Glen Helen World Vet

kdawson252
Posts
118
Joined
7/13/2017
Location
Washougal, WA US
8/9/2018 9:23pm
I turn 30 next month and I am seriously contemplating making the trip down. Those of you that have done it was it worth a 16 hour drive? Glen Helen is definitely one of my bucket list tracks so I just see it as a perfect opportunity to make it happen. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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shmoo
Posts
135
Joined
5/20/2009
Fantasy
249th
8/10/2018 12:31am
Not sure about driving for 16 hours but it was worth the 12 hour flight.
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Paw Paw 271
Posts
3640
Joined
4/3/2013
Location
Benton, LA US
8/10/2018 5:33am
It was worth it to me, but be sure to do the full three days.

Paw Paw
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jeffro503
Posts
27442
Joined
7/22/2007
Location
St Helens, OR US
8/10/2018 6:19am
kdawson252 wrote:
I turn 30 next month and I am seriously contemplating making the trip down. Those of you that have done it was it worth a 16...
I turn 30 next month and I am seriously contemplating making the trip down. Those of you that have done it was it worth a 16 hour drive? Glen Helen is definitely one of my bucket list tracks so I just see it as a perfect opportunity to make it happen. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Little longer than 16 hours I believe , but if you have the time and money....I say go for it! I wish I could do that exact race one of these years. Hmm? .....maybe next year?
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BR8ES
Posts
1914
Joined
6/3/2018
Location
Bennett, CO US
8/10/2018 6:54am
Bucket list track and race for me.
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The Shop

anniebertmojo
Posts
720
Joined
10/12/2008
Location
California, CA US
8/10/2018 7:23am
it's a fun event, track is demanding and you'll see a lot of friends being past, present and future. Long days but well worth it.
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Spudnut
Posts
1946
Joined
6/25/2018
Location
WA US
8/10/2018 7:31am
I say go for it! all the tracks and riding spots you could possibly hit on the way combined with riding Glen frickin Helen its a no brainer! Bring a buddy though I imagine all that driving alone would be pretty boring
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BR8ES
Posts
1914
Joined
6/3/2018
Location
Bennett, CO US
8/10/2018 7:36am
I just may go for it and stop dreaming! I would definitely hit as many riding spots as possible.
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cmotodad
Posts
839
Joined
12/18/2013
Location
Yorba Linda, CA US
8/10/2018 9:07am
The track is usually really good barring weather. Good turns outs in most classes and everyone is happy to be at the race. No matter your speed, there will be someone to race with. Fun event for sure.
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JWACK
Posts
2479
Joined
8/7/2009
Location
NM US
8/10/2018 12:49pm
I'm trying to get my schedule figured out so I can make the trip this year as well. I've raced Glen Helen 2 times in the past and had shit luck both trips. First trip got plowed into on practice day by some 4 stroker that whiskey throttled. Broke my hand... The second trip having a stator go out on my kx put me out of the races.
Was it worth the 14 hour drive both times.? Hells yes!
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mark_swart
Posts
2398
Joined
11/2/2011
Location
Chapin, SC US
8/10/2018 12:52pm
kdawson252 wrote:
I turn 30 next month and I am seriously contemplating making the trip down. Those of you that have done it was it worth a 16...
I turn 30 next month and I am seriously contemplating making the trip down. Those of you that have done it was it worth a 16 hour drive? Glen Helen is definitely one of my bucket list tracks so I just see it as a perfect opportunity to make it happen. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I live a couple hours north of you and have thought about it as well. That drive though... arrgh.... I just don't get enough time off to do it. Wonder if we could find someone from PNW willing to take a batch of bikes down and fly in?
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-MAVERICK-
Posts
49945
Joined
3/26/2015
Location
Ontario CA
Fantasy
3682nd
8/10/2018 1:05pm
kdawson252 wrote:
I turn 30 next month and I am seriously contemplating making the trip down. Those of you that have done it was it worth a 16...
I turn 30 next month and I am seriously contemplating making the trip down. Those of you that have done it was it worth a 16 hour drive? Glen Helen is definitely one of my bucket list tracks so I just see it as a perfect opportunity to make it happen. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
mark_swart wrote:
I live a couple hours north of you and have thought about it as well. That drive though... arrgh.... I just don't get enough time off...
I live a couple hours north of you and have thought about it as well. That drive though... arrgh.... I just don't get enough time off to do it. Wonder if we could find someone from PNW willing to take a batch of bikes down and fly in?
That's what a whole bunch of guys from Quebec did last year. I believe a couple guys drove the 40 hour trek and the rest flew in.

Looks like a fun event.

OP you only turn 30 once so you might as well treat yourself to a fun event. Whether you win or lose you'll have fun, meet great people and come back with great memories.

I say pull the trigger and go for it.
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Evoracer
Posts
263
Joined
12/12/2013
Location
Anaheim, CA US
8/10/2018 1:44pm
It's no Washougal, but GH is iconic, and brutal. Most like it.

16 hours straight through is about right. That's what it took us to go up and race Washougal about a month ago.
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kdawson252
Posts
118
Joined
7/13/2017
Location
Washougal, WA US
8/10/2018 6:56pm
kdawson252 wrote:
I turn 30 next month and I am seriously contemplating making the trip down. Those of you that have done it was it worth a 16...
I turn 30 next month and I am seriously contemplating making the trip down. Those of you that have done it was it worth a 16 hour drive? Glen Helen is definitely one of my bucket list tracks so I just see it as a perfect opportunity to make it happen. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
mark_swart wrote:
I live a couple hours north of you and have thought about it as well. That drive though... arrgh.... I just don't get enough time off...
I live a couple hours north of you and have thought about it as well. That drive though... arrgh.... I just don't get enough time off to do it. Wonder if we could find someone from PNW willing to take a batch of bikes down and fly in?
I was wondering the same thing. I'm sure if several people all through in cash we could afford to have the bikes shipped freight or pay someone to take them down. Flights from PDX are only like $275 round trip. I have driven 13 hours in one day before and I swore I would never do it again. I would make it a Wednesday through Tuesday trip and probably stop in Sacramento both ways for the night. I really want to do, I'm trying to find the best way to make it happen. Anyone have suggestions for hotels or cabins to stay at? I found a few things on AirBNB that were close, but they were as much as a a hotel.
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HuskyEd
Posts
4943
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Palmdale, CA US
8/10/2018 7:01pm
Evoracer wrote:
It's no Washougal, but GH is iconic, and brutal. Most like it. 16 hours straight through is about right. That's what it took us to go...
It's no Washougal, but GH is iconic, and brutal. Most like it.

16 hours straight through is about right. That's what it took us to go up and race Washougal about a month ago.
........but then again, Washougal is no Glen Helen. Tongue
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8/10/2018 7:46pm Edited Date/Time 8/10/2018 7:49pm
Maybe we should organize a vital mx camp site there to hang out, race and party for the weekend. I heard the event last year was awesome.

Edit: I was thinking of the transworld vet trans am. either way it'd be cool to organize a group.
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brocster
Posts
3572
Joined
6/9/2009
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA US
8/10/2018 9:31pm Edited Date/Time 8/10/2018 9:32pm
I went last year and spectated. Couldn’t race it due to family being out of town and being new to the area. Will miss racing it again this year due to injury but I’ll be out there spectating again. If you are remotely close or considering it, pull the trigger it’s an awesome event. Bunch of old moto heads ripping it up!
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TeamGreen
Posts
28676
Joined
11/25/2008
Location
Thru-out, CA US
8/10/2018 9:55pm
If you can get the practice days in, which is Thursday and Friday...I believe, it makes for one helluva race week!
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wisey
Posts
325
Joined
2/6/2018
Location
Mission Viejo, CA US
Fantasy
1457th
8/10/2018 10:04pm Edited Date/Time 8/10/2018 10:07pm
Just drove up for PNW motoweek. Stopped at Shasta KOA and camped, with the family, in route both ways. $40 bucks but they have showers, the bikes are right there and the bed was better than most hotels.
Never pass up an opportunity
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rongi#401
Posts
1636
Joined
6/20/2016
Location
southern, CA US
8/11/2018 12:56am
If you've never ridden there I would try to get a practice day in before you race
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Slaughter612s
Posts
130
Joined
1/11/2016
Location
Lincoln, CA US
Fantasy
189th
9/11/2018 6:46am
Im all pre entered for this event, Looking forward to it. Other than attending practice days, any other tips from those who have participated? cheers
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mattyhamz2
Posts
10850
Joined
7/6/2015
Location
So Cal, CA US
Fantasy
760th
9/11/2018 7:19am
Evoracer wrote:
It's no Washougal, but GH is iconic, and brutal. Most like it. 16 hours straight through is about right. That's what it took us to go...
It's no Washougal, but GH is iconic, and brutal. Most like it.

16 hours straight through is about right. That's what it took us to go up and race Washougal about a month ago.
I'd agree with this.

I'd say it's the equivalent of me hopping in my truck and driving to Washougal. I did it with my family when I was on 60's and 80's for amateur day and it was well worth the 16 hour drive!

So ya, if I were you, DO IT!
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mattyhamz2
Posts
10850
Joined
7/6/2015
Location
So Cal, CA US
Fantasy
760th
9/11/2018 7:22am
Im all pre entered for this event, Looking forward to it. Other than attending practice days, any other tips from those who have participated? cheers
Just remember if you ride a practice day, the track usually isn't what you get on race day. Race day will be prepped so good and so deep! Practice days aren't nearly as deep and can end up kinda hard packed.
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CarlinoJoeVideo
Posts
7332
Joined
11/30/2013
Location
Portland/Los Angeles, CA US
Fantasy
2298th
9/11/2018 7:24am
It’s a fun event. A lot of riding if you do Thursday and Friday practice.

I might race it this year, good group of people camping and hanging out.
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barnett468
Posts
1250
Joined
7/19/2018
Location
Wildomar, CA US
9/11/2018 8:46am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2018 8:56am
Unfortunately they don't have any classes specifically for vintage bikes, plus they don't break the classes down by bike size either, so unless you have a newer type bike, and preferably 4 stroke 450, you will likely get smoked pretty bad and will need a LOT of tear offs, lol.

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crc245
Posts
1082
Joined
10/29/2007
Location
Yorba Linda, CA US
9/11/2018 9:26am
Im all pre entered for this event, Looking forward to it. Other than attending practice days, any other tips from those who have participated? cheers
Heavy duty tubes (Bridgestone and STI make good ones; not the gnarly ultra or extreme duty, just regular HD), hand guards, fresh MX33's, comfortable grips, dialed suspension, extra tear offs, dirt start (so a holeshot device helps), recoverite/endura/gatorade/vitamin water - for between motos if it's warm, thin poncho in case it's like last year with some rain, and all the off-bike prep handled!

Long motos and a rough (track) second moto means that preparation and fitness go a long ways for every class. Also, don't burn yourself out on practice days; for every class except +40 Pro, only Sunday counts as the "Championship" day.
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Falcon
Posts
10041
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA US
Fantasy
765th
9/11/2018 9:31am
Long laps, crazy bumps, and white-knuckle downhills. Make sure your brakes work!
You'll have fun, especially if it's a "bucket list" track. I say go for it.
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brocster
Posts
3572
Joined
6/9/2009
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA US
9/11/2018 11:58am Edited Date/Time 9/11/2018 1:04pm
barnett468 wrote:
Unfortunately they don't have any classes specifically for vintage bikes, plus they don't break the classes down by bike size either, so unless you have a...
Unfortunately they don't have any classes specifically for vintage bikes, plus they don't break the classes down by bike size either, so unless you have a newer type bike, and preferably 4 stroke 450, you will likely get smoked pretty bad and will need a LOT of tear offs, lol.

True about the vintage classes but I did see some vintage bikes out last year and NO you do not need a 450 four stroke to be competative. There is enough age and skill seperation to “find” your spot. From what I saw anyways
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109
Posts
451
Joined
4/2/2012
Location
Murrieta, CA US
9/11/2018 12:33pm
Im all pre entered for this event, Looking forward to it. Other than attending practice days, any other tips from those who have participated? cheers
mattyhamz2 wrote:
Just remember if you ride a practice day, the track usually isn't what you get on race day. Race day will be prepped so good and...
Just remember if you ride a practice day, the track usually isn't what you get on race day. Race day will be prepped so good and so deep! Practice days aren't nearly as deep and can end up kinda hard packed.
Usually the opposite of that. GH is prepped good on Thursdays and for world vet they don’t rip it as deep and knock the jumps down to make it safer for the old dudes on 450s they can’t hang on to.
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swtwtwtw
Posts
1287
Joined
4/16/2008
Location
Apple Valley, CA US
9/11/2018 1:01pm
I’m 30 minutes away. Racing for the day, meh. Driving down and staying the weekend, woo hoo.
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9/11/2018 1:04pm
Glen Helen is pretty epic on race days. I'd say its the roughest track in southern California on race days. I would be racing it, but its right before Padres Pedal the Cause on November 17th and i don't want to risk getting injured right before I cycle in a 100 mile event. Maybe next year. Go for it and good luck.
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