Road Cycling - Desert Riding

I spent several days around the Laughlin, NV area last weekend. Much to the dismay of people I went with, I took my bike and rode. It wasn't much of a work out since I was not familiar with the area and I was exploring.
My observations were that the roads, area and climate were not that condusive to riding. I did see a couple of people riding as I was leaving and later on, I spotted a lone rider in the Barstow area.
Does anyone live in these areas that can say what they think of road riding in that part of the desrt and did I miss the point?

Tarantula. I can't reply to your question if you mean strictly the Laughlin, NV area.. I do ride lots in the desert however; so my feeligs about climate, etc. are to the point.. I like the desert.
I do like riding in the desert when it is not broiling like you find in August.. Desert areas I have ridden in are Death Valley, outback Nevada, Boreggo Springs, and Palm Springs, and some areas adjacent to Lake Mead, Nv... Wish I could get off in two weeks time to do the 'Area 51' ride north of Las Vegas. Find out I can't .
I like the desert for its solitude. Away from traffic and congestion and the isolation of its unique terrain, I enjoy. Take lots of water. You will feel a special need to hydrate. I never find the desert boring. Animals, canyons, old prospector cities.
Do not know about Laughlin. I have no interest in gamgling, so If I went with friends- they would miss me on my bike, just like you did.. Seems find a good map and biking adjacent to the Colorado River would offer interestng rides. Lots of parks to explore the unusual animal life about the river.. Pick up a 'Delorme Atlas and Gazetteer' to the area you are visiting and you will find what there is of nature to explore on the bike. Exploring, one of the best aspects of riding.
I do again intend to ride the September ride across US 50 in Nevada. People are great and the outback offers you a chance to get away from the pleasures of civilization. Scenery interesting.

You have to get up really early to see the best of the desert. I was working at a desert research lab, and cycled out to my bird-watching patch every dawn. I got to know every ant colony, hamster hole and lizard on that small patch.

Desert mountains are awsome. Predawn to 2 or 3 hours after sunrise are awsome. I cycle around the Phoenix area and find this time to be great for seeing animals and birds. During the summer it also means traffic is at a minimum as noone gets up that early. Open desert riding gives one a great sense of independence. Springtime when everything is in bloom is really neat as well. Don't know how much blooming there would be around Laughlin though as it seems to be more of a desert than here. But then again I don't live there so I could be wrong.

So, what's the problem with a desert? I live in high desert in northern Arizona, and it's great. Of course, where I am, there's actually some good terrain and, if you get to around 8000 feet, trees. But, most of the riding I do has little to look at but giant rock formations and scrub brush. I still love it, though. Unless the wind is ripping, I can't see a problem.

You simply have to get used to it.

I know in Vegas there are many good riders, and it gets really hot out there. Same here in southern California where we can get many days over 100 degrees and many riders love it. Just got to get used to it.

Thanks for the replies. I don't have a problem with desert riding, it's just foriegn to me. I think I will try some the next time I get into those areas. I am not much of a gambler, so when I go to Las Vegas or Laughlin or Reno, I'll sneak away and be anti-social and ride.

indeed if you come to vegas, you really don't have to work hard to be anti social... there just are not that many cyclists out here...

in reference to the desert, I don't think there is any other climate that I would rather live in, of course you always have new challenges to contend with here, (heat, aridness, wind) but you get used to them... one thing that Nevada has a abundance of is mountains, and if you take the time to look, most have spectacular views ;)

for what it is worth, I must say I like the desert. :)