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Monterey, a week too early

We were in Monterey a week before Car Week and had no idea it was coming. Nobody mentioned it, and I didn't know to look.

It was meant to be a stop on the way. We broke down, and the breakdown bought us a weekend there. We went to Laguna Seca and walked around the track, stood at the Corkscrew, and thought that was the highlight. What we never realised was how close we were to Pebble Beach and everything around it. The automotive capital of the world, ten minutes down the road, and we drove past it.

Every August it all lands there at once. The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on the 18th fairway. Historic racing at Laguna Seca. Auctions, tours and car shows on every corner of the peninsula. One week later and we'd have been in the middle of it.

Had I had this tool, I'd have been wiser. Now the planner shows what's on near your route on your travel dates, and Near me shows the tracks, museums and car places around wherever you are. Before you book, not in the photos afterwards.

If you're going

Car Week runs for about ten days in mid-August. Beds go early and they go expensive, so book first and plan the road trip around them. Every race and festival, with dates.

First published on onetrackmind.co.za. Places change: check before you go.