FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I was down at Laguna Seca on Tuesday helping drop off a motorhome and asked about the traffic entrance and parking plans because I was skeptical that it would work as well as hoped, but learned some encouraging details that I had not seen publicized anywhere else. They have 70 buses that can take 40-48 people each from the car parking at Cal State University Monterey Bay, which they figure will shuttle 3500 people per hour. People can make their own calculations for how wide a time frame it will take to shuttle 10,000 or 20,000 people by that method and make their plans accordingly. Most encouragingly, they are going to let all the motorcycles into the parking lot at Wolf Hill before they check tickets. You don’t have to show your ticket until you are walking from the parking lot into the raceway, which avoids all the waiting in line on your bike with the engine overheating. Last year, I saw 3 bikes that expired because of overheating in line, one scary episode of road rage using a car as a deadly weapon, and my engine was, I think, done in by the 2.5 hour 10 mile entrance. Checking tickets after we get off the bikes is the right thing to do. I am happy to report this information. Hopefully this solves alot of the traffic difficulties. Jeff Lee Oakland, California FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Out of curiosity and a burning desire to ingest $30 of gas I decided to try the directions for the motorcycle entrance for Laguna this year. There are some misleading maps out there, and I though I would offer specific directions confirmed from behind the wheel of my trusty Subaru. Note the following: These are directions for motorcycle entrance only – assuming you did not buy a $50 parking pass, and that you are riding a bike capable of 55+ mph (scooteristas see directions #3). Once on Ft. Ord grounds: Warning – government road – chip-seal – bad for bodywork paint! Don’t speed or tailgate! Keep your pass in an easily accessible pocket or tank bag. Do not speed. 1) From Salinas/Hwy 101: a) Hwy 68 or North / South Davis Road West. b) Exit G17 / Reservation Road and turn right. c) In a few miles on your left just as you are topping a hill/curve you will see flags marking the East Garrison entrance. Inside that entrance you will be directed to Barloy-Canyon and on to the track 2) From Monterey/Seaside on a motorcycle: a) Jump on Hwy 1 North. b) About 5 miles North of Seaside exit 12th St. and turn right. c) This becomes Imjin Road/Parkway. d) Continue on Imjin Pkwy. ’till you hit Reservation road and turn right. e) Continue several miles and you will come across the East Garrison entrance on your right. Look for the flags and watch out for left-turning traffic. f) Enter and follow to Barloy Canyon into the track. BTW – Saw several cops on Imjin Pkwy. today. They were protecting and serving with vigor to say the least. You have been warned. 3) Small scooters from Monterey Seaside: This is the same direction that cars utilizing shuttle service will take – however you are on road <50 mph the whole way. a) Head into Seaside and take 218 or Broadway East until you see General Jim Moore Rd. Turn left. (Warning - big uphills from the 218 end). b) Continue through the construction zone. c) Take a right on Gigling Rd. d) Take a left on 8th Ave. e) Take a right on Inter-Garrison Rd. You MAY be able to continue on Inter-Garrison on to the back side of the East Garrison entrance thereby avoiding Reservation Rd. and the 60-mph-plus traffic. From the East Garrison entrance you will meet up with the main motorcycle traffic into the track. f) If you cannot enter due to gate closure, back-track to Abrams Drive and turn right. g) Turn right on Imjin Parkway. h) Turn right on Reservation Road and hug the white line. i) Several miles being a potential hood-ornament later you will see the East Garrison Entrance, flags and streams of motorcycles entering that gate. Everybody have a happy and safe journey to MotoGP. If these direction clarify entrance directions for a few riders, it was worth the gas exploring the Fort Ord Perimeter. If you have the time, go to www.googleearth.com and download the viewer. Load in Marina, California and you will be amazed at the detailed satalite imagery available. Ciao for now - Robert Pandya Austin, Texas