Calabogie advice

[xms651]

Hey guys & gals,

I'm going to Calabogie for the first time at the Aug 18/19 event. I was just curious if anyone had any additional pointers not already mentioned on the COM track details page or the Announcement posted up top here.

I actually found a hotel up in Renfrew (30 mins north of track - Best Western) since Calabogie accommodations were tight with the jazzfest that weekend if anyone was still looking for a hotel.

Thanks for any additional info/tips.

[91rs13]

I am staying in Renfrew as well -- The Blues and Rib fest has everything booked.

I would exchange some money at the border. If going the Alex bay route ( 81) , there is a currency exchange near the 1000 islands tower.
BUT --in July --many local places were taking US currency at equal exchange --so may not be as bad. OR use a credit card for exchange rate.

Debit cards are different in Canada, so do not assume they will work the same. I had a buddy who could not use his.
I do not think there is an ATM in town ( Munfords had one, but it was out of service)

Beer --- In Ontario, you can only buy beer at the LCBO ( there is one in town) or "the beer store" --- Both do not stay open late.

Bring tires, the surface is still abrasive. Left front gets most abuse, so rotate them through the weekend.

First time there I printed off the turn by turn directions and just tried to piece it all together over the weekend.

Bring bug spray.

Avoid "Captain Calabogie" if you go to Shooters.

[xms651]

Hey thanks for all the info. Very helpful.

Regarding the tires (and this is kind of a general question about the track and tires I guess): I'm driving my street car up to track it. I've got street tires on it (Mich Pilot Super Sports) which are only a month old. I've done many days of NHMS and year+ street wear on a set of these in the past. Is there a reason to think that the "rough" surface up at Calabogie would kill my tires in two days?? I also haven't rotated at the track in the past... but maybe this is because I'm on street rubber and this doesn't apply?

[jeffw]

Street tires likely have 10/32" or more of tread.

Track tires likely start closer to 6/32" and they're much softer so the tread wears more quickly.

[91rs13]

. Is there a reason to think that the "rough" surface up at Calabogie would kill my tires in two days?? I also haven't rotated at the track in the past... but maybe this is because I'm on street rubber and this doesn't apply?

I rotate tires to make them last longer ( same size front/rear)
Calabogie is the only track where I swap left and right front, as the left front seems to take more abuse. But I am on R comps.

As Jeff said, I think the streets will be fine.

[brucesallen]

I have never had a problem using my Visa card to get cash at an ATM in Canada or Europe. Best exchange rate. Don't need hardly any cash as everything can be charged.

[dradernh]

I don't bring cash with me when I go to Canada anymore. If I need loonies, my ATM card works at some (not all) bank branches; generally, I just use MC/VISA. When I was still bringing cash with me, and to avoid using currency exchange outfits, I used to go to the bank branch nearest to where I live that had a currency exchange desk - those rates were at least reasonable.

[xms651]

Thanks for all the info guys.