Silverman Triathlon Aid Station #10 “Rock ‘N Rollin’” – 2009

 

 

 

 

Silverman 2009 - Elvis visits aid station - Jason

 

Nov. 9th, 2009 -  The morning after and I feel beat up.  Maybe frank and company should put aid station volunteers through a training program to get in shape for working an aid station on the Silverman?  Aid station #10 is located at the 100 mile mark on the full Triathlon bike ride portion and is the last aid station before completing the ride.  Riders have been on a steady uphill climb for the last 9 miles when then reach this station including the brutal “Three Sisters” at 15% grade.

It was a grand event from our station perspective…Great weather, lots of volunteers, hundreds of biker riders, great hot dogs and chili, no injuries or accidents, and the day ended 45-minutes ahead of schedule.  Our Aid Station theme this year was “Rock ’N Roll” complete with music of the era, costumed volunteers and prop’s which made it fun for all.  

 

 

 

 

 

Silverman Sid station #10 Rock 'N Roll crew 2009

 

During the day we had over 30 volunteers work the aid station. We were also the jumping off location for Henderson Police ATV & Motorcycle patrols of the trail course.  We all enjoyed hot dogs and chili during the day.  We kept hundreds of bike riders refreshed with cold water and Gatorade, Hammer gel, banana’s,and of course rock n roll music, bells, whistles, horns, clapping shouts of encouragement. 

Silverman 2009 racers & aid station in action

   During the day we had visits from Elvis and Peg Bundy and other hipsters yet to be determined.

Silverman 2009 aid #10 celebs Peg - Elvis - ?

Aid Station #10 photo Gallery:

Silverman 2009 Aid station #10 crew at work

Silverman Triathlon rider Station #10 2009

Silverman Sid station #10 Rock ‘N Roll crew 2009

Silverman 2009 racers & aid station in action

Silverman 2009 aid #10 celebs Peg – Elvis – ?

Silverman 2009 – Elvis visits aid station – Jason

Silverman 2009 Rock ‘N Rock kids Aid #10

Electric bikes allowed on Federally funded trails

Nov. 5, 2009 – The subject of electric bikes really  has not been an issue on local trails; but yet the Nevada legislature passed AB 441 this last session specifically allowing them on trails and pedestrian walkways that were built with certain* Federal money.  In the legislation the electric bicylce is defined as follows: 

 

Sec. 2.“Electric bicycle” means a device upon which a person may ride, having two or three wheels, or every such device generally recognized as a bicycle that has fully operable pedals and is propelled by a small electric engine which produces not more than 1 gross brake horsepower and which produces not more than 750 watts final output, and:   1. Is designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but is not a tractor; and  2. Powered solely by such a small electric engine, is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 20 miles per hour on a flat  surface while carrying an operator who weighs 170 pounds.     The term does not include a moped.

 AB 441 became effective October 1, 2009.  In summary the bill provides that,

First, electric bikes do not have to be registered as a motor vehicle.

Second, they do not require a driver’s license.

Third, they are okay to ride on federally funded bike trails just like regular bikes.

Fourth, they are to be included in bike riding safety programs.

Fifth, electric bikes must follow same traffic laws as regular bikes.

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Are electric bcycles allowed on the River Mountains Loop Trail?  The answer would seem to be yes, but the law states certain Federally funded trails and walkways. Those certain funds appear to be Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) dollars which were used in limited areas of trail construction.  As stated earlier this has not been an issue up to now.  The RMTP is reviewing this legislation and other issues related to authorized and unauthorized uses on the River Mountains loop Trail. 

   

Example of electric bike by Giant

Interbike Demo – Bootleg Canyon- New Belgium-River Mountains Loop Trail Sept. 21 & 22 2009

Sept. 21 & 22 2009 -  For the first time the river mountains Trail Partnership participated in the Interbike Outdoor Demo held the 21st & 22nd in Boulder City.  Event was held in the Bootleg Canyon Park.  What impressed me as a first timer was the thousands of bike enthruist  riding every  type of bike you can imagine, and they were not running over each other.  Temps in the low 90’s and it was windy, thus we ate a lot of dust.

 

 

 

 The real highlight for us was the partnership with “NEW BELGIUM BREWERY’ and their “Team Wonderbike” program.  We shared a booth and distributed information about both the trail and the “Team Wonderbike” pledge; plus we helped sell New Belgium  ”Fat Tire” t-shirts and hats. 

Link to: http://www.newbelgium.com/team-wonderbike    The pledge goes like this: “I pledge allegiance to my bike,  as a patriotic cure for America…and to the public, with whom we stand, one elation, undeniable….with community and transport for all…BIKE MORE…DRIVE LESS!”

 

 

Interbike & New Belgium & RMTP 092109

 The RMTP also staffed a booth provided by Interbike at the Sands Expo for three days in the advocacy section. We were not in the main stream show floor. We did received a fair number of local retailers stopping by to learn more about the trail, sections complete and to pick up maps.  The Sands exhibits were absolutely mind bloggling for a first timer like me. I had no idea how big the biking industry is…

Interbike show Sands Expo- john, Tony & joyce working RMTP booth 92309

 Interbike Outdoor Gallery/New Belgium/RMTP booth:

Interbike Demo banner & booths 92209

Interbike & New Belgium & RMTP 092109

New Beglium tents & bikers 092109

New beglium van & tents Interbike 2009

Interbike Outdoor Demo 09-21-09

Intebike outdoor Demo – Mtn bikes waiting for ride to top of Red mountain092309

Interbike show Sands Expo- john, Tony & joyce working RMTP booth 92309

RMLT in the News…”…best places for biking in Las Vegas?”

July 28, 2009 – This is a segment from this morning LV. Sun “Six Questions for Scott Nowicki ( Teacher in UNLV’s Department of Geosciences)” by Alexandra Berzon

Q. #5 What are the best places for biking in Las Vegas?

Red Mountain loop at Blue Diamond Highway. It’s spectacular. You’re riding on relatively quiet road and the geology is just there in front of you, all splayed out. On the other side of the valley is River Mountains Loop (Trail). It’s a paved road within this almost natural environment with huge vistas, great landscapes, and it’s safe. No cars. Those are too world-class road-riding situations, in addition to the area’s world-class mountain biking.

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Safe biking will only get better in a few weeks when the Henderson to Boulder City segment is completed. The trail will be high above US 93/95 going through Railroad Pass providing panoramic views and safe travel.