A Classic 40 Years in the Making
Some things are worth bringing back.
In 1987, the Las Vegas Valley looked a little different. The community we now know as Summerlin was just beginning to take shape on the western edge of town. A year later, the project was officially named Summerlin, honoring Jean Amelia Summerlin, the paternal grandmother of Howard Hughes.
Bikes looked different, too.
Long before Summerlin neighborhoods, bike computers and carbon frames, those unmistakable red sandstone cliffs were defining the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley. Forty years later, they’re still here, still spectacular and still one of the things that makes riding in Las Vegas unlike anywhere else.
The gear? Definitely different.
Bright colors, bold graphics, wraparound shades and enough Lycra to make sure nobody missed you coming. Jerseys weren’t afraid to make a statement, helmets were just starting to catch on and cycling style in 1987 wasn’t exactly subtle. Looking back, that may have been the best part.
Red Rock was already a classic.
Long before Summerlin neighborhoods, bike computers and carbon frames, those unmistakable red sandstone cliffs were defining the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley. Forty years later, they’re still here, still spectacular and still one of the things that makes riding in Las Vegas unlike anywhere else.
Technology was changing fast.
The first cellular phones were finding their way into cars and briefcases. Personal computers were becoming part of everyday life. The idea of carrying a phone, camera, GPS, music collection and cycling computer in your jersey pocket was still science fiction.
Meanwhile, in 1987...
The Princess Bride, RoboCop and Lethal Weapon hit theaters. U2 released The Joshua Tree. Michael Jackson gave us Bad. MTV was still playing music videos, mixtapes were an art form and somewhere, somebody was rewinding a VHS before returning it to the video store.
40 YEARS LATER, LET'S RIDE!
The bikes are lighter. The technology is smarter. Summerlin has grown into one of Las Vegas’ most recognizable communities. But get out on the road with the mountains ahead of you, and some things feel exactly the way they should.
On Saturday, April 17, 2027, the Tour de Summerlin is Rollin’ Back the Clock to 1987 and celebrating the timeless things that make a great ride a great ride.
Great roads. Great scenery. Great people. And a bike.
Choose from 40, 60 and 80-mile cycling routes through Summerlin and the beautiful Las Vegas desert, with fully supported aid stations and an experience that’s become a Las Vegas cycling tradition.
Registration opens October 1.
