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| | | Viva Bike Vegas Gran Fondo, NV | | | |
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Viva Bike Vegas Gran Fondo, NV
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| Biking - Road | 105.00 Miles |
4,376 AEG |
| | Biking - Road | 105.00 Miles | 10 Hrs | | 12.35 mph |
| 4,376 ft AEG | 1 Hour 30 Mns Break | | | |
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none
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| no partners | | This year's ride felt more victorious, although far less fun, than last year.
First, there was the weather - 94 degrees with 25-35 mph winds. And, somehow almost all the climbs on course were directly into this wind.
Then, there were the mechanicals - I did learn a trick for tire repair using a dollar bill, though, so that was useful.
Things started out very nicely, with a ride down The Strip. The police close off north-bound traffic and the cyclist take over the road. Very cool to see! Out to Red Rocks NCA, for a ride around the loop. At the high point here, I was feeling elated, thinking the hardest part was behind me. I doubt I have ever been so wrong. This is when the wind really started picking up. Having a very lanky build, I do not enjoy riding in the wind. Next came 70 miles of struggling into the wind - at times, it was all I could do to maintain 5-6 mph on the bike. The only excitement (if you can call it that) came from my mechanicals.
At least I was used to the temperatures, but many people were suffering from the combination of heat and wind. I have never seen so many people either get carted away by the SAG wagon or picked up by a spouse or friend and drop out.
It felt like a victory just to finish.  |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
Tons of chinchweed (Pectis papposa) flowering all over the Red Rocks area. Snakeweed (Gutierrezia sp), too. The ground there is very yellow right now. |
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| "Let it ride / Let it roll / Let it go" |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
