Posts
136
Joined
7/17/2019
Location
NC
US
Edited Date/Time
8/1/2019 3:53pm
Apologies for jumping the gun. I know Unadilla is the next stop, but I’m going to my first ever National at Budds Creek and was wondering if anyone has a second to give me a few tips or suggestions? I’ll be taking two young kids with me on Fri-Sat. 🤟🏼
while we haven't gone to budds, i've taken two young kids to nationals every year for the past 5, starting as young as 2. and have had a GREAT time by all, every time.
i highly recommend getting a ticket that gives you pit access. racer x all day pit access ticket has been our go to. being able to move around in/out the pits during the day was a highlight for the kids, who honestly have as much time looking at the trucks/bikes than they do at the races at that age. pits in the morning using the cheaper pit pass can be a crowded zoo, pits once the racing starts, 12-5pm, is basically a ghost town, you can walk and see all the rigs freely, come and go from there to the track, and depending on budd's layout, most nationals have good track viewing while still within the pits.
gain access to a BOB style jogger stroller, if you don't have one already. you can thank me later. thats for all your gear, and them when they are tired.
bring enough snacks/drinks for the day as if concessions don't exist. lines can get very long, which is fine for adults, but not for hungry toddlers.
bring a backpack with spare clothes/shoes for everyone. and more snacks. and then some more snacks. and an umbrella.
have fun it's a blast and something we look forward to every year now!
I like to walk around because it one of the best spectator tracks on the schedule. Seeing a moto start and watching them slam through the rollers towards the finish is killer. Then from there just walk around. I usually settle in at the bottom somewhere for a few motos. The big hill near the old finish/announcers tower is a good place if you don't want to move much.
The tree shade will be packed with people. Bring plenty to drink. Bring boots or shoes (or both depending on conditions) with some tread on them, the hills are slick with rocks. You will see at least a few bust ass around Henry Hill tunnel.
These are the parking areas near the track that I mentioned:
The arrow to the left is the Mennonite place, when it's time to leave, its will put you out away from traffic for the most part. Address is 28090 on MD-234.
The Shop
Get pit access since I agree the little ones like that stuff and just people watching in the pits. As said above, I felt like a freaking sherpa with all the stuff you bring. Walking stroller, sunscreen, umbrella, dirt bike toys (my 3 year old went between watching the races at high point and playing in the dirt with those new ray dirt bikes. Snacks, so you're not spending 11 dollars a meal to feed a 3 yr old.
Just my experience and you as well as every other dad tailor everything it to what works for their kids.
I used to live in Waldorf and Mechanicsville so Little Tip for you when leaving to go around the long stop and go traffic.
When headed both north and south .... Go right out of the track and do not lake the immediate left 236 the liquor store like everyone else. Keep going a couple miles and make a L on Mechanicsville road and take it to RT 5 and make a Left. If going south stay on RT 5 to RT 6 and make a L and stay on tr 6 all the way to Laplata then L on 301 south.
If going North take RT 5 all the way to the north side of Waldorf.
Viewing is pretty cool at Budds because you can almost follow a rider the entire length of the track.
Last year was hot hot hot and humid. It can be a long day for sure, just gotta pace yourself from trying to see too much too quick.
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