty time , kids, wife, weather and what ever else.

Financially it makes absolutely no sense hopefully you already know this.

if you have the time, the money and have insurance making sure your wife and kids won't suffer if you get hurt, I say go for it and embrace it 100%

if you don't, Sell your bike and all your stuff and try again later when your financially and mentally better prepared.
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level 7/6/2014 6:10pm
7/6/2014 6:10pm
Honestly, it may be fun for you but you need to think about your family. I am sure they would much rather be doing something else than watching that. Take a family vacation instead that will be fun for all and not just you and maybe you can go back one year by yourself or with a buddy instead.
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level 7/6/2014 6:13pm
7/6/2014 6:13pm
500guy wrote:
I see it this way. 1. You have already decided what place you will get. All this time I thought they held the race first then...
I see it this way.

1. You have already decided what place you will get. All this time I thought they held the race first then put out results.

2. You already have several excuses for when you have a shitty time , kids, wife, weather and what ever else.

Financially it makes absolutely no sense hopefully you already know this.

if you have the time, the money and have insurance making sure your wife and kids won't suffer if you get hurt, I say go for it and embrace it 100%

if you don't, Sell your bike and all your stuff and try again later when your financially and mentally better prepared.
That's the boat I am in. I have a track in my backyard and I am terrified to ride it. Only reason I keep it up is for looks otherwise it will grow weeds like crazy. In fact I just came out from there 10 minutes ago freaking weed eating and pulling weeds and I just had it redone a month ago. However, I am scared to ride it because I have a 4 year old, run a company and live alone with nobody here to keep an eye on me if I wreck. Most likely I will just sell my bike and move but your right it's a risk/reward thing. It's a tough call to be honest on whether to go or not. It sounds like you would be better off spending the money going somewhere else. Maybe a beach vacation or something.
neverwas 7/6/2014 6:26pm
7/6/2014 6:26pm
Go,leave the kids with family, everyone will be happier.
If you don't go you will kick yourself for the rest of time.
Life is to be experienced and this is an experience a moto guy will
cherish for the rest of time.
Boarddesign
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Boarddesign 7/6/2014 7:16pm
7/6/2014 7:16pm
I disagree about the kids and next RC. It is an awesome vacation. My 6yr old raced, my wife and I also brought our 2yr old AND Grandma... wait for it... wait... We camped in tents! Had the time of our lives, thankfully it was '12 when it only sprinkled a little and rained for a hour or so (I was completely prepared) We had a screen canopy for the kitchen/eating area and 3 EZ ups with tents under them. My mom (60) is a city gal and I never heard her complain once! Kids had a blast, we all loved it. Hanging out in the river is a great time with the family. The racing is fantastic to watch... I can't say enough good things. It really isn't that expensive of a race, I think I spent more $ two hours away at World Minis this year!
WRH
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WRH 7/6/2014 7:16pm
7/6/2014 7:16pm
It's Gonna be hot always is, except once, a cold front moved in. It could possibly rain, it could possibly rain very hard! I went with my son several years and then as a tuner a couple of years. All I can say is you must take a fan or three and be able to have your own electricity. Sign in could take a couple of hours. Be prepared to get in the creek, it is a life saver! (All of those people can't be wrong).
You can do it by yourself and it's better if you can park by friends. Even better if you can park in the shade by the starting line, that way it's easier to keep up with what moto is next. And make sure you visit Lorretta's sisters store just out side the entrance gate to the Track. I would say it was a no Brainer, just do it!
rocketsocks26 7/6/2014 7:23pm
7/6/2014 7:23pm
If u dont have a motor home apsolutly not!!!!!! Especially with your family n a 9 month old! I have a 9month old and theres not a chance in the world i would go without an rv. Guys, hes got a young family n a wife! He ll be threaten for a divorce by day 3! Iol. Serious if u go , ya need an rv , the trip will be miserable with a pick up and a trailor and staying at a motel.

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