The 2024 cycling season is winding down, so it’s a good time to plan for 2025 and a bunch of us are going to have an early season training week, March 1-8, in Boulder City, Nevada. It's usually a combination of the Boise Aeros and Lactic, but Lactic has dominated the numbers in the last few years.
Boulder City is just south of Las Vegas and bills itself as “The City That Built Hoover Dam”. The riding is wonderful. We’ll mostly be riding around Lake Mead. The roads are good and there isn’t much traffic. There is also a fantastic bike path. There are a lot of good rollers and some hills. I’m guessing, but I’d say the average ride is about 50 miles and 3,000 ft. of climbing. I not sure of the average flat road pace because there isn’t much flat road, mainly a lot of rollers. I’ll say the average physical exertion is between the Saturday A and B groups. But remember we’ll be riding many consecutive days! Weather is usually pretty good with temperatures about 20 degrees warmer than Boise. Daytime highs are typically between the upper 50s and lower 80s.
We’ve got a deal at the El Rancho Motel in Boulder City. Arrive March 1 (Saturday) and checkout March 8. A room with a single king is $692.30 and one with two queens is $804.16. You’ll need to call them at 702-293-1085 and give them the discount code “Boise Aeros” to get this rate. If you don’t stay the entire seven nights, don’t expect to get a refund. The El Rancho is a solid two-star motel; nothing fancy, but the rooms are pretty large. The El Rancho is typical of Boulder city; most of the motels were built in the 50s and 60s. I’ve checked the other BC Hotels and VRBOs, and this is the best rate I’ve found, although others are close and if you only expect to stay a few nights, you might want to shop around. Regardless,t our muster point for the rides will be the El Rancho. There is an Albertson’s and several restaurants within walking distance of the El Rancho. There are also bicycle shops in Boulder City if you need something and Henderson is a short drive away and Vegas is only half an hour down the road.
El Rancho Boulder Motel - El Rancho Boulder Motel
We’ll have several riders who know the roads and will help the newbies get around. Generally due to rolling/hilly nature of the terrain you’ll ride your own pace and we have predetermined gathering points which we’ll regroup and make sure everyone is okay. The biggest thing to remember is this is a desert environment and there are limited watering holes. You’ll need a minimum of two bottles and some rides you’ll need three. Also, most of the rides will not have any places to get food; you’ll need to carry what you need. The experienced riders will let you know what each ride will require. Depending on the number of riders we might have a couple of ride choices for a few days.
In addition to road riding, there are mountain/gravel biking and hiking opportunities and of course Vegas is just up the road.
TIP: If you do this ride, be in riding shape. The riding is challenging with a fair amount of climbing and being around Vegas, there is always wind. A good rule is to put in 500 miles (in 2025) before this ride. I suggest doing most of those outside, because it’s hard to simulate 20 mph winds on an indoor trainer.
Finally, all Lactic Acid Cycling safety protocol will be in place, such as obey traffic laws, always wear a helmet and no ear obstructions (ear buds, etc.).
Group-RideEtiquette.pdf
And non-Lactic members are welcome, but they must sign our waiver.
LAC Event Calendar - Lactic Acid Cycling (clubexpress.com)
Once we figure out who is going, we’ll carpool down to Boulder City and save on the gas expense.
Any questions, respond to this forum or contact me directly at kwag82@gmail.com or 208-869-4948.
Come join us and have some fun.
Thanks Karl.