Here is my report on the 2004 ABC National Championships in Reno:
Flights & Luggage
Flew American Airlines from Evansville to Chicago to Reno.
Took a three ball bag with only two balls in it and packed my shoes in my carry-on luggage.
No problems anywhere. Was asked how many bowling balls I had in the bag, but when I said two, no further questions or problems.
Check in at Reno airport to fly back was easy and quick. We did go two hours in advance of our flight because we had heard of long delays and slow lines, but we did not find that to be the case.
UPS Ball Shipping
I shipped 4 balls via UPS to the Stadium using ABC Ball Service. They were there on my arrival. The ABC stored my wrapping and box and provided tape and other things to ship my equipment back home. There were probably cheaper ways to do this but the convenience alone made it worthwhile.
ABC at the Stadium
I found the shot to be pretty much what had been described by others on this board. Outside of 10 seemed to be out of bounds unless you had lots of hand and even that was no guarantee it would get back. You will want to play somewhere in the 10 to 25 board area for right handers.
8:30 Team Event -- I started out standing on 22 and going 15 to 13 using my Sharp Blade. Worked great when I hit my mark, but I did not have a lot of room. Gradually bumped left during the night and ended at standing at 25 and playing 17 to 14.
Shot games of 233-213-202 = 648. Best thing was I made all my spares and shot a clean 30. Not only do you get a cool acrylic ABC award for this but the Peppermill will give you a lightweight jacket for it. Team shot 2867.
5:30 Doubles/Singles -- I started where I finished team event for doubles using the Sharp Blade. It worked for the first game but then I was having to move too deep for the Sharp Blade to work for me. Decided to try an experiment and moved back right and went to my Wild and played straight up 10 for the second game. It worked for awhile too, but very speed sensitive and I had to be too accurate. In Game 3 I went to my Turbo Diesel and found a decent shot playing the 15 to 13 bump shot. Towards the end, even that was gone.
Shot games of 225-192-207 = 624
When we moved lanes for singles the two lanes were nothing alike. The left lane was hooking a bunch and early, the right lane was not reacting at all. I decided to move deeper and shot all of singles with my Vicious Reactive Pearl, playing about 4 boards different on the two lanes. Ended up standing 30 and playing 18 to 13 and standing 26 and playing 16 to 13. By the end of game 3 everything had moved left another 4 boards.
Shot games of 213-237-212 = 662
All Events total of 1934.
As has been stated before, it is really easy to leave 9 pins and 4-9's. Something about those Twister Pins combined with the entry angle. Lots of great shots were not rewarded. Also, bring your spare ball and go straight at 'em. Lots of trouble shooting left side spares for folks because the middle had enough oil to make you miss right because it would hang, but then, when folks shot more direct and the ball crossed the center oil line, it would jump left. Both of our squads started on time and were enjoyable with good folks on either side of us. Approaches were just fine, no one on our pair had any trouble at all. Bracket money gets picked up at the Sands, not at the stadium, or you can have then mail your money to you.
Bowlers Journal
As has been stated by others, the Bowlers Journal is really just a house shot. Back ends are not snappy strong but good. You really could play just about anywhere you wanted and was comfortable. Shot 741 and 608 in my two doubles sets. Shot 600 and 613 in my two singles sets. I should have scored better but I just threw too many bad shots to really get anything going after the first set of doubles. Played a little 12 to 10 bump shot with my Turbo Diesel in my best set.
Bowling This Month
The toughest shot in town. 42' flat pattern is what I believe it is. The shot is very sensitive to speed and hand and accuracy. And, then, even if you do it all right, the reward is not always there. This tournament is a true test of bowling skill and humbling as well.
Bowled three singles sets shooting: 850 - 768 - 688 (four game series). Shots must be repeated and speed needs to be consistent. I saw guys playing everywhere but few scoring very well. My best series (850), I played a 13 to 10 bump shot with slowing my speed down using the Vicious Pearl Reactive and making most of my spares.
I did not bowl the 40 Frame Game but it was at the same house as the BJ and with the same shot I believe.
Town/Gambling/Food
I would agree with others assessment that Reno town has seemed to have gone downhill a bit since our last trip there. More street folks and larger gangs of people hanging around. While I did not have any negative experiences, I didn't wander too much. My roommate went for a walk one night and came back quickly stating that it just didn't feel safe to him. Nothing had happened but he just did not have a good feeling about walking by himself.
I don't gamble much but my roommate seemed to like the folks at the Silver Legacy.
We stayed at the Circus-Circus. It wasn't fancy but it was ok. Especially for the price.
Be sure to take advantage of Tony Roma's Steak and Ribs located in the Sands. ABC bowlers can show their cards and get 50% off your entree (not your total bill). The ribs and steak were very good and the service was good as well. Be prepared for a bit of a wait though, they seem to be very popular.
Without a doubt, the best buffet is located in the Atlantis. Toucan Charlies was the best breakfast and dinner buffet we had. Actually, you can just skip the salad and main course and make yourself sick on their dessert bar. They have a cherry cheesecake that melts in your mouth. Very good.
If you have other questions, I will try to answer them (if I can). Message me. Scott
