Help planning a USA trip for December 2012 and Jan 2013

[Simo63]

I know it's not strictly VMX related (however you can bet your bottom $$ I'll be on the lookout for anything VMX) but I have booked myself, the wife and 3 kids for a 6 week "vacation" in the good 'ol US of A [cue National Lampoons Holiday Vacation music  ]

We are arriving in LA on 29th November and leaving approx 8th of January and are looking to fill our itinerary with as much as we can.  We plan to do some of the usual kid related stuff visit Disneyland, Hollywood, Universal Studios but we are also planning to hire an RV and drive North up through Sacramento, across for some skiing in Utah, across for a white Christamas in Denver and then back through New Mexico, Vegas, Grand Canyon etc.  Sort of a clockwise tour of the Western Side of the USA.

Aside from a few dates we wish to meet, we have a flexible agenda and whilst we've been eagerly googling stuff, we are looking to hear from as many people about their experiences, tips and learnings to maximise our short time there.  In fact I would love to hear from some of the USA locals on the forum for their ideas and tips.

Please edumacate me 

[tony c]

Sounds good simo63
 I was talking to a mate at cd6 who did just that with his family he said it was the best time ever, we went over last year for the first time purchased  Go Cards for all the Theme parks and more drove LA,San Deigo,Anahiem stopped at Malcom Smith Motosports, Race Tech Factory, Chapperals massive store and on to Vegas The wife thought we were crazy driving 7 hours up to salt lake to see a supercross but we all agreed it was the best part of the trip unreal senery on the way through Big Water Zion National Park Kanab up to Salt Lake for the supercross but we mistout on the final in vegas So can,t wait to go back. Dollars still good

[Tahitian_Red]

Simo,

November 29th is a little late for SoCal VMX racing. 

The weekend of November 3rd & 4th has three organizations racing, but that about ends it for 2012.  The 2012 CalVMX schedule shows something on December 2nd, at Glen Helen, but I think it is a ride day and awards BBQ.

Jody from Motocross Action and his gang might have an REM race at Glen Helen, but it would be modern bikes.

http://www.glenhelen.com/race-info/mx/rem-mx

Might be cool to watch those guys race testing the 2013 bikes, unless it's really pouring down rain.

[jimg1au]

sea world in san deigo is great as is the zoo only did universal studios it was good as well. hearst castle is worth a stop as is the trip up the coast to big sur. very winding road would be fun in a rv.
jim

[Simo63]

Sounds good simo63
 I was talking to a mate at cd6 who did just that with his family he said it was the best time ever, we went over last year for the first time purchased  Go Cards for all the Theme parks and more drove LA,San Deigo,Anahiem stopped at Malcom Smith Motosports, Race Tech Factory, Chapperals massive store and on to Vegas The wife thought we were crazy driving 7 hours up to salt lake to see a supercross but we all agreed it was the best part of the trip unreal senery on the way through Big Water Zion National Park Kanab up to Salt Lake for the supercross but we mistout on the final in vegas So can,t wait to go back. Dollars still good

Thanks for your response Tony.  Not sure I could convince my wife about driving 7 hours for a Supercross however if we could coordinate somethign like that without going too far out of our way then that would be brilliant.  I will look up the Go Card thing, also Big Water and Zion National Park .. if I have those names correct.

Cheers
Craig

[Simo63]

Simo,

November 29th is a little late for SoCal VMX racing. 

The weekend of November 3rd & 4th has three organizations racing, but that about ends it for 2012.  The 2012 CalVMX schedule shows something on December 2nd, at Glen Helen, but I think it is a ride day and awards BBQ.

Jody from Motocross Action and his gang might have an REM race at Glen Helen, but it would be modern bikes.

http://www.glenhelen.com/race-info/mx/rem-mx

Might be cool to watch those guys race testing the 2013 bikes, unless it's really pouring down rain.

Thanks T-Red.  Bummer about missing out on the racing, I guess that's just poor planning on my behalf.  More of a family holiday of course but if there was some racing on then I would certainly try my best to get there.  What about Nascar, any action going on in Nascar over that time?

Was more looking for tips on things to look for or lookout for and ideas on places to visist or events to try to coordinate with so any suggestions you have will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Craig

[Simo63]

sea world in san deigo is great as is the zoo only did universal studios it was good as well. hearst castle is worth a stop as is the trip up the coast to big sur. very winding road would be fun in a rv.
jim

Thanks Jim. Will look up Hearst Castle and what is Big Sur?  Driven a RV/Motorhome around the south of New Zealand in the middle of winter so I feel I can do this as well although I'm uncertain as to how much snow there will be and what the road conditions will be like.

Can anyone giv eme an idea of what to expect with the roads and whether they will all be passable??

Cheers
Craig

[jimg1au]

on the coast road to monteray from hearst castle and carmelle were clint was in charge

[SUZUKI311]

Did the same trip only in reverse order about 20 years ago, had an absolute awsome time as im sure you will- keep your eyes peeled for a big wrecker in the high desert, on the main interstate heading back into L.A maybe ?? or maybe San Diego from Vegas direction... bit foggy on exactly where after this long. the name escapes me now, but i picked up a heap of stuff cheap, DG heads, tanks guards etc.

[Rossvickicampbell]

Simo - if you are doing Disneyworld/land then you must buy your tickets before hand as it saves lining up.  Also check out fastpass tickets once you get inside - also saves queing for hours for a ride and gives you a guaranteed entry but at a later time.  Also make sure you go for lunch early - you get a seat and then ALL the yanks stop at lunchtime so the rides are more open  after you have finished.

Kids will love it.

[albrid-3]

Go and Visit Tom Whites motoross Museum, you will need to make an appointment I would think, he has a web-site. If you happen to get their please check out my Dot.

[Suzukal]

If you want to ride over there... give these guys a call or book it online.

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[head]

We are going over in a month and riding with Motocross Adventures for 4 days then watching final supercross round at Vegas. This will be the third time I have been over. You must go to Six Flags Magic Mountain amusement park, leaves the others for dead if you are into extreme rides. It is at Valencia not to much further up than Hollywood. Grand canyon and Hoover dam are good to see. Sea world and Zoo at San Diego also worth a look. Shelbey car museum and the car museum at the Imperial Palace in Vegas also good. So much to see and do, have fun. If you go to Disney Land you have to go on the Hollywood hotel ride it is amazing.