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View Full Version : Ride Report: The Great Valley of Fire Weekend Watersports Extravaganza!



mkadam68
09-03-07, 05:19 PM
Okay....thought I'd post some sort of wrap up to rub faces in it of those who didn't go. You missed it. Awesome. Asia sets a new standard for hosting/organizing a ride. Sorry to all else, but you can just hand her the envelope now.

To start, the view out the front door of our tent during early morning sunrise of a small part of the Valley of Fire:
http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada_files/DSC_8737.jpg

Each morning, we would go on a group ride, leaving the Overton Marina...
http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada_files/DSC_8758.jpg

...And heading out into movie landscapes:
http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada_files/DSC_9048.jpg

http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada_files/DSC_9054.jpg

Of course, in the heat of the high, Nevada desert, we would get thirsty and need support:
http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada_files/DSC_8839.jpg

In spite of the climbing and headwinds, you would never see a frown at any of the stops:
http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada_files/DSC_8864.jpg

Oh, and then there was the water fun!

Our campsite for two days:
http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada_files/DSC_9173.jpg

Playing with toys:
http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada_files/DSC_8941.jpg

http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada_files/DSC_8944.jpg

Asia shows us all how to wake board:
http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada_files/DSC_9211.jpg

We were all sorry to have to leave a very enjoyable weekend for family and friend, cyclist and non. Asia and Travis showed us a great time and both were extremely hospitable. The riding was excellent: few cars and some wonderful vistas and terrain. And the food and water were very relaxing in the heat. My family and I will be definitely attending again in the future if we didn't overstay our welcome. And you all should too. You will not be disappointed.

(These photos were just a few. More of them can be seen at my album on my C-Blog (http://web.mac.com/mkadam68/iWeb/C-Blog/Lake%20Mead,%20Nevada.html).)

valleygirl
09-03-07, 05:24 PM
Wow , that looks a amazing and even nice and cool in the water.

mkadam68
09-03-07, 05:57 PM
Okay...fixed. Don't use Google's Picasa for this in the future...

merider1
09-03-07, 06:01 PM
Beautiful shots! I'm so glad you guys had a great time, and I can only imagine how well it was organized. Asia and Travis are just the nicest folks and so much fun. :)

nygirl777
09-03-07, 06:21 PM
Let me start off by saying what I told Mark in a private email :) sorry Mark. I am so very grateful to have stumbled across Bikeforums. It has connected me and my family to some extraordinary people ie. Mark and his family. The weekend was another scorcher in the valley of fire as usual. Since Mark and his family would be arriving after dark we set up some tents for them in the valley of fire Friday evening. So we didn't meet up with the family until ride time Saturday morning. Mark brought along his fabulous wife Tammy and 3 of his 5 children: Timothy, AJ and his youngest Steven. I think there were 16 - 18 riders that showed up. Tammy along with her son Steven and another lady who didn't ride ( I know I'm messing up her name ) Boya drove SAG. You would think those 2 were professionals. They were running that SAG vehicle like it was an everyday thing. They were accomadating 2 and 3 people at a time. Water in one hand, gatorade in the other, cookies not far behind, ice chips if you wanted them and Tammy was simultaneouly keeping her eye on Steven the young mountain climber. I told both of them that they were hired for all of our events. Big shout out to Marks 2 kids that rode (AJ and Tim). This ride isn't easy yet they hung in there.....actually they were ahead of most of us.

Mark, Tammy, Tim, AJ and Steven
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/markandfamily.jpg

Kara, Gus and Ken getting ready
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/karagusken.jpg

kara ready to tackle this ride.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/kara.jpg

Karen and Timothy ( marks son )
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/karenandmarksson.jpg

Frank, who brought his wife Boya, who ended up helping with SAG. Thanks Boya
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/frankandwife.jpg

Ken, who had us laughing the entire weekend
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/ken.jpg

Mark explaining to Frank how easy this ride is
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/markandfrank.jpg

Charina and Scott's lovely daughter Serriah who made the climb to Elephants Rock
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/charinasdtr.jpg

Scott with his daughter in tow
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/scottanddtrintow.jpg

nygirl777
09-03-07, 06:24 PM
Top of White Domes
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/thegangatwhitedomes.jpg

Big Tim and Charina
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/timandcharina.jpg

Travis climbing up to Elephants Rock
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/travisE.R.jpg

You all know this infamous vehicle
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/travisgettingfood1st.jpg

Shortstuff - Lara before the ride
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/lara.jpg

AJ, Big Tim and Jorge
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/AJandTim.jpg

Jorge posing
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/jorge.jpg

Jorge posing even more
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/jorgeonelephantrock.jpg

Big Tim
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/bigtimE.R.jpg

nygirl777
09-03-07, 06:28 PM
Day #2 Ride #2
Mark and his son AJ
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/fathersonteam.jpg

Karen, Cyn and Hollywood
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/karencynhollywood.jpg

Fast Eddie and Cyn
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/fasteddieandcyn.jpg

Busy SAG vehicle
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/busysagvehicle.jpg

AJ just caught the break away team of Jorge and Lara
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/AJcaughtlaraandjorge.jpg

A quick look over his shoulder an AJ dropped the break away team
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/AJdroppinglaraandjorge.jpg

nygirl777
09-03-07, 06:38 PM
My hubby anxiously waiting to get this ride underway
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/travisanxioustogetstartedday2.jpg

Sonia and Tabari who rode his mtn bike - Holy smokes - its good to be young
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/soniaandtibari.jpg

Lara
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/laraday2.jpg

Ken still enjoying his day as temps hit 104
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/kenmakinit.jpg

Hollywood
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/hollywoodabouttoroll.jpg

Gus
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/gus.jpg

Tim and Gus
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/timandgus.jpg

Coach Hollywood and Big Tim
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/timandcoachhollywood.jpg

Thanks to everyone that made this weekend GREAT:
Mark
Tammy
AJ
Timothy
Steven
Lara
Karen
Jorge
Cyn
Kara
Gus
Frank
Ken
Boya
Charina
Scott
Serriah
Big Tim
Fast Eddie
Hollywood
Sonia
Tabari

and last but not least my Husband

THANKS EVERYONE!!

efficiency
09-03-07, 08:49 PM
Karen and Timothy ( marks son )
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s280/nygirl777/LABOR%20DAY%20WEEKEND/karenandmarksson.jpg


I like that jersey Timothy is wearing.

Looks like a great time was had, as usual. :)

cynfulbod
09-03-07, 09:30 PM
Sorry to have missed all the fun Saturday but had an awesome day Sunday!! Another beautiful weekend....Asia & Travis...love ya guys!! :-) As always....nice pics!!!!

jsigone
09-03-07, 09:51 PM
great pics!!!!!!

ShortStuff
09-03-07, 11:42 PM
The Valley of Fire really lived up to its name this weekend . . . man, it was HOT. I think what kept me going were the sweet thoughts of the cool water awaiting us after the ride. To those of you heat weenies that didn't come out for the weekend extravaganza, all I can say is you missed a fabulous time. Not only is the VOF one of the most beautiful places to ride (no traffic and great roads), but Asia and Travis were spectacular hosts (as always) and our SAG drivers provided first rate support. It was very comforting in the heat to know that the white Armada was either close behind or waiting at the top of the next climb!

It was great to meet new people, such as Mark and Tammy and their sons (thanks for dropping me on the homestretch, AJ :p ), Sonia and Tibari, Kara (you did great on Mouse's Tank), Frank and his wife, Ken and Fast Eddie (yep, he's fast). The kids had a great time trying out the wakeboard, tubing and riding on the jetskiis, and we all enjoyed just floating around in the cool water chit chatting and listening to music. Hollywood is no longer a wakeboarding virgin, and Jorge finally passed the fluke-factor test by getting up on the board twice in a row. I'm still sore today from all of the wakeboarding, but it was soooo worth it. :D I just couldn't imagine a better way to spend a weekend than riding and playing with this great bunch of people. Thank you Asia and Travis!!

Here's a few more pics to make the rest of you jealous for having missed all of the fun . . .

Asia, AJ and Frank resting at the top of Elephant Rock
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/topElephantRockhill.jpg

SAG stop in Valley of Fire
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/SAGstop.jpg

Ken and Scott taking advantage of the SAG goodies
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/KenScottatSAGstop.jpg

Travis, Asia, Frank & his wife (Boiya?) at White Domes
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/AsiaFrankwife_whitedomes.jpg

Jorge and Ken being studly men
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/JorgeKen.jpg

Kara and Gus rolling back from White Domes
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/KaraGus.jpg

Asia rolling through Valley of Fire making it look easy
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/AsiarollingbackfromWhiteDomes.jpg

Jorge, Hollywood, Cyn and Fast Eddie
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/JorgeHwoodCynEddie.jpg

ShortStuff
09-03-07, 11:47 PM
Our homebase along Lake Mead shorline
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/tents.jpg

The boats and jetski
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/boats.jpg

Hollywood, Cyn, Fast Eddie and Big Tim keeping cool in the water
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/HwoodCynEddieTim.jpg

Staying cool while watching others on the jetskiis
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/hangingoutinlake.jpg

Karen on the jetski
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/Karenonjetski.jpg

Group huddled in a sliver of shade
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/groupinshade.jpg

Video of Hollywood wakeboarding (finally!)
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/th_Hollywoodwakeboardingvideo-1.jpg (http://s209.photobucket.com/albums/bb260/wi_girl/Labor%20Day%20weekend%209-07/?action=view&current=Hollywoodwakeboardingvideo-1.flv)

FastEddie
09-04-07, 08:47 PM
Thanks for letting me come roll and hang out with you guys on Sunday! I had a really good time! Good riding, good food, good (cool) water and better company!

octico
09-04-07, 08:52 PM
Nice pics !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jayala
09-05-07, 10:57 AM
Nice pictures everyone. Here's my small addition. Big thanks go out to Asia and Travis for organizing such a fun filled weekend of biking and watersports. It was great meeting some new folks, hope to see you all again soon. I don't have a small camera, so no biking photos.

Asia on the jetski
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee94/jayala10/2007-09-01%20Labor%20Day%20-%20Valley%20of%20Fire/DSC_5144.jpg

Karen on the jetski
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee94/jayala10/2007-09-01%20Labor%20Day%20-%20Valley%20of%20Fire/DSC_5246.jpg

Travis making the jumps look easy.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee94/jayala10/2007-09-01%20Labor%20Day%20-%20Valley%20of%20Fire/DSC_5225.jpg

Lara getting some air. You go girl!
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee94/jayala10/2007-09-01%20Labor%20Day%20-%20Valley%20of%20Fire/DSC_5472.jpg

I tracked down some wildlife.
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee94/jayala10/2007-09-01%20Labor%20Day%20-%20Valley%20of%20Fire/DSC_5321.jpg


See more photos at http://s229.photobucket.com/albums/ee94/jayala10/2007-09-01%20Labor%20Day%20-%20Valley%20of%20Fire/