*We stayed at a Pelican Hills condo which I highly recommend. The condo itself was fabulous and the clubhouse/HOA facilities included a theater room with plush leather recliner chairs (very nice), an outdoor pool that was heated, a nice big deep hot tub and tennis courts.
Saturday morning I got up early and rode Barrel Roll, which is located just minutes from Santa Clara. I was planning to ride for several hours but ended up getting a hole in the side wall of my rear tire just before finishing one lap. Even though my plans were cut short, I had a blast and the weather was fabulous. If I were to ride Barrel Roll again, I'd probably park my car in Santa Clara and climb up the dirt road for a better cardio workout as there was a decent climb from the paved road to the trail head.
View from the top of the Barrel Roll loop:
There were a few tricky spots that I found challenging and fun to try until I was able to clear. I rode the loop counterclockwise. Next time I'll probably go clockwise.
On Saturday I headed out early again and did a loop on the road bike that went through Gunlock, up to Veyo (that last climb before Veyo felt good) and then descended into St. George. Along the way, I rode for a few miles with a guy named Jason who is training for the St. George Ironman Triathlon in May. I have a huge amount of respect for these people, including some of my good friends, who are training for the Ironman. I have a hard time comprehending the sacrifice and effort it takes to prepare for and finish an Ironman triathlon. Jason for example was doing a 1/2 ironman that day or 1 mile swim, 66 mile bike and 13 mile run. Hats off to them....I don't really have any desire to put myself through that much pain.
Here's the volcano near Veyo. This part of the loop is deceiving because you're thinking it's all downhill from here, but the climbing seems to continue on and on. It'll make for a challenging Ironman bike leg.
Snow Canyon:
3 comments:
Sounds like lots of fun! I'm telling you, you would love riding in Red Rock Canyon here in Las Vegas:)
Darci is right about Red Rock Canyon, but Monument Hill Road and the Crescent Bar/Babcock Ridge Loop-Loop would also be awsome here in beautiful sun city (Quincy, WA), land of the sagebrush, farmers and jackrabbits! Happy riding!
Darci and Dad - Both good reasons to visit Las Vegas and Quincy. I agree Dad that the climb out of Crescent Bar would be good and I also like the idea of riding on the Monument Hill Road, probably on a mountatin bike. You should try it before the spring work heats up. I even have some bike shorts I could give you.
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