2011 Viva Bike Vegas-Anyone participating?

[PlanetU]

For those who don't want to pay the $150 late signup fee for Viva Bike Vegas; come ride the Gran Fondo Las Vegas on October 8th. $99 includes a jersey. MUCH better route. Less crowds. Awesome support. http://www.granfondolasvegas.com

[Namida12]

October 8th it appears there is also another 100 mile ride...

Park to Park Pedal - Extreme Nevada 100
http://www.lincolncountynevada.com/L...ada-Pedal.html

JR

[crizq0]

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

Where in vegas do you train to ride hills and repeats? I just moved to vegas and will bring my bike back with me when i go back to CA. I want to ride the red rock loop but I'm used to CA's flat terrain and will need some practice before tackling the red rock loop. Plus I have a double so I won't be able to drop down to the lower gears of a triple.

[Namida12]

Where in vegas do you train to ride hills and repeats? I just moved to vegas and will bring my bike back with me when i go back to CA. I want to ride the red rock loop but I'm used to CA's flat terrain and will need some practice before tackling the red rock loop. Plus I have a double so I won't be able to drop down to the lower gears of a triple.

Depends which side of town you reside, my "Vegas Valley East Side" suggestions...

Boulder Highway to McLeod on E. Russel Road is the same distance as the main Loop climb (5 miles) and about half the elevation. Good for repeats to build the legs and control your breathing, and since it is half of the Loops elevation it is great for your early training. After negotiating the Boulder to 95 overpass the shoulders begin to widen making it a good & safe ride any time of day.

For equal elevation & real climb training use the "Three sisters" on the River Mountains Loop Trail in Henderson after you feel comfortable completing the E. Russel Road climb.
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/391888

I ride a 20 mile Early Sunday morning route 1218 Equestrian Drive, Henderson to Bootleg canyon on the River Mountains Loop Trail with some elevation training -
10-12 miles per hour ride...
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/51506878

I am certain there are other sections of smooth pavement in the Vegas Valley that can be used for training. If you are available for an early morning ride on Fridays, Join us for the next Red Rock ride to Highway 160 and return...
11945 W. Charleston Blvd. to Highway 160 and Return.

I am certain we will also ride the Loop every 6/8 weeks instead of riding to Blue Diamond or Highway 160 for a change and to test our climbing abilities once in while...
http://www.meetup.com/cyclingteam/events/calendar/

My chain separated twice on the loop climb section of the Viva Bike Vegas ride Saturday and I was delayed almost an hour before I was back in the pedals with a chain that managed to stay together. Several links pulled apart and then the Master link exploded (my error in not checking chain stretch/wear before an event).

It was a good ride, and I enjoyed the early portion, later the warmth of the day arrived. I saw rider registration numbers in the 6200-6300, but I have not seen any announcement of official numbers. It took me 3 minutes to cross the starting line and get into my pedals on Las Vegas Blvd. after the cannon.

JR

[gracehowler]

Anyone know how many registrants this ride typically has?
R&J