Note- You must register in advance for this ride.  Registration will close at noon on the Monday (Feb 28) before the ride. (This is earlier than normal because of the logistics involved)

The Joshua Tree to Vegas 300k is a full service shuttled Brevet from the Los Angeles / Orange County area to the start, with SAG support in route across the massive Mojave desert, finish at the M Resort Spa Casino (south of the Vegas strip), and a shuttle back to Joshua Tree and then LA / OC on Sunday.  Most riders park their cars near the start in Joshua Tree (on the city streets) and take the provided charter bus shuttle service back to Joshua Tree after the ride. We have plenty of space to accommodate everyone that wants shuttle back from Vegas to Joshua Tree.  There are 2 Motels (Joshua Tree Inn and High Desert) within a few minutes of the start for those wanting to maximize sleep before the ride.   Some riders come to my home in Foothill Ranch, CA for a 3:00AM departure to Joshua Tree and I can accommodate up to 5 riders for this extra shuttle.

Alternatively, for riders flying into the LA area, John Wayne airport (SNA) is the closest to Willie and thus the easiest logistically for pickup.  Bike boxes will be taken to Vegas for any riders that wants to fly from Vegas directly home.  On the Las Vegas end, some riders may want to fly back home from Vegas. Bikes will be shuttled back to LA / OC even if you fly, just leave bikes and excess gear with Willie.

The route itself has huge expansive views across the Mojave desert including mountains, sand dunes, Joshua trees, railroad lines, the Ivanpah solar power plant, even the casino lights of Primm, Jean and Vegas. Riders can see for 50+ miles at several vista points. Traffic is generally quite light and often 10 or 15 minutes go by without a car passing. Climbing is reasonable at 8500 feet, but concentrated mostly 2 massive climbs, and 2 smaller climbs. Wind is normally blowing toward Vegas, so it’s possible to have a tailwind the whole way there! Pavement quality is good for the most part as most has been recently repaved, but there are a number of miles that have a few avoidable potholes. 23mm tires will work, but 25 or 28mm would be wiser. Since cell connectivity is limited and spotty, the SAG will sweep the route to make sure no one is left out there.

Important:

All riders need to contact Willie Hunt well before the ride so shuttle space can be logistically handled.

All riders need to make their own room reservations at the M Resort Spa Casino, or other hotel/motel in Vegas.  I encourage riders to room share, as unfortunately the M Resort Spa Casino is running $150 to $200 a night.  Other places just a few miles away are much cheaper.  I’ll be happy to share room space too, floor space with pad and sleeping bag is a cheap option, as the rooms are huge.

Drop bags will be taken to Vegas and normally are available at each SAG stop in route.  However, I cannot guarantee that your drop bag will be available at every stop, because there will be 2 SAG’s and they will be spread out, one in the lead, and one following up the rear.  You choose at the start which SAG for your drop bag, depending on your riding speed.

Generally the return shuttle will leave at 8 to 9AM Sunday morning, so you may want to limit the partying in Vegas Saturday night!