Vegas Interbike - Bryce or Grand Canyon??

[TrekJeni]

Help, I don't know what to take! Interbike newbie.

Geoff says we'll be walking A LOT so I'll leave the fancy shoes at home. We're bringing an additional suitcase for all the loot we're going to bring home.

My badge says no cameras allowed on the "show floor". Does this include Demo Days also?

Riding gear
Camelbak, helmet, shoes, gloves, pedals
A dress or two for dinner
Is it cold in the convention center? I get cold easily.

Wanting to pack light but we're arriving about noon on Saturday to do some sightseeing so I'll need to pack accordingly. Haven't decided whether to go to the Grand Canyon or Bryce Canyon yet. Both are on my list of must sees! Last time I was in Vegas I did Mt Charleston and Red Rock Canyon.

Totally stressed out at work trying to get ahead so I don't have a mountain of work to do when I get back! Arghhhhh!

Thanks everyone!

Jeni

[coyote]

I would say take something to keep you warm. I get cold easily too and I find that most everyone air conditions too much.

Both Bryce and the Grand Canyon are beautiful. They are both at elevations so they may be a bit cool. Maybe a good time for a souvenir jacket
I can't speak for Bryce, but the GC is down to 40 at night and only getting up to 70 during the day.

If you decide to do Bryce, you should check out Zion too, if you have not been there. They are close enough together that it is possible to see them both in one day if you do not dally. Bryce you look down on, Zion you look up.

You'll have to tell us all about your ventures when you return.

[emily_in_nc]

If you decide to do Bryce, you should check out Zion too, if you have not been there. They are close enough together that it is possible to see them both in one day if you do not dally. Bryce you look down on, Zion you look up.

But who wants to rush through an amazing place like Bryce or Zion? You can't see them both in a day if you hike (not sure if TrekJeni does, but just in case). We hiked most of the trails in Bryce in one day since it's a smaller park, then spent another full day at Zion (which has more miles of trails) but only managed to hike one trail because of the intense heat and my DH's illness (norovirus, ugh). We would have enjoyed a second day in Zion and hiked more trails if DH hadn't been sick.

So, I would definitely allow a full day per place unless you're just going to get out at the overlooks, take a couple of photos, and leave -- I wouldn't recommend doing that, and you'll spend too much time driving to go from park to park. The Grand Canyon is possibly even more amazing if you haven't been there, but all the national parks in that area are spectacular -- as is my favorite on our "Grand Circle" tour in 2006 -- Canyonlands.

Enjoy! You can't lose with those choices!

Emily

[bike4ever]

TrekJeni - I guess I've never paid attention to my badge. I always take pictures of things to show folks back home. No one has told me to put it away either.

You will walk a lot in the convention center. If you have a car, you will have to walk to park it.

As for demo days, I really don't think you need a camelbak. It gets very hot there with little shade. You can pick up a bottle when you get there (there are many free ones available). You can also get refilled with water or energy drinks everywhere there.

What pedals do you use? If you use regular spd's, every bike corral has them. If you use Speedplay or Time, you will want to bring them. You can also "check out" Crank Brothers pedals for both days if you want to try them.

I do take my own helmet. You can also "check out" a helmet from many companies if you are interested. Pearl Izumi has offered their shoes to use in the past - not sure about this year.

I always take an extra suitcase to bring back all of the goodies. My guys like any and all freebies that I can pick up.

[Running Mommy]

Hey fellow Interbiker! I'm going to be there too! We should hook up one day!
My husband works in Vegas during the week (with his non biked related job) But he mtn bikes in Bootleg all the time. So he is stoked for the outdoor demo.
I've never been myself, but since we are working on getting the new shop together this is going to be a business trip in earnest for me. Tho I'm going to be like a kid going to Disneyland for the first time I'm sure!!

Anyway, I plan to bring my QR so I can hopefully get at least one ride in out at red rock canyon.

As for the sight seeing- I would go up to Zion. It's a pretty straight shot from Vegas. The grand canyon is a LONG haul. And yeah, the GC has been getting chilly at night... Brrrrrr.....
Anyhoo, I'll pm you my cell #, if you have time maybe we can hook up. It's funny because I was thinking of putting a post out there to see if anyone else was gonna be there!

Oh and one more tip... They over A/c EVERYWHERE out there! So if you are prone to a chill- yeah, carry a light cover up!

[Pedal Wench]

I agree, as usual, with Emily. Rushing through Zion AND Bryce in a day is too much, and only spending one day at the GC is just sacriledge. IF I only had one day, I would do Bryce. It's smaller and more compact. I would do the Navaho loop, or just hike through Wall Street if you're out of time. I love that park.

The Grand Canyon needs a week to explore. Weeks. Months...

I have to do a convention in Vegas every January. Even then, it's never cold in the convention halls. Comfortable shoes are a necessity - walking the floor can be a mile hike. Plus, getting taxis might be tough, so sometimes it's easier to walk around. (But, I'm there for the biggest convention they have, so it might not be so crazy for Interbike)