This was my second year participating in the Honor Ride. Last year it was my first cycling event…read moreand the furthest I had ever ridden at the time, 67 miles, so I had nothing else to compare it to. Fast forward a year and I've now participated in quite a few cycling events and now know what to expect from the well organized and supported events and those that are not. This year the route options were 19, 43 and 63. I chose 63. As far as Project Hero and what they stand for as an organization in supporting Veterans in rehab, providing adaptive bikes, and raising awareness of PTSD, among other things is 5 stars and going forward this is an event that I will always support even if I don't get a medal at the end! Last year as far as the ride goes I would have given in 5 stars for the SAG stations and a 2.5 for route marking. It got a little dicey in the Northwest part of town and the ground markings weren't as clearly marked. This year I would give the route markings 5 stars and the SAG stations a 3. I always carry my own nutrition but on an organized ride I am expecting the basics like maybe pickle juice. In comparison to last year this year there wasn't many port potties available at the start or throughout the ride. The variety of nutrition options was also a little lacking in comparison to last year as well. I also wish they had found another option besides Fort Apache to Blue Diamond. It was single lane with a lot of exposure. Minus that I thought the rest of the route was great. The ride does starts with music, light breakfast, and lots of motivation and kudos to those who crushed their donation goals. At the end there was free socks, pizza and drinks.

Such a cool event! We live right in front of Sam Boyd…read moreStadium and for many years have always just disregarded what goes on there! I guess this year my little one is old enough to ask and say "Mommy I wanna see those big monster trucks!" I couldn't say 'no', it's really hard to miss all the traffic flow, fireworks, and loud music that goes along these events. The stadium set up was small, I thought we got higher seats but we were actually pretty up close! Clear sight and great view of the designs on all the trucks and the dirt obstacle course that had hills, turns, little pond, and fire. It's a 3-day event, we decided to go Friday - kind of a mistake on our part because we didn't really know how the event really is. Friday is just the racing part. Saturday and Sunday is when they freestyle and destroy the trucks, which is obviously more exciting! The racing competition wasn't bad though. Tons of these big, cool/funny themed trucks race for the championship. One truck flipped over and it got the crowd (including us) off of our seats! Then during the finale a bigger truck flipped over another truck, fireworks and great music included! Next time we know to go either Saturday and Sunday to really see the trucks get destroyed, after all that's were all the excitement is! I think only thing that made me choose Friday over the weekend is because there was a $70 difference on the tickets, which is a lot for one ticket. Not sure how much parking is for the event but I would say get there early, there's parking available at the actual stadium parking lot, there are tons of dirt lots around and then there's also a big soccer park that ton's of people also park at. Grave Digger, I believe is the all time favorite, he's won ton's of championship. Son of a Digger (clever), and you guest it.. Grave Digger's son.. beat his dad this year and was named the champion for 2017.

The Sprinkler Spring 5k is organized by a local running organization called Downtown Runners. I've…read moreparticipated in the Sprinkler Sprint twice (in 2014 and 2013). The race was previously held in the sweltering summer month of June, but it looks like it will be held in August this year. Last year I purchased a Groupon for $25 to register for the event. Registration included a "swag bag". This fun 5k is dubbed the Sprinkler Sprint because the course features literal sprinklers, water guns, and other watery escapades that drench runners along the way. I was actually really grateful for being pegged by water guns because it provided sweet relief from the heat. At one point in the race there was a fire truck gushing water out so participants could run through it. The finale was the water slide at the finish line. I would definitely participate in the Sprinkler Sprint 5k again. The race isn't timed - it's just for fun! YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #150

My current gig requires a certain level of fitness for pounding one leg and then another leg many…read moretimes over and over into the pavement. In my youth I could run like a gazelle....well, maybe a gazelle with a cheetah attached to one leg. This is not the case now. At this stage in my life, I run like a hippo, who is capable of quick speeds over short distance...a sprint that in short order becomes a lumbering trot. At 260 lbs, I have built myself up over the years in a different way, but I want to be better at running.....I really do. Never really heard or knew much about trail running. I had seen some trail running crazies while out and about in the Mojave and other difficult places. I have even seen them ditty bopping up to the peak of Mt. Charleston. I thought of this type of physical fitness activity as hardcore...and sometimes just plain insane. Since arriving at my current assignment, I have often heard from the more cardio fit coworkers spinning tales of being out in nature and getting after it on dirt trails. The conversation extended into trail shoes, playlists, trail names, fitness watches, and phone apps. Though I was never really a part of the conversation, I eavesdropped and a statement struck a cord with me. It was said trail running makes you a better runner on the hard top. Really? I love nature. I like fitness. I want to be a better runner. I then heard about Law Dawg Trail Tours (LDTT). For $30 bucks, LDTT would come and pick you up (house, hotel, etc.), and guide a trail running trip for you. I hopped on the computer and scheduled a trip. I spoke with the owner/operator, Josh about the when and the wheres. Josh is clearly passionate about trail running, trail running in Southern Nevada, and wants to share what he knows with others. He informed me the trail we would be taking did not require trail shoes, and my current go fasters would be fine enough. We set a date to go run the Calico Basin Trail and made arrangements for him to pick me up at my house at 7:00 in the morning on a Saturday. I woke up to a torrential downpour occurring outside. I was good to go, but was not sure if LDTT would be. I checked my phone and there was not text or phone message. Then I received a text at approximately 6:30, letting me know Josh was on his way. At 10 minutes till there was a light knock on the door. Much appreciated as it did not wake up the GF. I stepped out into the rain and placed my gear in an immaculate (minus being wet) looking Toyota FJ. Josh asked me I wanted a water or a snack but I was content with my bulletproof coffee. Off we went into the cloudy, rain soaked morning. While driving to the trail head, Josh threw out multiple factoids about Vegas, and that transitioned to factoids about the Red Rock area when it's beauty came into view. It helped cut the edge off nervous excitement I was feeling. When we arrived at the trail head, the rain was a still coming down. Josh gave a quick brief on the trail and running tips on how I should attack it. He threw some water, first aid kit, and other gear in a back pack and pointed the way. With a beep of his watch, we were off. We chatted about this and that as I enjoyed the cold, wet morning. With the first splash of a puddle, I was immediately reminded of my childhood and looked for every puddle to splash in after that. With every step I enjoyed my rising heart rate enjoying the surroundings. The desert a majority of time is one tough bitch. When in the desert during rain, you get to see and experience it's almost softer side. Water can most certainly invigorate and/or weaken just about anything, including the Mojave. The trail split this way and sometimes that way, Josh was behind me giving direction...tips on the value of duct tape, and.......more factoids! We would eventually summit a rather large hill after an approximate 500 foot elevation gain. I would imagine this vantage point offers a great view of valley below, but not on this day. The valley was sacked with moisture laden clouds. Not to matter, the clouds hanging around the Red Rock area, made for a beautiful and seldom seen landscape. After a photo op, we headed back down to complete this 3.5 mile trail. After much fun, many puddles, and spying a lone jack rabbit, we ended up back at the FJ and with a beep of the watch...we were done. With a huge smile on my face, I swapped out gear for some dry stuff. One thing I noticed as I was throwing on my flip flops, was that my knees, hips, and lower back weren't as sore as when I normally run on the streets. LDTT is punctual, knowledgable, friendly, and more than reasonably priced. I would imagine even a Uber/Lyft from anywhere on the Strip is going to be a pricey proposition. But to be picked up on the Strip or any other area of the Vegas for that matter, and taken to whatever trailhead you desire on the website, and guided after that...It just can't be beat!! I am now a convert!

I recently had the pleasure to go on a great trail adventure with Law Dawg Tours. What an amazing…read moreexperience!!! Josh picked me up, in the cleanest vehicle I have ever been inside, immaculate!!! While on the way out to beautiful Red Rock Canyon we engaged in a variety of conversational topics. Josh is very knowledgeable about fitness, nutrition, and trail running. Upon our arrival at the Calico trail, Josh gave me the run down on what to expect and see along the moderately rugged path. Josh had great information about the area, the landscape, and some of the critters we may see along the way. We began our run, all along the way Josh made sure it was a comfortable pace for me, which is not real fast, but I could pass a desert tortoise if put to the test. The highlight of the 3 mile trail was getting to the top of the mountain we had circled along the way. What a view!!! The beautiful red cliffs to the west and the Las Vegas valley to the east!! What a great experience with a great tour guide!! I highly recommend Law Dawg Tours to anyone of any skill level to go out and set a path on these amazing trails!!

I was lucky to not have the crazy wait times other people did. Still for sure a process, but not…read morehorrible. I appreciate the extra amount of safety honestly with the metal detectors and bag checks. Its an event filled with the people we love more than anything, our children. Ill wait longer for that. They had two Mexican food trucks, a pizza truck, Filipino fusion, and a waffle truck. Ibarras had some yummy quesso birria tacos. The waffle truck could have been better, we ate it immediately after a long wait and it was cold, and no good crunch on the outside. The fruit on mine was laughable for the price. The Filipino fusion truck had really good lumpia. Maybe a couple more trucks would have been nice, some healthier food options or a fun drink truck specifically. They had areas where older kids could get their candy bags filled, a craft space, fun decorations, and also an area with a dj where the kids could dance their heart out. There was even a random tent for kids to dance. The craft space didnt seem like there was a clear organization to it when we got there. But honestly my son would have tried to eat the disco looking tiles. Overall its a fun event for about 15 dollars. I think it will be more fun for our son when hes a bit older next year as hes about a year and a half now.

We had the most amazing time at the Haunted Harvest in Springs Preserve. Our family had heard great…read morethings for years and are so happy we were able to experience it for ourselves. We bought tickets online and opted not to take a stroller which worked out well for us since the line was much longer. Our two year old had a great time going from table to table to get candy and loved taking pictures with all the photo opportunities. The highlight of the night was the Rhythm dance booth and story time. I don't know if 2.5 hours was quite enough time to explore the whole property and I think they could use ushers to give more direction to visitors. We went to the food truck area but were promptly kicked out right at 8:30pm so make sure you finish up your food before then. I really think we should have been advised when we ordered food and given the option to take it togo. The craft area was a fun and relaxing area that we enjoyed meeting other families at and seeing the other costumes. We went at the 6pm time and had to park across the street near the Meadows Mall so keep in mind you may not be able to park in the Springs Preserve parking lot.

The first time I went to Enchant I was blown away by the beautiful lights. Now with a child who is…read morejust old enough to appreciate the magic of it all, I was excited to set him loose in this winter wonderland. We bought our tickets online fairly in advance because we wanted to make sure we got a time that worked for everyone before it sold out. It took a couple days as their web page was a little glitchy, but finally succeeded. When you enter they have a handicapped entrance that bypasses the main line, and then a stroller line, and general lines for everyone else. Throughout the park they have drink stands, some have hot coco, some are more alcoholic drinks. The main area you will find food (which I totally missed the first time I went) is located up the ramp near the entrance where they had a play space for kids and story time. It is filled with food options, toys, and other cool things to buy. I recommend the bubble toys they sell close to the entrance, my son lost his mind with joy over it, as did every kid I saw with one. Upstairs they also had Santa's house. I will say its a bit of a bait and switch. There was a dude saying oh there's no like for Santa, and pictures with him come with your tickets. I was like wow that's a great deal if that's true. However had sneaking suspicion to get the pictures digital or otherwise would be an extra cost...and it was lol it was like 50 I think for 2 and 70 for 4. If you try to share the pics through the link they give they will charge you even more. I wouldn't have gotten them personally since I didn't really prepare the way I looked to invest in pictures that night, but my fiancé really wanted them. I will say the Santa was excellent. My son was not scared of him at all, and he looked like a very European Santa which I thought was cool. The lower area is a giant maze and they give you a scratch game for when you find the scavenger hunt items. This year it was different nut crackers. Within the maze are also spots for cute photo opportunities like sculptures you can sit in, pianos kids can run on, a giant light up floor for kids to dance on etc. Outside of the maze on the main floor they also have a giant slide, but its only for single riders, and they have to be three years old or older. The ice rink also looks tempting, but with that much volume on the ice its pretty scratched up. I feel more coordinated on smoother ice. I think the experience overall is really lovely and reasonable for 35 dollars with all the work they put into it. I am not sure of the cost for the extra activities though. I am sure it could add up if you have a lot of kids, so many like a discount for buying over 4 tickets would not hurt. I think its worth it to check out at least once to get into the festive spirit.

This place has so much to do. Ice skating, a new snow slide, fake snow and of course The amazing…read moreworld largest Christmas light maze. This year's you have to find 8 missing nutcracker to be able to save Christmas. Personally, the quest to find the nutcracker made it that much more fun. You didnt just walk through cute lights and call it a night. It made it very interactive and made you want to stay longer to finish the quest. Along the way you can stay warm with hot cocoa, and hot apple cider. They can spike the drinks for the adults to stay extra warm. On top when you exit they have a bunch of cute shops. We stopped in at got a caricature done. It sealed a perfect christmas night in a funny way. Enchant sincerely goes out of there way to make this light show epic for the holidays season. Ive been to many Xmas shows in Vegas and this is thee best.

The XTERRA West Championship is a two day event revolving around triathlons and cross country trail…read moreruns ranging from a 5k to a 21k held at Lake Las Vegas. I only participate in the 5k races held on Sundays and leave the triathlons and longer runs for the heavy hitters. The XTERRA 5k is the single most arduous 3.1 mile run I've ever ran in Las Vegas. The course is on a rocky and sandy terrain featuring monstrous hills, and so isn't for the faint of heart. Do not attempt to take a stroller on this trek! I love XTERRA because the scenery is beautiful, and the course is challenging. Plus the event is always well organized and starts on time. Finishers are treated to a personalized race card with all your running stats (overall place, division, time, etc.) and the best spread of treats I've encountered at a 5k. I'm talking bagels, cream cheese, fruit, animal crackers, water, Gatorade, brownies....you get the idea. I've participated in the XTERRA 3 times. Each time the course has been different, which makes it new and exciting every time! Groupon offers an amazing deal for this 5k - it's only $15 for registration, which includes a high tech running shirt. If you're a runner, you'd be missing out by not participating in the annual XTERRA run! YELP 100 CHALLENGE 2015: #71

I went to my first vlv in 2016 and I haven't missed a si for yet since ! Well except his year, but…read moreit was cancelled, so technically I didn't This event has become my most important event of the year. I take my vacation to go 2 weeks in the US, I visit LA, I do some road trip visits and I attend Viva. Probably the best event of its kind. Well I'll need to attend all of them to make sure but I'm pretty sure it will win the first prize. During 4 days, it's all about the rockabilly scene. Music, fashion, old cars, tattoos, burlesque and ton of pinups everywhere. I have so much fun every time, I never get to do all the cool stuffs that's happening and I meet new friend every year. There's also a bunch of competition that are fun to enter like the pin-up competition or the vintage swimsuit competition. For the perfect Viva expérience don't forget to do some shopping, to attend the car show on Saturday, to enjoy the pool during one of the pool parties, to see some burlesque shows and get a tattoo ! The best souvenir ever I honestly have absolutely nothing wrong to say about this event. It's always perfectly organized. And I just can't wait to attend the next one in 2021 Who cares to join ? Viva Las Vegas !

We go to as many car shows in Vegas as possible including not in Vegas (Hot August Nights in Reno)…read more We enjoy them all but nothing really compares to this. Although our car isn't old enough to qualify to get in (64 or old and ours is a 67') we still manage to go to the Orleans and park in the normal area with our car and a lot of others that either can't get in or didn't want to pay the extra fee. Once you get in though it is people and car watching GALORE! They have amazing rat rods, classics, bikes and live music. The Orleans casino does a great job of this show. I've been attending for many years and remember the old days when this was at the Gold Coast. Orleans is a much bigger and nicer venue and can accommodate the masses of people coming to check everything out. If your a car enthusiast and like to see good looking men and women with awesome tattoos then this is your thing.