Las Vegas Help!?
 

Since I'm a cyclist, I thought I'd reach out to you guys for help. My wife is attending a conference in Vegas and she's bringing me along. I didn't want to go and would have rather stayed home but, it is what it is. Suffice it to say, I'm not really interested in THE Vegas experience but, I'll be there and will be looking for things to do that aren't gambling or shows or anything like that. I'd like to find the "local" version of Vegas if there is such a thing. Greasy spoons, coffee shops with refills where one can read write and hang out, local shops,etc. We're staying at Green Valley Resort, which is off of I-215 between 93 and I-15 (which looks totally not my style but, that's where we'll be for this gig). I won't be bringing the bike and would rather not rent a car to go anywhere. What's it like getting around town? Is there this "nirvana" of locality that I'm hoping for and if there is, will I live to tell the experience? I'll have my computer with me and that's about it. If we were just visiting, we'd probably find a place to stay out near some mtns. or somewhere where life is relatively quiet. Any help you can pass along will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

People live here, too.
 

Contrary to popular belief, a lot of people like living in Las Vegas. There is a tourist industry, and all the things that offers to the reckless and foolish. However, the area you are staying in (Green Valley) is a nice example of a part of town that has it's own personality, neighborhoods, and charm. I happen to live WAY up on the north end of town, near the Air Force Base, and like it very well.

I recommed you look up Aspen Creek bicycle shop, speak to Jason, and see about renting a bike for a couple of days. Heck, if you fit a 54cm frame, pm me and I will lend you one of mine.

There is a lot of nice riding here, and the local bike crowd is MOSTLY mellow older folks who have families and lives, too. We just happen to like bikes, AND living in Las Vegas.

Again, pm me if you have questions. A fellow member (I believe he goes by "slant911" on this forum) lives out near where you will be staying. he may chime in on this thread.

Cheers!

thanks for the reply! I'm afraid my only perspective of LV is people who have gone for the gambling and the shows. The PR campaign they run doesn't help. I'm glad to hear there is ordinary life going on around there. I'll be sure to look up the shop.
Thanks for the generous bike offer too. Can't take you up on it as I'm in the 57cm range. I will look beyond the glitz and get out and about. The description you give of the area where I'll be staying sounds really nice. I look forward to checking it out.

Thanks again for the perspective and good vibe.

Cheers to you too!

I won't start a new thread since this one sums up precisely how I feel, except I will be in Vegas right off the strip.

Any recommendations on "local" shops to visit and such?

I have no use for the "Vegas experience" either. If you're into Asian food as I am, there's a very celebrated yet inexpensive Thai restaurant there - Lotus of Siam - just away from the casinos and hotels and crap, but in a very different part of town, and Korean restaurants nearby. Search it on Yelp.com. A few hours away are some great outdoor areas - like Death Valley which is very nice at this time of year, and Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam are closer.

You don't have to go a few hours out of town to have a good time. Just on the outskirts of town is some fantastic riding. You can rent bikes at several local shops, I would recommend McGhies on Ft. Apache and Flamingo. Check out www.mcghies.com for their rental prices. From their shop you are only a few miles from hwy 159 (Charleston blvd) which heads out to the red rock/blue diamond area. From there you can take the scenic loop at red rock which has a really tough 4.5 mile climb. You can head out towards hwy 160 past the town of blue diamond and climb mt potassi which is only about a 9 mile climb but its pretty decent. Anyways, tons of stuff to do out here you just have to know what you're looking for. The strip is only part of what this town has to offer.

Also, if you're into rock climbing there are some epic climbs out here, let me know if you want more info on that. :thumb:

Thanks to the info on Vegas. I have to say, my preconceptions (which were formed totally off of advertising and other visitors) was way off. I guess when your town depends on hospitality friendliness is the way to go. We actually stayed in Henderson a bit out of the way but not far from anything. Visited the LV version of Chinatown. Great food and some awesome shops.
People everywhere were super friendly and kind. Tourists were tourists but, the locals are some great people. Met some super people at a tri I happened upon on Sunday. I decided to hang out and help w/ some of the volunteer chores. I will say this. You folks don't take to cool weather very well. I was in a long sleeved shirt and long pants and there were people there in parkas. It was cool, cloudy and a mildly stiff wind from what seemed like the South but, it was still in the 50's. I guess you guys don't get really cold weather much. Seems like every where I've been this year it was one of those cities where it "never" rains, except one or two of the days I was there. I guess makes it easier to spot me in a crowd. I'm the one with a thunderstorm cloud over his head.
I'm feeling bad for your economy. I hope things turn around soon. Thanks for teaching me a lesson about presumption. I'll look forward to my next Vegas visit.

Khan,

Sorry I was sooooo late in seeing this post. I live just a mile from GV Ranch and have a 56 CM bike hanging around you would have been welcome to use. Maybe next time you are around we can get you on a bike and do some riding while you are here. Glad to hear you got away from the "strip" and saw the REAL LV.