TeamG LV5 Anniversary Memorial Ride

Oof today was a frigid one. Read on the RJ that the airport recorded the freezing temperature in 674 days. Last time it was this cold in Vegas was Feb, 5, 2020. Also read that Henderson airport dipped down to 27. It’s no wonder I had such a hard time keeping my hands warm even with doubled up gloves.

Decided late yesterday to ride down to Shrine of the Most Holy Redeemer for this morning’s ride. Knowing the ride itself would be short and easy, I wanted a few more miles. I’d also mentioned on the Adobo Velo Facebook page that I’d be riding down as well and then learned the group wanted to ride up in Anthem afterwards anyway. Would make a nice day in the saddle for me.

Got up earlier than expected and started the morning with a big bowl of oatmeal. After getting all suited up I went out to start getting the bike ready. As I was I hear this crash, turn around, and see the pole rack I had my daughter’s bike hanging on had come crashing down and hit the wife’s car. It seems the colder temperatures had caused the pipe to shrink enough to come free after I pulled my bike off. Thankfully there wasn’t any real damage, but I needed to put everything back together before leaving. This meant leaving about 10-15 minutes later than I’d hoped.

Thankfully the ride down was mostly down hill so I made it to the start without being late. Coming across and joining up with a small group on LVB just after Sunset helped as well.

Was blown away when I rolled up with how many people came out to come together to celebrate the lives of those lost a year ago. Also, not just the number of participants, but the variety. Road, TT, recumbent, tandem, and side-by-sides. Entire families out riding together or being pulled along in a trailer. Was really cool to see such a diverse group.

Rolled out and the ride was great albeit awful with the cold temperatures. It was made a little worse riding the “canyon” of the Strip blocking the little warming sun available. Was a nice loop and had a great time visiting with everyone.

With the loop over I hooked up with the Adobo Velo folks to start a ride down and through Anthem/Inspirada. After bouncing a few ideas around, I was asked to just lead the group and make the route with the goal of everyone finishing the day with 40 ish miles. From the sounds of it sounds like it went over pretty well. For the most part it was just the route I usually take to get home after meeting Adobo Velo at Mountain’s Edge Park. I “escorted” the group all the way back to LVB before saying my goodbyes at Volunteer to do all the same climbs I had just done with the group…again.

Overall had a good time despite the cold and the reason for the occasion. Winter gear performed well, which is something I’d worried about the night before since I hadn’t used it in almost a year. Seems winter has finally arrived in Vegas.

Clear-Sunny, 34°F-46°F, Feels like 34°F-46°F, Humidity 46%-24%, Wind NW 2mph-N 3mph – by Klimat.app
— myWindsock Report —
Weather Impact: 0.8%
Headwind: 54% @ 3.1-6.4mph
Longest Headwind: 39m 20s
Air Speed: 15.6mph
Temp: 30.4-43.2°F
Precip: 0% @ 0 Inch/hr
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