Northern California - Anybody tried Laguna Seca?

I just discovered Laguna Seca has a "twilight cycling" series several times a year. For $10 you get to ride your bike on a World-class formula one race course. Sounds pretty cool. Has anybody tried it?

http://www.mazdaraceway.com/, then click on "twilight bike ride"

I've raced on that course it is awesome. Assuming I can get a carpool going down there, planning on checking out the next one (14th, iirc).

It might be first time I will of ridden road bike in 3 weeks, but it's all about the corkscrew!

I don't think LS is on the F1 circuit, but maybe it used to be.

I haven't done the twilight series, but I did the Sea Otter circuit race with Pelikan this past summer, which was run on the racetrack. That was really awesome. If you can ride the course for $10, that's a great bargain compared to Sea Otter, plus it won't be blazing hot. There's also a crit course, but it doesn't use the entire track like the circuit race, so you might want to confirm which course they're using for the nights you want to go.

Our family has ridden at Laguna the last four months. It is truly a blast, with riders of all levels attending. The sponsoring group usually organizes a race for the competative riders, as well as a "race" for the kids. Last month Monterey Velo Club sponsored and held a time trial of 2 times around the course.

If you're not into racing you can just ride around the 2.24 mile track for a great workout that includes three hills, the second of which will challenge you, and a downhill with a corkscrew.

The ride on the 14th of this month is the last of the "season." Definitely check it out. Although advertised start time is 5:30, if you get there around 5-ish you can get out on the track a little earlier.

Here is a link to a video (http://gannett.a.mms.mavenapps.net/mms/rt/1/site/gannett-salinas-078-pub01-live/1.13/launch.html?maven_playerId=immersiveplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=2576fd3fd89e2a1ec7e94e315f8ebe8ba3a45d48&maven_referralObject=1200947058)

And some pics:

http://gallery.me.com/rockyshores/100344/IMG_9888/web.jpg?ver=12455399810001

Even some the professionals show up :D (ok, its really just our son)
http://gallery.me.com/rockyshores/100376/IMG_1065/web.jpg?ver=12511256180001
http://gallery.me.com/rockyshores/100392/IMG_1573/web.jpg?ver=12545423840001

stan

I don't think LS is on the F1 circuit, but maybe it used to be.

I haven't done the twilight series, but I did the Sea Otter circuit race with Pelikan this past summer, which was run on the racetrack. That was really awesome. If you can ride the course for $10, that's a great bargain compared to Sea Otter, plus it won't be blazing hot. There's also a crit course, but it doesn't use the entire track like the circuit race, so you might want to confirm which course they're using for the nights you want to go.

One of the monthly sponsors did in fact use the crit course for the monthly race for the competitive cyclists, but the entire 2.24 mile course is open to the public.

stan

Good to know, thanks! I hope I can make it on the 14th, but I'll probably be off the bike for 4-6 wks.

that looks pretty fun. i will have to see if they have something like that a little further south.

This is as great as I was hoping, thanks!


Even some the professionals show up :D (ok, its really just our son)
http://gallery.me.com/rockyshores/100376/IMG_1065/web.jpg?ver=12511256180001

For a second there, I thought it was Andy Schleck!

I regret not driving my car on that course when I had a chance! Now I have a family and the race car is gone. But I guess riding my bike on there would be just as fun, although my engine is weak. haha!

Looks like a blast! I'll look forward to giving it a try next season.