The Vegas Challenge ride is one of the most challenging and beautiful rides you will ever do.
It is a ride that will have you coming back for more. Starting the first day in Palm Springs and winding through sections of Twenty-nine Palms, Yucca Valley, Amboy, Kelso, and then ending the first night in Baker, CA. I won’t sugar coat this in any way; the first day is long and in many areas will leave you with only you’re thoughts and that nagging voice in you’re head saying to whoever will listen, “What the hell was I thinking?” .
When you finally get to Baker you will think that the block building known as the Bunboy Hotel is a 5-Star Resort. Of course, once you get inside and see the lavish accommodations, that same voice in your head will say, “I paid how much to stay here?”
The second day starts from Baker and ends in Las Vegas, NV. Over the past few years the second days route has changed for various reasons, but mainly due to the extreme amount of road construction, and so, due to the changing conditions we determine our final second day route on that morning. For many of us the second day is great fun with lots of hills and several sections that allow us to pace line.
The third and final day we run a half marathon consisting of 13.1 miles through the city of Las Vegas. The route will be marked but bring your own liquid and nutritional needs.
This years run will not be part of the marathon race or even the same month of the race, so be prepared to run the 13.1 miles with whatever you bring to eat and drink.
This ride is fun if you come prepared physically and mentally, understanding that those who are hosting the event are also participating in the event.
All that said, it will be what you make of it. Those that have done it previously, look forward to coming back every year to ride it again. I hope you will as well.
In 2006 we began the Pat Tillman Memorial Award which is given to the participant that exemplifies the persistence to succeed, the will to continue and the inspiration we all can respect.
This is a perpetual trophy that will remain in the possession of the winning participant until the award is given to the next challenge winner.
2006 – Jody La Par
2007 – Nick Moore
2008 – Phil Kramer
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Scholar, Athlete, Leader, Hero, Friend
"What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think....you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know it. It is easy in the world to live after the world's opinion; it is easy in solitude to live after our own; but the great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude." - Emerson
