Viva Bike Vegas turned out to be the largest cycling event in Nevada this year with close to 2000 participants. The event offered riders a 25, 50 or 115 mile fully supported ride. 115 mile riders had the opportunity to be the first people to cross the new Hover Dam bypass bridge that was recently completed.
The weather was perfect, no wind, sunny and not too hot, starting out at 6:30am even seemed a little chilly. The route started downtown at the RTC building, of course we were sent off by Elvis singing "Viva Las Vegas / Viva Bike Vegas" and Senator Ensign gave a short pro-cycling, campaign-boosting speech. The scenery was beautiful and made the eventual pain and soreness well worth it.
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The Dam Bypass Bridge |
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Staging area 6:00am |
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Elvis with the send off |
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Crossing the Dam Bypass bridge |
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The Finish Line |
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Riders got a free lunch from Outback Steakhouse and a concert |
Not bad for my first century ride.