2011 Viva Bike Vegas-Anyone participating?

[Daspydyr]

http://www.rtcsnv.com/vivabikevegas/

This event is a blast and well supported. They have a poker run fund raiser as part of it as well as sections that travel down the strip and Red Rocks.

Map of the Century-goes right past my house again.
http://rtcsnv.com/vivabikevegas/course.cfm#103map

I was just wondering about who on Bike Forums is riding.

[UNLV_REB]

My wife and I are planning on the 60-mile, along with her parents. I'm hoping that knee issues don't get in the way, trying to get rid of recurring IT Band issues. Not going well so far.

[Daspydyr]

Here is hoping the IT Band issues get resolved. I am aiming for the 60 this year as well. A friend pointed out that since both the 60 and the 102 go through Red Rocks, that the extra 43 is all flat. Something to think about.

[LarryMelman]

What is the "Red Rocks" part of the ride like? I've considered doing this ride the last couple years, but was put off by the need to climb up to Boulder City which I have no interest in.

It seems like the cost is quite a bit higher this year?

[Namida12]

Daspydyr,

I will signup this week for the 60, and a few of the riders in the "Early Morning Sunday Ride" with the Southern Nevada Bicycling Meetup Group I believe are participating...

I just got cleaned up from the wet ride this morning, instead of going to Lakes Las Vegas we veered west to get out of the heavy rain and stopped at the Einstein bagels @ the corner of Sunset and Stephanie Street for our first breather, then on to one of your favorite climbs Horizon Ridge.

It was my first time doing the Horizon Ridge hill that passes JT's bicycle store, and it was slow climb for me, as my breathing became quite a chore, but I made it without the need to come out of the pedals...

JR

[kf9yr]

Some friends and I from Phoenix are headed up for the 102 (at least two of us, more said they were going to sign up).

[Daspydyr]

It seems like the cost is quite a bit higher this year?[/QUOTE]

I had not noticed that, but the cost is steeper than last year. Selling out last year may have spoiled the organizers. Its a good cause, but is a steep price.

[Daspydyr]

Daspydyr,

I will signup this week for the 60, and a few of the riders in the "Early Morning Sunday Ride" with the Southern Nevada Bicycling Meetup Group I believe are participating...

I just got cleaned up from the wet ride this morning, instead of going to Lakes Las Vegas we veered west to get out of the heavy rain and stopped at the Einstein bagels @ the corner of Sunset and Stephanie Street for our first breather, then on to one of your favorite climbs Horizon Ridge.

It was my first time doing the Horizon Ridge hill that passes JT's bicycle store, and it was slow climb for me, as my breathing became quite a chore, but I made it without the need to come out of the pedals...

JR

That ride up Horizon Ridge past JT's to the top is popular and a real lung and leg burner. I like to take my MTB and then tool around Sloan Canyon for a while. Always something new to see out there. LIKE a stupid new pipeline down the middle of my old pathway.

[Daspydyr]

As a former Phoenician, let me know if you need anything to make the trip better for you.

[LarryMelman]

Again - What is the "Red Rocks" part of the ride like?

[Daspydyr]

The Red Rocks is the aggressive part of the climb. Think South Mountain Park in Phoenix kinda climb. Better scenery, but it does require some legs. The rides are always were supported so expect to find some rest areas when you need it.

[kf9yr]

Daspydyr, Thanks for the offer of help. The tip you gave in another thread about using the valet to keep the bikes locked up will come in handy!

Are you the forum member that came down to Phoenix over the Thanksgiving holiday last year and rode the Sonoran Loop in N. Phoenix on your mtn bike?

I'm finally going to ride that loop with a few friends Friday morning. I usually go out biking by myself so I ride road bike 99% of the time (at least if I get hit by a car someone will find me on the side of the road).

[specbill]

My wife and I did the century ride last year to get to ride the new bridge before it opened to the public. Did it on our tandem and had a good time although I could not see a lot on or from the bridge."" Ride the Bridge" was a good marketing ploy as it did get us to leave the mountains here in Ca and come to sin city.
It is too soon to know our riding schedule for October but we may do the ride again....
BTW...we love Red Rock Canyon for riding although the century only went by the entrance last year. Any time we visit LV we go out their and kill our legs.
Bill J.
Bill J

[Daspydyr]

Daspydyr, Thanks for the offer of help. The tip you gave in another thread about using the valet to keep the bikes locked up will come in handy!

Are you the forum member that came down to Phoenix over the Thanksgiving holiday last year and rode the Sonoran Loop in N. Phoenix on your mtn bike?

I'm finally going to ride that loop with a few friends Friday morning. I usually go out biking by myself so I ride road bike 99% of the time (at least if I get hit by a car someone will find me on the side of the road).

That was me last Thanksgiving. I am getting down there more often with my parents getting older. I'm hoping for a day at South MT park and one on the Black Canyon trail.

Have you gotten to the Sonoran Loop yet, let me now what you think.

[kf9yr]

Yes, Did the Sonoran Loop last Friday. Going to do it again with a group of friends tomorrow morning. It seemed like a fun trail, nice views and it felt like I wasn't in the city. I'm looking forward to riding it in cooler weather.

I'm also going to go tubeless as I ran over a cholla "pod" and both tires were flat the next morning (no cactus spines in me though!). It was my first real trail ride with a 29'r and I'm not sure I completely trust it's going to go where I point it as I'm a MTB noob.

I didn't crash and only had to stop once on the way to the trail when I was caught in the big ring on a wash crossing (made it fine on the return trip). I also spun the tire a lot climbing as I lean forward too much when pedaling out of the saddle like the roadie I am and get too much weight off the rear tire.

We've also talked about trying out the Black Canyon Trail. Most of us are roadies but have decent MTB's and wanted to get them out of the garage and on the trail.

One of the MTB riders came to one of our road rides last weekend so she could enjoy the "fish out of water" feeling as well.

I just purchased a new Serotta (can't wait to pick it up in the next few days, waiting for the components to arrive) but thought the MTB cross-training would be fun and hope to keep it up once a week or so.

[Daspydyr]

Congrats on the 29er, I am interested in your progress. I chickened out last fall and bought a new 26 FS. I'm to old a dog to learn new tricks. That trail has some good challenges. You die into some washes then have to react quickly to climb out and change directions. Then ride the trail in the different direction and get a different experience.

What 29er did you get and congrats on the Serotta.

I think the cross training comment is so true. I spent three months on a Roubaix last year. Great bike and big difference.

[kf9yr]

I wound up getting a Specialized Rockhopper 29 expert? My last mtb was a 26", steel frame, 15 year-old Trek. I ride road 95% of the time so didn't want to spend a whole lot and stuck with the hard tail as I didn't want to bob around when I'm pedaling.

Of course I hadn't ridden a modern full-suspension bike to know they are much better and have lock-outs on the shock, etc.

Yes, we've taken a different route through there every week. The 29" wheels make me feel like I'm sitting higher and some of those tight turns coming out of the wash have been very challenging for me (I don't fully trust those big tires to get around some of the tight corners yet).

It's been fun hanging out with some people I knew but have never ridden with since they don't go on the road.

On the other hand, I took my first ride on the new Serotta today and it is very very nice...

[Daspydyr]

Congrats on the compliment of bikes. I still like my 26er for the tight turns you mention. Plus, its a size I have ridden for 20 years. Actually back to age 11 if my Schwinn Paperboy Special counts. Hey, I will be back there for Thanksgiving again. Do you want to try some of the BCT that Saturday morning?

[Namida12]

What is the "Red Rocks" part of the ride like? I've considered doing this ride the last couple years, but was put off by the need to climb up to Boulder City which I have no interest in.

It seems like the cost is quite a bit higher this year?

LarryMelman,

If you or others need some ride training or practice in Red Rock for this upcoming event here is a chance to prepare.

I am hoping Sam will continue to lead this Preparation ride for the next several weeks/month to help more than a few of us new riders participating in upcoming bicycle events that use this route in September & October.
http://www.meetup.com/cyclingteam/events/30582981/

JR Namida

[kf9yr]

Daspydyr, If you're coming to Phoenix the Saturday after Thanksgiving riding part of the BCT sounds fun. I will have company here but should be able to ride in the morning (they're relatives! so don't have to entertain them!).

We'll have to get in contact closer to that time and figure out where to meet, etc.

[Namida12]

EARLY MORNING RED ROCK LOOP RIDE

The loop will be part of the upcoming RTC - Viva Bike Vegas rides, so this will be great practice
http://www.meetup.com/cyclingteam/events/33349062/

[Namida12]

The early morning Red Rock Loop Ride was great today. Wow is all I can say at this point, tis not the distance, but it certainly suggests i need a lot more work on pedaling up the Red Rock Loop inclines. First 4.5 miles are a climb. Very steep climb at mile 7 (The Wall). This was my first attempt at this ride, and I enjoyed the practice ride. Looking over the valley near the top was well worth the climb this morning.

Next Week I will work on a few hills and do more repeats, and then hope to try the Red Rock Loop Ride again on Friday the 23rd.

JR

[Igo]

http://www.rtcsnv.com/vivabikevegas/

This event is a blast and well supported. They have a poker run fund raiser as part of it as well as sections that travel down the strip and Red Rocks.

Map of the Century-goes right past my house again.
http://rtcsnv.com/vivabikevegas/course.cfm#103map

I was just wondering about who on Bike Forums is riding.

I haven't decided yet. I'd love to video the ride from my bike going down the strip but we'll all be off the strip before the sun comes up.
The Century goes by my place too. I'm on Lake Mead Parkway.

[Daspydyr]

Family travel is kinda messing up my training. I will be lucky to do the 60, but am committed to it. Maybe those who are riding can meet in a corner of the parking lot 15 minutes before the ride starts just to faces to names.

[Igo]

That's the last days of my vacation. I'd love to do it. I'm going up to Utah on a 4 day motorcycle ride first part of the week then I'm going to do some bicycle rides close to Vegas that I've been saving for cooler days and during most folks work week. River Mountain Trail. M/Primm/M, Mohave Preserve,etc. I've got tickets for Steeley Dan that Thursday night before Bike Vegas. I guess I really should go to the strip and ride too. I've never vacationed in Vegas before. LOL