Voyages on Two Wheels – 14 August 2011 – Playing In Traffic on the Las Vegas Strip

I know you’re probably a bit shocked at getting two posts in one day, but I figured I’d finish catching up

Sunday was my day off for the weekend.  Yes, I had to work Saturday but at least I only have to ride about 20 minutes to get to the fabulous Las Vegas Strip   Now, I say it’s fabulous because of the Welcome Sign and the unique experience of seeing so many different things in one place.  It sure ain’t fabulous because of all the taxis and incredible drivers   Still, playing in traffic can be good fun sometimes so I figured why not go dance with some city buses and tourists in SUV’s

14 August 2011 - Heading south on the Las Vegas Strip

 I’d have to say this is one of my favorite pics from the bike so far   There’s the Strip, parts of the bike, and I even managed to get myself in the pic   It’s the chaos and challenge of moving obstacles which sets riding on the Strip apart from most other places in my ever so humble opinion.  It has to be just about the polar opposite of riding through Red Rock Canyon.  Somehow, they both get me into that mental place where there’s very little aside from the current moment’s concentration.  Red Rock has scenery and a wide open road.  The Strip has unpredictable drivers, interesting technical challenges in parking lots, and a completely unpredictable weirdness of what’s on display for all to see that must be experienced to be believed.  I still can’t believe some pedestrians bet their lives playing a dangerous version of Frogger – Jay walking is just too risky for me on the Strip

14 August 2011 - Dinner was pizza at the French bakery in Paris, Las Vegas

 I know what you’re thinking right now.  Why would anyone go to the French bakery at Paris, Las Vegas and order pizza   It’s simple really – They know what the heck they’re doing and they use good quality ingredients   Just for example, olives at the French bakery actually have quite a strong flavor and are noticeable on their pizza   The pizza itself was a bit floppier than I usually like it, but it sure hit the spot

14 August 2011 - Bellagio and City Center seen from Paris, Las Vegas

I was getting ready to turn left as I exited Paris, Las Vegas for more miles on the Strip and figured this would make a good pic

14 August 2011 - The worst gas pump nozzle in all of Las Vegas

 I had to stop a short time later to gas up the bike.  Again   Of course, I’m kidding but it seems like I fill that tank sometimes three times a week    Now, just remember the bike’s been getting a bit over 40 MPG lately and it’s about a four gallon tank so you can do the math on how much I’m riding

The reason I say that this is the worst nozzle in Las Vegas is that it will not pump gas unless the collar is compressed.  Due to the shape of the inside of my bike’s gas tank guess what’s pretty much impossible   I had to pump with my right hand while pulling back on the collar with my left.  I got it to work, but I’m not going back to this place.

14 August 2011 - Southwest Airlines heading west out of McCarran

14 August 2011 - Frontier Airlines climbing into the setting sunlight

14 August 2011 - Southwest Airlines taxiing at McCarran

 Y’all didn’t think I’d get completely away from airplanes, did ya ?  The gas station just happened to be across the street from McCarran

14 August 2011 - Riding northbound up the Las Vegas strip toward the Welcome Sign

14 August 2011 - About to turn right onto the Las Vegas Strip near Mandalay Bay

14 August 2011 - Paris, Las Vegas as seen from The Strip

 After topping off my thirsty bike’s fuel tank I figured I’d head back up the Strip   Paris sure looked great in the evening   Maybe I’ll go to Bellagio…

14 August 2011 - Eagle and Liberty Bell at Bellagio's botanical gardens

14 August 2011 - Panorama - Eagle and Liberty Bell at Bellagio's botanical gardens

14 August 2011 - A lot of work went into that eagle!

14 August 2011 - Carousel at Bellagio's botanical gardens

14 August 2011 - The carousel looked great, too

14 August 2011 - Panorama - Ferris Wheel at Bellagio's botanical gardens

14 August 2011 - I think they did an admirable job on the Ferris Wheel

14 August 2011 - Panorama - Water arches at Bellagio's botanical gardens

 Yeah, stopping by Bellagio was a pretty easy decision to make   I’ve posted pics of their botanical gardens before, but you never know what you’re going to find during any given season as they completely redecorate the place about four times a year.  They’ve still got summer going full swing and I could just feel the atmosphere of Independence Day in the air even if it was over a month later

 So that was Sunday’s fun and frivolity in traffic   I’ve got to cut this short, but I hope you liked the pics

Have a great day everyone