Bicyclists who were bummed by the cancellation of Viva Bike Vegas, take heart — not only is Viva Bike Vegas coming back after all, but the popular cycling event has some company.
Backstory: In February, we reported that the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada announced that its cyclopalooza, Viva Bike Vegas, was on hold for 2014, potentially never to return. The cost to produce the massive long-distance ride had outpaced the amount of money sponsors were willing to cough up.
Perimeter Bicycling to the rescue! Last month, the Tucson-based nonprofit announced it was taking over production of Viva Bike Vegas, adding the Nevada ride to its growing portfolio of cycling events. This portfolio includes El Tour de Tucson, which – to give an idea of its popularity – charges $145 and up for registration, and attracts 9,000 riders.
But, not so fast… Another ride was already there to fill the void. In its fifth year, Pedal to the Medal, sponsored by Lexus of Las Vegas, was hoping to capitalize on the lack of a calendar-adjacent competitor to sell its scenic route, friendly support and worthy cause: Special Olympics of Nevada. Now, riders have two centuries for their pedaling passion.
Here’s a compare-and-contrast chart:
Pedal to the Medal
| Viva Bike Vegas
|
Sept. 27, 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
| Sept. 13, 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
|
25-, 50- and 100-mile options
| 25-, 62- and 101-mile options
|
$40, $50, $65, respectively
| Complicated cost structure, ranging from free to $145, depending on how much one raises for charity
|
50- and 100-mile routes include Mt. Potosi; 100-mile gains a total 6,775 feet with two class-1 climbs. All routes start and end at West Career & Technical Academy.
| The 101-mile route begins downtown and travels the periphery of the city, with a total elevation gain of 4,403 feet. Shorter-distance routes start remotely along the century route; all finish at the Discovery Children’s Museum.
|
Route options and free bike rodeo for children and people with special needs
| ¼-, 5- and 10-mile fun ride also available
|
Registration includes ride, rest stop support, lunch, commemorative T-shirt and swag bag. (Jerseys are available for a fee.)
| Registration includes admission to bike expo, ride, rest stops, electronic timing, route traffic control, SAG support, finishing medal, subscription to Perimeter’s newsletter, Tail Winds.
|
All proceeds go to Special Olympics Nevada athletes.
| A portion of proceeds goes to Discovery Children’s Museum, Easter Seals Nevada, League of American Bicyclists and Safe Nest. The biggest fundraiser gets a treasure chest that includes a bike.
|
More info: KimberlyC@SONV.org, 702-474-0690, ext. 207
| More info: PerimeterBicycling.com, 520-745-2033
|
|
|
