So I am off to Vegas...
 

I am heading out to Sin City tomorrow. Unfortunately not taking the LeMond. I put in about 250 miles this week just to punish myself for not being able to ride next week.

I have a question about the fitness centers at the hotels. My wife and I will be staying at the MGM Grand (NO KIDS!!). It costs $25 to use the equipment. Not that it is a huge expense, but do they have fitness cycles that are worthy of riding for a couple of hours? I have been to hotels that have exercise cycles that would cause more damage than it is worth.

Now for the Foo part.....anything I should see or do? I am not a big gambler...I work too hard for my money. The conference I am attending runs from 7:30 - 5:00 everyday so there is limited time for sightseeing. Any suggestions?? Thanks

See 'O'. Eat prime rib at Lawry's.

You said you're bringing your *ahem* wife right? In that case I have no suggestions.

Seriously though, there is an endless array of things you can do while there. I would suggest taking advantage of the concierge' service at the MGM. Have fun!

+1 for O..I have seen it twice and it was awesome both times. If you are not a gambler but you do drink a little (thats me!) it is really fun to walk around with the wife on your arm. Just go from casino to casino and get a drink at each. Watching people blow their money is almost as thrilling as blowing your own. Las Vegas is one of the most prime people watching spots in the world. Also if you are not going to gamble blow a few hundred bucks on massages for the two of you. The trick is this...make sure the hotel (I did this at the luxor) has a fully equipped spa that a massage will get you access to . I got a 1/2 hour massage for like $60 bucks or something but spent about 5 hours going from sauna to whirlpool to cool plunge to lounge (with juice and fruit etc). It was like leisure circuit training.

I don't know much about the fitness cycles.

Night time is the best time in Las Vegas. I always sleep all day and stay out all night. I disagree on the Cirque du Soleil recommendations. I hate those shows. Boring. I do recommend Blue Man Group. Always a fun show. Penn & Teller is good, too. Many shows have clean versions during the day and early evening, and then they do nood shows late at night. You could accidentally go to some of those. ;)

We just got back from Vegas yesterday. Stayed at the Wynn, which also charges $25 a day for the gym. They had recumbent bikes that I tried, but the lack of clipless pedals was freaking me out so I chose to use the treadmills instead. At first I felt ripped when they told me it was $25 per day to use the gym, but I suppose that's in lieu of the "facilities fee" they used to charge everyone whether or not they actually used the gym or other facilities. I still think $25 is steep though. (I actually got a whopping $10 discount by signing up for 3 days.)
As far as things to do, the best bang for our buck entertainment-wise was the Vinnie Favorito act at O'Sheas casino. You can get half-price tickets (ends up costing $25 +$4 surcharge) at a place not too far from the MGM (can't recall the name now but the concierge will know it). It's not a show for kids, but the guy was just hilarious. Oh, and sit in the back unless you don't mind getting ripped to shreds. That's pretty much his whole act. We also saw Carrot Top (ok, not great), Rick Thomas (same) and the Comedy Pet Theater at the Alladin (go only if you have kids).
Other great things were Beatles Love (though it's quite expensive and doesn't have the athletics of the other Cirque shows) and Mystere (that was really good--some amazing stuff).
Have fun.

Last time I was in Vegas was for a Dead show in, I think it was '94, at Caeaar's Palace. Me and the old lady got loaded up on acid, took a half gallon of unfiltered apple juice with us and just kind of wandered around the casinos. That was fun! So that's what I'd suggest.

Cheers.

Go see a comedy act. I've seen David Brenner, George Carlin, George Wallace & Rita Rudner. All were hilarious. Skip Blue Man Group (it sucks!)

And for G_d's sake, play some craps!!!! It's FUN.

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Club Paradise, Cheetah's, Crazy Horse Too.

A trip to Vegas isn't complete without a trip to Olympic Garden. :eek: :D

I'd rent a mountain bike from All Mountain Cyclery in Boulder City and go riding at www.bootlegcanyon.org . They rent Specialized Stumpjumper fsr's, and the trail system is right behind the shop. PM me if you can find some time to ride. The trails are way different than the ones in VT.

I wish....

I like that idea....

Now I think about $25 a day is steep. I will see what they have to offer.....

Unfortunately, those days are over....

No time for biking....I have to pay attention to the wife for a change....

Thanks for all the suggestions....Looks like some shows, lots of food, and relaxing poolside....

I have tried several hotel fitness centers, the bikes are usually the same, life cycle or something like that, maybe better than nothing, but not much. I usually walk so much in vegas that i have the last few times just left my fitness gear at home and walked for exercise. Cirque de Soleil shows are great although they are a bit pricy, if you have never seen one you would enjoy them, if you have seen mystere, not sure O is worth the money, although it is totally different and revolves around water, it is still a lot of the same stuff.

Definitely see the Cirque du Soleil's RA show. It's 100 times better than any Blue Man Group (or any other CdC show for that matter).

And go across the street to ride the roller coaster at NY, NY.

yak, i hope you mean ka, i am seeing it next month.