Tour-de-Red Rock Cycling Adventure: A Special Report

We arrived safely and in <em>style</em>. Nothing but the best for the 7 C's!



<img src="http://profette.smugmug.com/photos/344374874_HrNMj-S.jpg" alt="" />



The hotel even had Boddington's on board!



<img src="http://profette.smugmug.com/photos/344374942_h9zvG-S.jpg" alt="" />



Our rooms here at the Red Rock are <em>adequate</em>.



<img src="http://profette.smugmug.com/photos/344375431_SuhAS-S.jpg" alt="" />



It's a <em>bit </em>hot here, so we're riding early tomorrow morning. We'll provide a full report after the ride, assuming we make it back...
 
What?! Is that Countrywide's jet? Are they trying to make some cash by chartering it out when it is not in use? You better get it back in time for David Sambol's trip to Africa with his family, it was approved by BofA.
 
Are you guys referring to the Red Rock resort in Las Vegas?



That place looks sweet, looking forward to your updates and pics.

Especially the one of Prof at the pool.

Better not disappoint (smiley)
 
<a href="http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Red-Rock-Canyon">The Red Rock Canyon Loop </a>



<strong>Ride Stats</strong>

Elevation gain: 2271 ft.

Temperature: Scorching 93-105 degrees F

Total Mileage: 27m most riders, profsis 31m

Number of mechanicals: 3

Number of injuries: 2

Number of heat induced hallucinations: 2

Number of Cattle Guards: 3

Max. Speed: 36

Fines Levied: $82

Bikes: Cannondale R7000 CAAD8, 19.5lbs, shimano 105, 27 speed

The <a href="http://mcghies.com/">LBS</a> rented out Cannondales (<em>quelle horreur</em>) and delivered them to the hotel. Neverthless, the bikes were quite agile and once again, the triple chain ring was a godsend.

<img src="http://profette.smugmug.com/photos/345770522_mNQMP-S.jpg" alt="" />



Prior to the ride, there was much trepidation due to the anticipated heat and steep climbs. Pete suggested fining riders $1 for each instance of complaint or profanity during the ride as a deterrent to excessive whining; the proposal passed unanimously. Profsis pointed out that we needed a <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=safety+word">safety word </a>to indicate actual distress; ?Pineapple? was the chosen term.



We climbed steadily from the hotel to the entrance to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Once there, a 7 mile 12% grade greeted us. This granny gear grind led to the first minor injury, where PM experienced a failure to unclip and landed in some less than friendly cacti.



<em>Pineapple!</em>



<img src="http://profette.smugmug.com/photos/345772489_qgeqw-M.jpg" alt="" />



The climb was worth the effort, yielding spectacular views due to the thrust faults. At Red Rock Canyon, the gray carbonate rocks of the ancient ocean have been thrust over the tan and red sandstone in one of the most dramatic and easily identified thrust faults to be found anywhere.



<img src="http://profette.smugmug.com/photos/345772587_wQP2s-S.jpg" alt="" />



<img src="http://profette.smugmug.com/photos/345776207_mkWgm-S.jpg" alt="" />



The natural beauty is enhanced by gorgeous desert blooms, as well as wild horses, burros, hawks and other wildlife.



<img src="http://profette.smugmug.com/photos/345786653_AEvAe-S.jpg" alt="" />



The temperature was mercifully cooler at the summit, and we paused to enjoy the view. The second half of the loop had some fun rollers and downhill descents. Profsis? chain came off, causing her to skid to a stop, and injure her leg.



<em>Pineapple!</em>



Fortunately, the injury was minor and the mechanical quickly fixed. The rest of the ride proceeded without incident, though we did run out of water.



Post-ride libations?Pineapple!



<img src="http://profette.smugmug.com/photos/345778163_HwB4b-S.jpg" alt="" />



<strong>The Hotel</strong>



I wholeheartedly recommend the Red Rock Hotel and Casino. It is a delightful oasis located away from the hustle and bustle of the strip. The property is gorgeous and the service at the hotel was truly exceptional. The restaurants were aware that I?m a vegetarian with a penchant for eggplant, and special dishes were created for me. Chef Francesco?s spicy Sicilian eggplant <em>a la profette </em>was divine and the carbs were just the fuel needed for the next day?s climb.



Tenmagnet, the hotel has a secluded pool where bathers are free to enjoy the sun <em>au naturel</em>. I made significant progress on my tan and erasing those troublesome lines caused by cycling jerseys. Sorry, no jpgs.
 
Looks like a good time. Props for riding in the heat. When it gets hot here in Irvine I hit the panic button and ride the coast. I'm going to plan out a nice route from Irvine->Newport->Laguna->DP->SC in the next week or two.



Was that whole pineapple drink filled with booze? I'll take four!
 
[quote author="tenmagnet" date=1217892493]Are you guys referring to the Red Rock resort in Las Vegas?



That place looks sweet, looking forward to your updates and pics.

Especially the one of Prof at the pool.

Better not disappoint (smiley)</blockquote>


Ten, I have jpegs and accept Paypal :coolgrin:
 
<strong>The True version</strong>



But before I start <em>my</em> report on the whole fiasco, I loved this, written by Profette, and I quote "The climb was worth the effort, yielding spectacular views due to the thrust faults" This is complete BS, after listening to the Fungirl 3 Bitching and whining the whol way to the Summit, getting yelled at, adjusting Saddles multiple times, getting several Text messages on my Phone saying "PINEAPPLE" when I was already relaxing at the top waiting for them to arrive I say it <em>wasn't</em> worth the effort... :)



<strong>Let the Fiasco begin</strong>



I will fast fwd through the Bike adjustments I had to make at 5:45am, the test-rides around the foecourt of the Hotel, the Bell Boys taking Pics of us etc to the part where I asked for directions to the Red Rock Scenic route, to me, they were simple enough, see if you could remember this:



<strong>Left at the Stop Sign, Left at the Lights and go straight</strong>



Even I could remember that, so OK, we were all set, I rolled out and turned left, followed by the PM and Profette...suddenly "HEY, COME BACK"!! That was Prof yelling at her sister, "GO GET HER" the remaing two members of the what was to be a 4 person ride...so I went sprinting off in pursuit of Profsis, she went the wrong way and was sprinting to catch what she thought was us..



Normally, when you set off on a ride you take it easy, a nice Cadence, more spinning than anything, because I knew it was gonna be hot, there were some tough climbs, but no, immediately after leaving the Hotel I was doing a 30 mph sprint...



Then I had multiple choices of which way to turn because Profsis was out of sight, miraculously, after crossing the freeway she returned..



So OK then, we had a 7 mile ride along the main road, all uphill, to the start of the scenic Route, which was awesome...



It was a stright shot and even Profsis couldn't get it wrong, although I must admit, I did have my doubts... :-S



We re-grouped at the entrance to the scenic route which is absolutely awesome by the way.



"Let's stop and re-fill our Water Bottles" I said. "No stoopid, we have plenty of water left" replied the Girls in unison, "Look, we still have 1 1/2 Bottles left" I should have filled mine, I shouldn't have listened...



So off we pedaled, it was going to be 7 miles of climbing, Prof posted the elevation in Her post, I think on the way up, my wife fell once and Profsis twice, all due to being unable to un-clip I think, I'm not sure, I wasn't there..then Profsis' chain came off, yet another repair for me to contend with, but we all made it to the top, it was a magnificent effort by the 7C's once again...



I have a ton of pics to upload for those that are interested (No, not those ones Guys, do you want me to get killed)? and I still need to finish the story of this 3 day fiasco...



But untill then, I'll just say that we had a blast, this is in no way meant to be an advertisement, but I think the Girls will agree with me (for once) that the red rock resort is a fantastic alternative to the Strip, I was surprized by the amount of Staff who greeted me as Mr xxx everywhere I went, for the entire time we were there, plus, the Bell Boy brought us cold water on our return after riding in the heat and took the Bikes to a room at the back...the Girls were treated like Princesses, not by me of course, I was trying to escape them, a good friend of mine was staying at the Bellagio so our Host sent a Limo to pick them up and we spent the evening together at a great Japanese restaurant, it took almost 3 hours to eat but the Food and service was awesome...



Anyway, I'm sure Profette will ad her 2 cents...



<strong>The Picture Gallery</strong>



Here is PeterUKette powering Her way up one of the Climbs in hot pursuit of the Profsisters, the last mile of the Climb is the toughest but once at the Summit we were rewarded with a spectacular view and a relatively cool Breeze...



<img src="http://www.uploadandgo.com/images/pm-rr1.jpg" alt="" />



An early morning shot....



<img src="http://www.uploadandgo.com/images/sunrise-redrock.jpg" alt="" />
 
[quote author="Priced_Out_IT_Guy" date=1218100595]Looks like a good time. Props for riding in the heat. When it gets hot here in Irvine I hit the panic button and ride the coast. I'm going to plan out a nice route from Irvine->Newport->Laguna->DP->SC in the next week or two.



Was that whole pineapple drink filled with booze? I'll take four!</blockquote>


We were lucky, there were a few thunder storms, it was cloudy in the mornings and at 4700 ft there was a cool breeze, it did get pretty hot on the return trip back to the Hotel though...



I don't know what was in that Pineapple either but it tasted pretty good, I finished it off while Prof was dozing :lol:
 
[quote author="PeterUK" date=1218112659]<strong>The True version</strong>



But before I start <em>my</em> report on the whole fiasco, I loved this, written by Profette, and I quote "The climb was worth the effort, yielding spectacular views due to the thrust faults" This is complete BS, after listening to the Fungirl 3 Bitching and whining the whol way to the Summit, getting yelled at, adjusting Saddles multiple times, getting several Text messages on my Phone saying "PINEAPPLE" when I was already relaxing at the top waiting for them to arrive I say it <em>wasn't</em> worth the effort... :)



<strong>Let the Fiasco begin</strong>



I will fast fwd through the Bike adjustments I had to make at 5:45am, the test-rides around the foecourt of the Hotel, the Bell Boys taking Pics of us etc to the part where I asked for directions to the Red Rock Scenic route, to me, they were simple enough, see if you could remember this:



<strong>Left at the Stop Sign, Left at the Lights and go straight</strong>



Even I could remember that, so OK, we were all set, I rolled out and turned left, followed by the PM and Profette...suddenly "HEY, COME BACK"!! That was Prof yelling at her sister, "GO GET HER" the remaing two members of the what was to be a 4 person ride...so I went sprinting off in pursuit of Profsis, she went the wrong way and was sprinting to catch what she thought was us..



Normally, when you set off on a ride you take it easy, a nice Cadence, more spinning than anything, because I knew it was gonna be hot, there were some tough climbs, but no, immediately after leaving the Hotel I was doing a 30 mph sprint...



Then I had multiple choices of which way to turn because Profsis was out of sight, miraculously, after crossing the freeway she returned..



So OK then, we had a 7 mile ride along the main road, all uphill, to the start of the scenic Route, which was awesome...



It was a stright shot and even Profsis couldn't get it wrong, although I must admit, I did have my doubts... :-S</blockquote>


Note to self: If profsis veers off course... just let her go. Because some how, some way... she will find her way back into the group. If PeterUK goes to chase after her, just laugh and say what pineappling idiot... hasn't he learned his lesson yet?



<blockquote>I have a ton of pics to upload for those that are interested (No, not those ones Guys, do you want me to get killed)? and I still need to finish the story of this 3 day fiasco...</blockquote>


You have officially lost your man card. This is the kind of sacrifice expected, and death is equal to losing your man card. Petah... I am disappointed, I had really high hopes for you.



<blockquote>But untill then, I'll just say that we had a blast, this is in no way meant to be an advertisement, but I think the Girls will agree with me (for once) that the red rock resort is a fantastic alternative to the Strip, I was surprized by the amount of Staff who greeted me as <strong>Mr. ManCardless</strong> everywhere I went, for the entire time we were there, plus, the Bell Boy brought us, <strong>er the girls</strong>, cold water on our return after riding in the heat and took the Bikes to a room at the back...the Girls were treated like Princesses, not me of course, I was trying to escape them, a good friend of mine was staying at the Bellagio so our Host sent a Limo to pick them up and we spent the evening together at a great Japanese restaurant, it took almost 3 hours to eat but the Food and service was awesome...</blockquote>


Why were you trying to escape the hawt girls Petah? Another Man Card penalty. You should have been proud to be surrounded in such hawtness. No... seriously, you aren't getting any younger, and you should have taken advantage of the idea of being surrounded by such hawtness. I can understand trying to escape profsis, since trouble usually finds her, but trouble can be a good thing too.



<blockquote>Anyway, I'm sure Profette will ad her 2 cents...</blockquote>


You mean the real story, and some .jpgs.
 
Hilarious summary. Thanks Pete!



See what happens when I don't show up? You get to catch ALL the *hit from the ladies. :)
 
[quote author="vicstah" date=1218152581]Hilarious summary. Thanks Pete!



See what happens when I don't show up? You get to catch ALL the *hit from the ladies. :)</blockquote>


Thanks Vic, you obviously appreciate what I was talking about from first hand experience... :)
 
Graph quipped "<em>You have officially lost your man card. This is the kind of sacrifice expected, and death is equal to losing your man card. Petah? I am disappointed, I had really high hopes for you.



</em>"



That was funny but Cruel Graph, however, I can't say I'm sorry to lose my Man-Card for a while, I need a break, a Man-Card is somewhat like wearing the Yellow Jersey in the Tour-de-France, everyone is Gunning for you, you become the " <em>Patron</em>" the Guy everyone wants to beat.....It's good to lose it now and again to relieve the pressure...let the opposing Team put pressure on someone else...



When, rather if, you ever earn <em>your</em> Man-Card you'll know exactly what I mean. I'm sure Prof will be more than happy to provide a comprehensive list of what is required to enable you to earn it, including riding up the side of a Mountain with 3 Ultra Hawt Babes in searing heat ;-)



Note to self : Wear an iPod next time.
 
Putting aside PeterUK's rather fanciful account of the ride, I do have to give him credit for knowing how to treat the ladies. The whole trip was first-class, from the accomodations, to the [whining] and dining. He should probably retain his man-card for that. Although, given his pineappling about the ride itself the argument could be made for rescinding his man-card.



<img src="http://profette.smugmug.com/photos/345777853_scdg7-S.jpg" alt="" />
 
[quote author="Priced_Out_IT_Guy" date=1218100595]Looks like a good time. Props for riding in the heat. When it gets hot here in Irvine I hit the panic button and ride the coast. I'm going to plan out a nice route from Irvine->Newport->Laguna->DP->SC in the next week or two.



Was that whole pineapple drink filled with booze? I'll take four!</blockquote>


Four would probably put you in a coma or worse...but what a way to go! I'm looking forward to your recommendations on the Irvine to SC ride. The 7 C's have discussed that quite a bit and it's on our to-do list. None of our (distinguished) club members have ever done it, so your eyewitness account will be useful.
 
[quote author="effenheimer" date=1218514199]Any thoughts on how long it would take to drive from Red Rock to the Venetian during rush hour?</blockquote>


Eff, you can see the strip from the red rock although it's 18 miles, normally it takes around 20 mins if the road is clear but it would take a lot longer during the rush hour, how long, I really don't know...
 
Back
Top