River Mountains Loop Trail

Interbike Demo – Bootleg Canyon- New Belgium-River Mountains Loop Trail Sept. 21 & 22 2009

Sept. 21 & 22 2009 -  For the first time the river mountains Trail Partnership participated in the Interbike Outdoor Demo held the 21st & 22nd in Boulder City.  Event was held in the Bootleg Canyon Park.  What impressed me as a first timer was the thousands of bike enthruist  riding every  type of bike you can imagine, and they were not running over each other.  Temps in the low 90’s and it was windy, thus we ate a lot of dust.

 

 Interbike Outdoor Demo 09-21-09

 

 The real highlight for us was the partnership with “NEW BELGIUM BREWERY’ and their “Team Wonderbike” program.  We shared a booth and distributed information about both the trail and the “Team Wonderbike” pledge; plus we helped sell New Belgium  “Fat Tire” t-shirts and hats. 

Link to: http://www.newbelgium.com/team-wonderbike    The pledge goes like this: “I pledge allegiance to my bike,  as a patriotic cure for America…and to the public, with whom we stand, one elation, undeniable….with community and transport for all…BIKE MORE…DRIVE LESS!”

 

 

Interbike & New Belgium & RMTP 092109

Interbike & New Belgium & RMTP 092109

 The RMTP also staffed a booth provided by Interbike at the Sands Expo for three days in the advocacy section. We were not in the main stream show floor. We did received a fair number of local retailers stopping by to learn more about the trail, sections complete and to pick up maps.  The Sands exhibits were absolutely mind bloggling for a first timer like me. I had no idea how big the biking industry is…

Interbike show Sands Expo- john, Tony & joyce working RMTP booth 92309

Interbike show Sands Expo- john, Tony & joyce working RMTP booth 92309

 Interbike Outdoor Gallery/New Belgium/RMTP booth:

Interbike Demo – Bootleg Canyon- New Belgium-River Mountains Loop Trail Sept. 21 & 22 2009

Sept. 21 & 22 2009 -  For the first time the river mountains Trail Partnership participated in the Interbike Outdoor Demo held the 21st & 22nd in Boulder City.  Event was held in the Bootleg Canyon Park.  What impressed me as a first timer was the thousands of bike enthruist  riding every  type of bike you can imagine, and they were not running over each other.  Temps in the low 90’s and it was windy, thus we ate a lot of dust.

 

 Interbike Outdoor Demo 09-21-09

 

 The real highlight for us was the partnership with “NEW BELGIUM BREWERY’ and their “Team Wonderbike” program.  We shared a booth and distributed information about both the trail and the “Team Wonderbike” pledge; plus we helped sell New Belgium  “Fat Tire” t-shirts and hats. 

Link to: http://www.newbelgium.com/team-wonderbike    The pledge goes like this: “I pledge allegiance to my bike,  as a patriotic cure for America…and to the public, with whom we stand, one elation, undeniable….with community and transport for all…BIKE MORE…DRIVE LESS!”

 

 

Interbike & New Belgium & RMTP 092109

Interbike & New Belgium & RMTP 092109

 The RMTP also staffed a booth provided by Interbike at the Sands Expo for three days in the advocacy section. We were not in the main stream show floor. We did received a fair number of local retailers stopping by to learn more about the trail, sections complete and to pick up maps.  The Sands exhibits were absolutely mind bloggling for a first timer like me. I had no idea how big the biking industry is…

Interbike show Sands Expo- john, Tony & joyce working RMTP booth 92309

Interbike show Sands Expo- john, Tony & joyce working RMTP booth 92309

 Interbike Outdoor Gallery/New Belgium/RMTP booth:

WARNING: Coyote Alert Along Trail Continues

October 23, 2009 – We have another alert!

This past weekend two different reports were received by bicyclist about being chased by a large coyote near the southeast corner of the SNWA Water Treatment plant (mile marker 3.5 to 4.0). This is where the trail takes a sharp 90 degree turn.  Henderson Animal control and Nevada Wildlife have been notified.  In order to pinpoint this “one” bad apple coyote we need more reports detailing where, date, and time. DO NOT go looking for this guy, but if seen or you encounter an aggressive coyote along the trail please report it.  Numbers are list below.  Also please call Trail Watch at 702-267-4050 and provide above information.

 

Coyote NPS file photo 2009

NPS Coyote file photo 2009

September 10, 2009 – We have been getting reports of  coyote sightings along the trail over the past week or two during early morning hours in Henderson.  At least one report indicated that the coyote was large and aggressive toward the trail user….”It chased him on his bike..”  The entire trail is in a rural/urban setting which is home to many wild animals including the coyote. Generally coyotes are afraid of humans and will shy away. Unfortunately our neighborhoods are intertwined with “Mr. Coyote” and he has gotten very use to living among us. He enjoys eating our garbage, our dog/or cat pet food on the patio, our cats and small dogs, and he has mostly lost fear of man.  IF CONFRONTED BY A COYOTE ON THE TRAIL ,WAVE YOUR ARMS, YELL/SHOUT, THROW ROCKS AND EXIT THE AREA.

Coyote in wild file photo 2009

Here is what is posted on City of Henderson Animal Control website:

 Urban Wildlife including coyotes should be handled by the Nevada Division of Wildlife, but they seldom are able to respond due to staff and budget shortages. Animal Control does not handle wildlife unless the animals become a Public Safety issue. If a coyote or coyotes are causing an immediate threat to citizens of Henderson, please call Henderson Animal Control at 702-267-4970 ext. 4 during our normal working hours. After hours if there is a life threatening human emergency, please call 911 for a Police/Animal Control response. Coyotes are common throughout Henderson and are seen most frequently at early evening, night and early morning hours cruising through various neighborhoods. Please keep your cats and small dogs indoors! Coyotes will usually leave by themselves unless they are challenged or cornered. For additional general information, please contact Animal Damage Control at 702-668-4565.

Here are some safety tips regarding coyotes:

  1. DO NOT FEED COYOTES!
  2. DO NOT LEAVE PET FOOD OUT WHERE COYOTES CAN FIND IT!
  3. DO NOT LEAVE GARBAGE OUTDOORS OVER NIGHT IN OPEN CONTAINERS…PUT A LID ON IT!
  4. KEEP DOGS ON SHORT LEASH WHEN WALKING! (A leash is required when walking the trail)
  5. SCARE COYOTES OFF WHEN SEEN OR ENCOUNTERED!

do not feed animals sign unk

Coyote photo gallery:

BOULDER CITY TO CELEBRATE TRAIL COMPLETION – OCTOBER 17TH, 2009

September 3, 2009:  While construction on the remaining portions of the RMLT continues in Boulder City; planning is complete for a celebration in Boulder City on October 17th.  We will celebratewith the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, Boulder City Officials and representatives from the River Mountains Trail Partnership.

Events Include the following:

  • A ribbon-cutting event will take place at 9:00 a.m. at the Railroad Pass Casino upper Parking lot near the trail head.
  •  
  • Speakers will include:  Boulder City Mayor Roger Tobler; National Park Service Superintendent Bill Dickinson for SNPLMA; Railroad Pass Casino, Curt Thompson, Director of Operations; and River Mountains Loop Trail Partnership Chair, John Holman
  • The Nevada State Railroad Museum train will transport walkers and bikers from the Museum, 600 Yucca Street, to Railroad Pass for the ribbon cutting ceremony.  After the ceremony the train will return our guests to the museum.      The train leaves the Yucca Street station promptly at 8:15 A.M.       Funding for the train provided by the River Mountains Trail Partnership.
  •  
  • “Cut and Run” – 5K Fun Run, Walk, Bike, Stroll – Immediately following the Ceremony at Railroad Pass Sponsored by the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce – $20 registration fee benefits the Boulder City Chamber Scholarship Fund
  •  
  • Refreshments will be provided by the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce after the ribbon cutting.
 

 

 

Historic Train at Railroad pass NTD 2003

Historic Train at Railroad pass NTD 2003

 

 

Hoover Dam Marathon Oct. 31, 2009 sponsored by Calico Racing

October 20th, 2009 – Hoover Dam Marathon featured in Henderson View here is link : http://www.viewnews.com/2009/VIEW-Oct-20-Tue-2009/Henderson/31827867.html

August 26, 2009 –  Calico Racing has put together what will become a “have to do” marathon on October 31th, 2009. Both a full and half marathon run on the River Mountains Loop Trail connecting to the Historic Railroad Trail to Hoover Dam visitor center parking garage top floor. This has been months in the making and permitting; a first of its kind.  Yes, the event is on Halloween too. 

The marathon course offers some world class views of Lake Mead and the surrounding Mojave Desert along the River Mountains Loop Trail and Historic Railroad Trail. Along the Historic Railroad Trail you will pass through five (5) large railroad tunnels used during the building of then Boulder Dam project. You will have elevated views of the deep blue waters of Lake Mead up until you enter tunnel #5 after which the new Hoover Dam By-pass Bridge project  comes into view followed shortly by the majestic Hoover Dam itself.  This is the Inaugural Hoover Dam Marathon, but it won’t be the last. 

One of Historic Railroad tunnels Lake Mead

One of Historic Railroad tunnels Lake Mead

If you are a marathon runner I would sign now and be among the first to say I did the “Inaugrual Hoover Dam Marathon” in 2009.   HERE IS THE LINK TO CALICO RACING: www.calicoracing.com  then click on Hoover Dam Marathon and everything you need to know is right there.  See you on the course.

Hoover Dam & Bridge consturction july 2009

Hoover Dam & Bridge consturction july 2009

For  Marathon course map see gallery below.

Gallery of photos of area:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

“End of the Trail” Planning Committee Formed

August 24, 2009 – The title is correct the “End of the Trail” building is in sight.  After eleven years and soon to be twelve years of planning, design, funding and construction the River Mountains Loop Trail will be complete.  All 34.5 +/- miles of it.  The partnership has established a committee to plan the “End of The Trail” event.  We want to share the trail experience with everyone in Las Vegas;  in Nevada; and in the good ole’ USA….so we are planning a party on the trail.  There will be trail rides, hikes, walks, bike rides, runs, crawls, jogs, marathons, bady buggie walks, 5-k & 10-k events, trail booths, speeches, awards, entertainment, food and drink etc. etc.

 WHERE: Current plans call for the upper parking lot and trail head at Railroad Pass Hotel & Casino.We held a National Trails Day event here in 2005 and it worked out really well. The location is on the River Mountains Loop Trail which allows for on trail activities to begin and end or conlcude at this location.
End of The Trail logo -Indian

End of The Trail logo -Indian

 

 

 

WHEN: We are planning around October 9th, 2010  – (13-months  &  2-weeks from now.)Why so far out? First we have to allow enough time to finish the last section of trail; secondly it will take some time to pull all the VIP’s together, and arrange enough sponsors. Thirdly, we have decided to hold the event in partnership with Henderson’s Annual celebration of National Trails Day in 2010.

TIME:  TBD …some events like a full 34.5-mile bike ride will start early; other events will have staggered start times depending on length  and distance; the exhibits, booth and food service will most like start mid-morning and remain open until speeches and awards are concluded around 1:00 p.m. when the party really starts….

 IS THIS THE END OF THE TRAIL FOR THE TRAIL PARTNERSHIP?  No..No… there is still much to do.  The partner agencies already have enhancement and safety projects in planning to make the trail a safer outing plus enhance the educational experience.  We are also looking for additional connectivity opportunities and have had discussions about possibly  developing secondary trails.

“End of The Trail” Logo– The world famous sculpture done by James Earle Frasier for the 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco,Ca. has many meaning to very one who observes it.  It turns out that Frasier did not have an interpretation of his own.  I’ve choosen the famous statue to represent the long trail we have come as a partnership and the humble experience we have all shared to see it through to completion.  What does the statue mean to you?? 

National Trails Day Celebration – October 3, 2009 sponsored by Henderson Parks and Recreation Department

National Days Day City of henderson Oct. 3, 2009

National Days Day City of henderson Oct. 3, 2009

Event advisory for October 3, 2009:  If you are into walking, hiking, running, jogging, dog walking, bike riding, cycling, outdoor photography, and much much more ….then this event is for you.

Location : Promenade at the Pavilion, 200 S. Green Valley Parkway

Date and time: Saturday October 3, 2009   starts at 9:00 a.m. ends at 1:00 p.m.

Meet fellow trail users…….Learn about local and regional trails…..pick up trail maps….

Bring your bike for a free REI bike maintenance check up…

Visit informational booths and displays….listen to guest speakers on trails and outdoor activities…

Visit the outdoor gear swap meet…..take a trail tour on air conditioned buses…

View the “Trails Photo contest” winners display….

 

National Trails Day 2007

National Trails Day 2007Trail event display

 

RMLT in the News…”…best places for biking in Las Vegas?”

July 28, 2009 – This is a segment from this morning LV. Sun “Six Questions for Scott Nowicki ( Teacher in UNLV’s Department of Geosciences)” by Alexandra Berzon

Q. #5 What are the best places for biking in Las Vegas?

Red Mountain loop at Blue Diamond Highway. It’s spectacular. You’re riding on relatively quiet road and the geology is just there in front of you, all splayed out. On the other side of the valley is River Mountains Loop (Trail). It’s a paved road within this almost natural environment with huge vistas, great landscapes, and it’s safe. No cars. Those are too world-class road-riding situations, in addition to the area’s world-class mountain biking.

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Safe biking will only get better in a few weeks when the Henderson to Boulder City segment is completed. The trail will be high above US 93/95 going through Railroad Pass providing panoramic views and safe travel.

Horses and Equestrians along the Trail

June 5th., 2009  -   Many trail users are not aware that 50% of the trail is open to equestrian users.  Horse riding has and is a popular past time in the  east foothills of Henderson, The River Mountains.  The loop trail is designated for equestrian use from mile marker 1 just north of Railroad Pass through MM 14.5 at Las Vegas Bay Lake Mead National Recreation Area.  The equestrian trail parallels the paved trail.  Many riders start out along the trail but enjoy the open riding into the River Mountains.

Natasha on RMLT Horse ride

Natasha on RMLT Horse rideÂÂ

 

The City of henderson in their phase II development of Equestrian Park will be adding equestrian facilities at the north end of the park to accommodate trailering in horses to the area.  Trailer parking, off loading, tie-ups, riding rounds, corrals, watering troughs and connecting trails into Equestrian Park and the River Mountains Loop Trail will be provided.  Equestrian park Phase II design below.

Equestrian Park Phase II concept design 2009

 Gallery of horses along the Trail:

SNWA Builds High-Concentration Photovoltaic near trail

May 11, 2009 –  Between trail mile marker 4.5 and 5.0 you will see new HCPV towers within SNWA River Mountains Water Treatment Facility. HCPV stands for High-Concentration Photovoltaic. These units will generate approxmiately .208 Mega-Watts to help meet SNWA power needs.  SNWA is committed to generate 20% percent of its energy needs through renewable resources by 2015, which parallels Nevada’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards. 

Photo below taken May 10, 2009 by Paul Grube

Solar HCPV at SNWA Grube Photo 51009

 Southern Nevada Water Authority has provided me the following fact sheet on this installation. See below…

 

 

RMWTF Solar Panel Installation

Facts

To promote its overall goals of sustainability and green living, the Southern Nevada Water Authority has initiated a renewable energy project to generate solar electricity. The project includes the installation of photovoltaic [solar] panels on the northeastern corner of the River Mountains Water Treatment Facility. (RMWTF)

 

The project will initially include approximately eight 55-foot-wide by 40-foot-tall solar modules on pedestals. A close-up example of what these solar modules will look like can be viewed as you drive northbound on Highway 93/95, just past the Russell Road exit on the east side.

 

The panels’ anti-reflective coating will maximize sunlight utilization while minimizing light reflection.  There will be no emission of excess heat, and the system will not utilize storage batteries. To maximize efficiency, the panels will gradually rotate to track the sun’s daily movements during daytime hours; however, the system will operate noiselessly.

 

The systems being installed are from Amonix, Inc. and are two-axis tracking concentrating solar photovoltaic units.  The Fresnel lenses on the units concentrate the sun approximately 500 times on one square centimeter multi-junction solar cells.  The multi-junction cells are a new technology that captures more of the light spectrum to produce more energy.   The nominal rated value of the six units installed is 222 kW.  During peak solar insolation days the output can be as high as 300 kW.  The amount of energy the systems will produce at nominal conditions is 555,000 kWh per year.  This is enough to power approximately 37 medium sized Las Vegas homes.  The units will begin producing test power by the end of May 2009 with a full in-service date in mid-July when all of the data collection hardware is installed.  The total installation is costing approximately $9,000 per kilowatt.

 

This project is part of the SNWA’s continuing commitment to enhance the sustainability of our desert community. If you have any questions, please contact Robin Rockey at 862-3405 or via e-mail at robin.rockey@snwa.com . 

 

Gallery photos: