Vegas Cycling

[comish83]

Any suggestions on where to rent a road bike for two days out in Vegas and where to ride said bike? Ideal rides would be a 35 miler and a 60 miler.

[onsight512]

I don't know where to rent a bike, but I'd recommend riding out to, and riding, the loop road that goes through part of Red Rock Canyon. It's better during the week (few cars).

I was out there a few weeks ago. A loop of The Loop is 15 miles, but getting out there will add plenty. And you can also go further South on Rt 159 towards Blue Diamond, Nv (small general store + water).

[bking]

Originally Posted by comish83

Any suggestions on where to rent a road bike for two days out in Vegas and where to ride said bike? Ideal rides would be a 35 miler and a 60 miler.

Broken Spoke bikes rents, good location on the way out to Red Rock Canyon and the "Loop" (Scenic Loop--Fee area).

South east is River Mountain Trail, but this will be hotter than RR if you're coming in summer. Do either early in the day and you'll be fine.

[twangston73]

Just rented a bike at Las Vegas Cyclery, located right near a bike path that takes you to HWY 159 and then the Red Rock Canyon trail - good rental experience and a worthwhile (and scenic) ride!

[Jcgill]

About 7 years ago I rented a road bike from Mcghies in las vegas and road it from their store to red rock canyon and back.
The shop was only a few minutes off the strip and i think they have a shuttle to pick you up on the strip if you don’t have a ride. (This was long before uber)

All around awesome experience. The shop and staff were great and the ride was awesome as well.

[SoCalSteve]

Originally Posted by bking

Broken Spoke bikes rents, good location on the way out to Red Rock Canyon and the "Loop" (Scenic Loop--Fee area).

South east is River Mountain Trail, but this will be hotter than RR if you're coming in summer. Do either early in the day and you'll be fine.

Is it just me or is this a bad name for a bike store? And especially for a rental...

[taz-t]

I've reserved a road bike rental for this Thursday from McGhies.

Planning on doing the Red Rock loop from the shop with my gf. Rentals are for 24 hrs.

Rate is $45 for 1 day, discounts for multiple days. If you contact in advance, they can probably have your pedals, although I'm using flats since I don't want to pack cycling shoes.

- Taz

[bking]

Originally Posted by SoCalSteve

Is it just me or is this a bad name for a bike store? And especially for a rental...

Ahh, sadly Broken Spoke is no more. It was owned by a friend of mine, and the bike shop was just a hobby but took to much time and effort to keep up.
Both McGhie's and Las Vegas Cyclery are easy to rent and ride from.

[earlfoss]

If you have time to get up Kyle Canyon and to the top of Mt. Charleston, I highly recommend that trip. It's a long climb from ~3500 ft to ~7500ft elevation with a very steady low grade. It's really cool to see the change in terrain and vegetation as you climb up. The trip down is amazing too. The view will make you feel like you're descending to the surface of the moon. There's a park-and-ride lot at the base of the climb which is really handy since you'll have to drive to the starting point.

[Gartenmeister]

Thread back from the dead. I'm headed to Vegas in a couple days; taking a bike. Having a hard time deciding road or mtn but leaning strongly road.

I plan on riding Red Rock Canyon. OK to ride there from the casinos or do I need to drive out? Any suggested routes? I'll be at the Westgate.

So that is one ride, what else should I do? Need at least two. Mt Charleston?

Also, any ride ideas for the Laughlin/Bullhead City area? I'll be there over next weekend.

Thanks

[bking]

Originally Posted by Gartenmeister

Thread back from the dead. I'm headed to Vegas in a couple days; taking a bike. Having a hard time deciding road or mtn but leaning strongly road.

I plan on riding Red Rock Canyon. OK to ride there from the casinos or do I need to drive out? Any suggested routes? I'll be at the Westgate.

So that is one ride, what else should I do? Need at least two. Mt Charleston?

Also, any ride ideas for the Laughlin/Bullhead City area? I'll be there over next weekend.

Thanks

North on Joe Brown through the neighborhoods to St Louis, left to Main Street north to Wyoming then left, or west under the freeway. It turns into Oakey under the freeway. You can go quite a ways west on Oaky, decently quiet street, but the main bike road out of town is Alta. From Oakey you can make a right on Campbell, Torrey Pines or Durango to Alta, then west. Take Alta all the way to the end, Sky Vista now, then left or south to Charleston and out to Red Rock area. Do the Red Rock loop, you pay unless you have the national park yearly pass. Still worth it. It used to be $4 for bikes, may still be. Keep going out to the small town of Blue Diamond, refuel at the small store there. Always bikes there on weekends, usually there on weekdays too.
Go back to your hotel using Alta/Oakey again. No better or safer way.

[Gartenmeister]

Thanks. Thoughts on the River Mountains Loop with a detour to the dam for as a second ride?

[bking]

Originally Posted by Gartenmeister

Thanks. Thoughts on the River Mountains Loop with a detour to the dam for as a second ride?

Yes, i was going to direct you that way, but ran out of time. There are a couple ways that you could ride from your hotel, but none are great, at least for the first 8 or 9 miles. If you have a car, drive out to Lake Las Vegas, park and hop on the trail there on the south side of Lake Mead Pkwy. Do the loop in either direction. To get the the dam, at the Lake Mead visitor center at the junction of 93 and Lakeshore Rd, take the crushed granite Historic Railroad Trail. Very good path, no problem with road tires, 23's etc. Great views, and while the road to the dam and the visitor center is ok, path is the way to go. I'd do it coming back as well.
Google maps shows this entire route very well.
If you do want to ride from your hotel, let me know.