Pala was a great event but....

DC
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DC
Edited Date/Time 1/27/2012 12:22pm
I am sitting here in traffic trying to leave Pala after an amazing day of motocross. The facility now understands how big this series is and they will do everything within their means to mitigate the traffic problems. For a first-time event the Pala promoters did a fantastic job and with a larger than expected crowd, they were admittedly overwhelmed with traffic issues. They are committed to this event and their fans and it will be fixed for the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship finale, on Septmeber 10, 2011. Sorry again, and I promise this will be better, the Pala crew understands and did a great job, and this is the #1 priority for them moving forward: traffic in and out.

DC
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mxrider225
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mxrider225 9/11/2010 7:04pm
9/11/2010 7:04pm
So do we have a confirmed schedule for next year yet?
oldschoolmxr203 9/11/2010 7:05pm
9/11/2010 7:05pm
Must have been a huge turnout, for traffic to have been such an issue,i got to watch the race at home on my 46 in lcd and it was awesome great track, extremley rough in the 2nd motos, great racing in both classes , looked like an awesome facility, and great job on getting the last motos of 2010 live on speed DC ,,Cool
fcr
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fcr 9/11/2010 7:05pm
9/11/2010 7:05pm
No traffic in from Valley Parkway and Valley Center. I almost went that way, but no I decided to spend 2.5 hrs edging to the parking.
mxjef
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mxjef 9/11/2010 7:06pm
9/11/2010 7:06pm
How could they be surprised about the traffic problems?
I've only been to that track maybe 4 or 5 times and knew from those few times that it was going to be a nightmare, almost all of my moto friends did not go because they also knew it was going to be a clusterfuck to get in and out of there.

I will say the track look good on the webcast and TV though, so props for that!

The Shop

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docweedon
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docweedon 9/11/2010 7:08pm
9/11/2010 7:08pm
One thing DC that the Pala MX track needs to do is think about the local community in the area. There are little weekend businesses just around the corner that lost quite a bit of money because of the traffic issues, there were a few weddings that were scheduled that had to be canceled because of the traffic. I have a lot of friends in the hills surrounding Pala and they were bitching to me about the F'n motocross track ruining and costing them money this weekend. I defended the track and the National by saying it's the first year and all these issues will be sorted out, but when you have a guy that depends on that weekend dollar to survive, they will get very angry and work towards a stop to the Nationals at the track.

Just something that we as MX'ers don't think about when this event is put on...
wet paint
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wet paint 9/11/2010 7:15pm
9/11/2010 7:15pm
I thought it was really good for a first time deal. Sat. night prime time with good camera locations. I like the speed cam beside the track marker. Now how many people will want to go ride tomorrow after watching it? And how many people (adults and kids) watched mx for the first time?
Great job and keep up the good work.
WhKnuckle
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WhKnuckle 9/11/2010 7:22pm
9/11/2010 7:22pm
I always hear people say Cycle Ranch would be a great place for a National and wonder if they forgot what the road in/out is like.
race
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race 9/11/2010 7:31pm
9/11/2010 7:31pm
mxjef wrote:
How could they be surprised about the traffic problems? I've only been to that track maybe 4 or 5 times and knew from those few times...
How could they be surprised about the traffic problems?
I've only been to that track maybe 4 or 5 times and knew from those few times that it was going to be a nightmare, almost all of my moto friends did not go because they also knew it was going to be a clusterfuck to get in and out of there.

I will say the track look good on the webcast and TV though, so props for that!
I must agree. How could they be surprised? The attendance numbers must be available from past Nat MX events.

Sadly, I stayed at home just because I did not trust them to make the traffic arrangements. And I'm getting a little lazy in my old age. Probably more than a few others stayed - or couldn't get in.

Not trying to bash as I realize they had a lot to do in a short amount of time .... but traffic should have been near the top of the list. Everything is easier when you make a good first impression on your community and customers.

SG Holehsot Mag 9/11/2010 7:44pm
9/11/2010 7:44pm
Davey,

You guys did an outstanding job this year. Really enjoyed the live Internet covg, and TV package. Thanks for all you and your staff do for us!
abn166
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abn166 9/11/2010 7:57pm
9/11/2010 7:57pm
my biggest complaint isn't the traffic, it is that you can't really see very much of the track no matter where you watch from. we walked around the whole track during practice and no matter where we went, we could only see a very small portion of the track. we had little trouble coming in or leaving but i won't be back next year. i would rather see the whole thing on my big screen. the track looked like a fun track and a good track for a national, too back we couldn't really see it.
Brent
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Brent 9/11/2010 8:04pm
9/11/2010 8:04pm
I actually didnt think it was that bad., I got home in 45 minutes.

Pala needs to consider more than one exit, however.

DC you sure looked like you were running like a mad man every time I saw you at the hotel. Do you have to do that every race weekend?
dunn2500
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dunn2500 9/11/2010 8:23pm
9/11/2010 8:23pm
i got there at 8 am with no issues......i left after the 2nd 450 moto and flew home, the same as leaving there during a reg practice day.....you cannot see much of the track and the " hills" are too far away from most of the track..........maybe build some mounds in the infield for spectators or a couple sets o bleachers.......in one area along the straight going towards the " hills" there was plenty of room......also you need more trash cans!........maybe some more food vendors as the few that were there were packed all day and there wasnt even a huge turnout......one thing i thought was ridiculous was the amount of dust on the track in the second 450 moto, it almost looked like a desert race at certain places.......there is no reason to have that amount of dust during a nat when there was a good break before and hardly no personnel watering the bad areas, flaggers were just standing there, at G.H they pick up a water hose and water........hire more water people...........all in all for a first time effort i was impressed.........the track was beat to shit, couldnt believe how rough it got and thats how it should be
fcr
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fcr 9/11/2010 8:25pm
9/11/2010 8:25pm
abn166 wrote:
my biggest complaint isn't the traffic, it is that you can't really see very much of the track no matter where you watch from. we walked...
my biggest complaint isn't the traffic, it is that you can't really see very much of the track no matter where you watch from. we walked around the whole track during practice and no matter where we went, we could only see a very small portion of the track. we had little trouble coming in or leaving but i won't be back next year. i would rather see the whole thing on my big screen. the track looked like a fun track and a good track for a national, too back we couldn't really see it.
Only place to see much of the track was near the Rockstar/Makita Hospitality area. Still not really good for much of the track. That was my biggest complaint also, I didn't know Wharton had an issue until I got home.
englishman
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englishman 9/11/2010 8:28pm
9/11/2010 8:28pm
Moped.

Parked my truck at the 76 / 15 interchange and scootered in and out . Got from Pala to Carlsbad in less then an hour.
GIwasB4
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GIwasB4 9/11/2010 8:30pm
9/11/2010 8:30pm
DC wrote:
I am sitting here in traffic trying to leave Pala after an amazing day of motocross. The facility now understands how big this series is and...
I am sitting here in traffic trying to leave Pala after an amazing day of motocross. The facility now understands how big this series is and they will do everything within their means to mitigate the traffic problems. For a first-time event the Pala promoters did a fantastic job and with a larger than expected crowd, they were admittedly overwhelmed with traffic issues. They are committed to this event and their fans and it will be fixed for the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship finale, on Septmeber 10, 2011. Sorry again, and I promise this will be better, the Pala crew understands and did a great job, and this is the #1 priority for them moving forward: traffic in and out.

DC
MX Sports
I agree, clapping of the hands, TV looked good. Told 500 guy he should not have drove it.
So does Steel City or Hi-Point lose next year?
Weeks381fan
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Weeks381fan 9/11/2010 8:36pm
9/11/2010 8:36pm
So does this mean we don't get back our "other" CA race? No offense to Pala at all but it doesn't compare. Next thing you know they'll take away one of our PA races.......
RexBackman
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RexBackman 9/11/2010 8:37pm
9/11/2010 8:37pm
Like other posts here, the Pala track on TV looked great. Crowd seemed up there as well. Might have to add this to my travel schedule next year. The only critical comment I have is it seemed to me like Weege and Emig mailed in their 250cc broadcast. They just seemed off and low energy. I did not sense this in the 500cc broadcast. Note I am a fan of the Weege, too normally.

DC, don't beat yourself up so much...
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race 9/11/2010 9:14pm
9/11/2010 9:14pm
RexBackman wrote:
Like other posts here, the Pala track on TV looked great. Crowd seemed up there as well. Might have to add this to my travel schedule...
Like other posts here, the Pala track on TV looked great. Crowd seemed up there as well. Might have to add this to my travel schedule next year. The only critical comment I have is it seemed to me like Weege and Emig mailed in their 250cc broadcast. They just seemed off and low energy. I did not sense this in the 500cc broadcast. Note I am a fan of the Weege, too normally.

DC, don't beat yourself up so much...
Once CP had drilled himself in the first moto ... that pretty much took out all the suspense that had built up the last half dozen rounds.

Not sure what they could have used as a replacement story line after that.

Pit Row

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aggiemoto99
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aggiemoto99 9/11/2010 9:51pm
9/11/2010 9:51pm
WhKnuckle wrote:
I always hear people say Cycle Ranch would be a great place for a National and wonder if they forgot what the road in/out is like.
It's 1.5 miles from track to major highway - on a now paved road.
This is a little different!

Although no doubt the exit would suck out of cycle ranch too.


To me, turn out on TV at Pala looked great - track looked great (well it looked brutal and very glen helen esque) and had some good racing.

Congrats on what appeared to be a great event!

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RocketLab 9/11/2010 9:57pm
9/11/2010 9:57pm Edited Date/Time 9/11/2010 10:02pm
WhKnuckle wrote:
I always hear people say Cycle Ranch would be a great place for a National and wonder if they forgot what the road in/out is like.
and the neighbors aren't too friendly either. Had an old farmer lookin guy drive right at my truck like he was going to hit me head on and swerved away at the last minute. And this was with my 5 year old in the truck.

Guess he was the welcoming committee.
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moto314 9/11/2010 10:13pm
9/11/2010 10:13pm
Took 2.5 hours once I got off the 15 at 10:30am to get to the track (5 miles), I had purchased a $40 VIP parking pass in advance which I was told was full, missed the first 450 moto, hard to find a good place to watch, dusty, no beer stands only beer tents, the track was decent and the racing pretty good, but if I had it do to over I would skip it and went to REM. This was my 23rd national in the last 20 years and for the first time I wish I hadn't gone.
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wmapop700 9/11/2010 10:16pm
9/11/2010 10:16pm
We went out there not really knowing what to expect, and I was blown away with how cool the layout was. Every rider I talked to said they liked the track and thought it was a fun track to ride. I also was able to see great from the bleachers and from the hill where everyone was camping. The little carnival area was great for the kids, they should have made it even bigger. Drove the Toyotas around the little track and got some free tie downs, pretty cool. Taking the dual sport bike in made getting in and out a breeze…… traffic was no worse than Glen Helen!!! For a new track and first year effort they get a B+
Thanks Pala
rockcrawlerdude 9/11/2010 10:20pm
9/11/2010 10:20pm
WhKnuckle wrote:
I always hear people say Cycle Ranch would be a great place for a National and wonder if they forgot what the road in/out is like.
yup that is why CR will never have one which is sad cuz its such an awesome track... from a riders and spectators point of view...
G Force
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G Force 9/12/2010 6:37am
9/12/2010 6:37am
mxrider225 wrote:
So do we have a confirmed schedule for next year yet?
The only thing confirmed there is the races will still be on Saturday.
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dkg 9/12/2010 10:31am
9/12/2010 10:31am Edited Date/Time 9/12/2010 10:38am
Yes, this was an absolute disaster. I understand that some had a great time there, but, come on, as one of those sitting in traffic and turned away let me share the experience. Took about three hours to get to the raceway. Upon arrival we were informed by the CHP that the promoter had closed the event (and no, this wasn't a misinformed CHP offier, he was at the entrance gate with the event staff standing next to him). There was no parking anyplace. Most annoying thing of all is that as we were headed down to the raceway barely 1/4 mile off the 15 fwy (before the 3 hour trek), there were people returning from pala indicating with their hands a circle probably trying to warn us that the event was closed. Why the promoter or some official couldn't have taken the effort to advise people before the three hour drive that it was closed is beyond me. (They ultimately did this later, I am told) The real bottom line is that the venue, roads and parking were simply incapable of handling the event. Lets be real honest about this. A windy two lane road 7 miles long isn't going to handle Nationals traffic. The area doesn't have parking to handle Nationals traffic. There were cars all over the place. The only one with any organization was the casino that had employees at every entrance stopping people from parking there. A promoter that oversells everything, VIP parking, regular parking and event tickets to such an extent that as we went in there was still roughly 7 miles of cars behind us when we were turned away has no clue on how to run an event. (Actually, I am being kind here, it was so bad that the only other conclusion is that the promoter kept selling even knowing there was no reasonable expectation that the event could accomodate the tickets sold) Why AMA ever elected to hold it at such a poor location from an accessibility stand point defies comprehension. Most notable of all is that I wrote to the ticket processor for a refund their reply was "We would be glad to process your refund, but we haven't heard anything from the promoter yet" So, you decide, which is it ..... sutpidity or greed.
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dkg 9/12/2010 10:46am
9/12/2010 10:46am Edited Date/Time 9/12/2010 10:47am
DC wrote:
I am sitting here in traffic trying to leave Pala after an amazing day of motocross. The facility now understands how big this series is and...
I am sitting here in traffic trying to leave Pala after an amazing day of motocross. The facility now understands how big this series is and they will do everything within their means to mitigate the traffic problems. For a first-time event the Pala promoters did a fantastic job and with a larger than expected crowd, they were admittedly overwhelmed with traffic issues. They are committed to this event and their fans and it will be fixed for the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Championship finale, on Septmeber 10, 2011. Sorry again, and I promise this will be better, the Pala crew understands and did a great job, and this is the #1 priority for them moving forward: traffic in and out.

DC
MX Sports
Obviously, I disagree about it being a "fantastic" job. I am more interested to know if you actually talked to anyone to get an understanding as to what they are going to do to make it better next year? As far as I can tell, absent expending the money to make hwy 76 2-lanes in each direction and building arces of parking structures, there is nothing that can be done. Or, they could do the obvious and QUIT SELLING TICKETS WHEN THEY HAVE REACHED CAPACITY. (of course they could have stopped ticket sales this year too)
TerryK
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TerryK 9/12/2010 10:51am
9/12/2010 10:51am
The two lane windy road to Spring Creek MX in Millville Minnesota is a hell of a lot longer than 7 miles and getting traffic in and out isn't a huge issue. Sure it gets backed up sometimes, but never three hours.

Give the folks at Pala a break. It was a new event and one never knows what to expect. They'll get it right, it just takes time. Well done DC and crew and all of the Pala crew as well.
SCIENCE
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SCIENCE 9/12/2010 11:06am
9/12/2010 11:06am Edited Date/Time 9/12/2010 11:12am
abn166 wrote:
my biggest complaint isn't the traffic, it is that you can't really see very much of the track no matter where you watch from. we walked...
my biggest complaint isn't the traffic, it is that you can't really see very much of the track no matter where you watch from. we walked around the whole track during practice and no matter where we went, we could only see a very small portion of the track. we had little trouble coming in or leaving but i won't be back next year. i would rather see the whole thing on my big screen. the track looked like a fun track and a good track for a national, too back we couldn't really see it.
Have to say that the track looked surprisingly good an rough on TV and web. More like a rough SX (Daytona) than a National though. Just like Troy (flat but w/foliage) and Southwick, tracks built on flat ground don't offer much in the way of viewing in person. Couple that with the traffic situation and being sold out and it is a major problem! I can't think of a National in the past 35 years that turned paying customers away. Most clearly state, "no sellouts" etc on their flyers/websites etc. Supercross' sell out, not Nationals. A facility in the absolute heart of the moto indusrty should be able to handle as many as show up. Anyone that purchased tickets and got turned away should get VIP tix and parking for next year. Hopefully they will get it straightened out for '11. If not move it to Texas (couple good options), or somewhere in the Southeast of even back to Broome-Tioga. As stated in other posts, most National caliber tracks have 2 lane roads in and out and can handle large crowds.
bauman117
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bauman117 9/12/2010 11:06am
9/12/2010 11:06am
dkg wrote:
Obviously, I disagree about it being a "fantastic" job. I am more interested to know if you actually talked to anyone to get an understanding as...
Obviously, I disagree about it being a "fantastic" job. I am more interested to know if you actually talked to anyone to get an understanding as to what they are going to do to make it better next year? As far as I can tell, absent expending the money to make hwy 76 2-lanes in each direction and building arces of parking structures, there is nothing that can be done. Or, they could do the obvious and QUIT SELLING TICKETS WHEN THEY HAVE REACHED CAPACITY. (of course they could have stopped ticket sales this year too)
they were selling thousands of tickets at the gate race day..you think they reached capacity by selling tickets online?.It wasnt like there wasnt fair warning,,i think traffic was the main concern on here for weeks..there were a ton of people waiting in line by 6:00am.We all got in smoothly.but getting out was a different story for us,,
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bvm111 9/12/2010 11:14am
9/12/2010 11:14am
SG Holehsot Mag wrote:
Davey, You guys did an outstanding job this year. Really enjoyed the live Internet covg, and TV package. Thanks for all you and your staff do...
Davey,

You guys did an outstanding job this year. Really enjoyed the live Internet covg, and TV package. Thanks for all you and your staff do for us!
X2.... thanks DC.

I am currently serving in AFG and I was able to log in, even on the weak internet we have over here ( i will never bitch about cox cable again) I was able to log in and watch both the final 1st motos of the season from my tent!!!

Thanks again for all the hard work you have put in to series and tv/internet coverage, I have been riding for over 20 years and this is the best it has ever been... even in a Combat zone!!!

I am looking forward to attending my first Outdoor National when I return next year!!!

see you at the races!

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