feb 4-10

Main purpose of this trip was to compete in a 100-mile race near Mesquite and also hang out in Vegas for a few days of R&R.
Arrived at McCarran to a long line at rental car shuttle. After 20-minute wait, made it to Thrifty, got my vehicle and headed north on I-15 towards Mesquite.
Checked into Virgin River Casino, asking for a quiet room in the back, as I had to get up early for the run. The clerk obliged and I had the perfect set-up; that was until the ATV crowd began arriving. Seems there was a huge weekend gathering and most would be staying in same building.
Their drinking started early and continued for most of the evening, with the noise level increasing by the hour. Any hopes of an early bedtime went out the window.
As an ex drinker myself, I get where these folks are coming from. They're having a blast and though I wish they weren't so loud, I need to be tolerant.
I remember how much fun it was when the booze, music and conversation flowed. I don't want to be the guy telling them to pipe down.
Eventually, I got to sleep and was able to make it to the start line the next morning. The race would be two 50-mile loops through the beautiful desert country of far northwestern Arizona, even touching the 3-corners of Utah, Nevada and Arizona.
Compared to snow, rain and cold a few days earlier, we got lucky - mid 30s at night and 60s and sun in the daytime. My time was 26 hours, 10 minutes, good for 5th overall among 30 finishers,
Apparently, the ATV partiers didn't bother too much, as I had no problem staying awake the entire time, though there were some slight hallucinations.
Oher than toes swelling up and toenails turning black from constant pounding on desert floor, felt halfway decent. Afterwards, drove back to Virgin River to see about an early Saturday check in.
Since Vegas uses the $20 trick for matters such as these, I figured $10 was probably going rate for Mesquite. It worked and what a simple pleasure to soak my legs in a hot bath and lay down in a bed.
Room rates were $29 for Thur and $52 on Saturday, with no resort fees.
Another difference between Mesquite and Vegas casinos was the availability of buffets. Virgin River has one at lunch and dinner every day.
After a steady diet of granola bars, pretzels, PB&J sandwiches, etc. at the race, my body craved real food.
From the prime rib, to hot and cold crab legs (albeit small), oysters Rockefeller, roasted potatoes, salad bar, fresh fruit and desserts, the Virgin River spread was a true delight for $16.99.
Several plates later, I waddled back to room and crashed.
It was back to Vegas for Super Bowl Sunday, with a stay at the Mardi Gras hotel ($45/nite) on Paradise Rd, directly east of the Wynn golf course. Besides the price, other selling points were an outdoor hot tub and a comfortable bed.
If you are a Vegas tourist, this older property wouldn't be for you, with a few sketchy characters roaming about and rooms that face outside. For my needs and comfort level, the Mardi Gras was fine.
Still worn out from my race, any desire I had to experience the Vegas Super Bowl vibe quickly left me upon settling into my room. Was content to watch game alone in a surpringly spacious suite, complete with living room, kitchen area and bedroom.
Every trip, I usually play a few hands of blackjack and craps, but not this time as the plastic partitions were too much of a turn-off.
My gambling spirits were renewed a bit by a hot hand at video poker, with Deuces Wild leading the way. I can't offer pics of the winnings, as I still use a 2G flip phone.
Same with food porn, though I didn't do much formal dining in Vegas. Hard to make a reservation when you don't have online access.
Settled for a walk-in Chinese buffet one day and then Ellis Island for a prime rib dinner and salmon dinner all in one sitting with LVA 2-1 coupon.
In neighborhood by hotel, I stumbled upon a Mexican grocery with good fruit and pastries. When I come back out in March, will also have to try India Palace restaurant next to it.
As usual, met up with long-time friends and shared spiritual fellowship, something that I've had pleasure to do for 20 years. To me, that has become more fulfilling than time on the Strip or DT.
When I did get out and about, there was noticeable difference in crowd size. Foot and casino traffic is down, though the airport was substantially busier.
The good weather continued throught the week and I regret not extending my stay a couple days. With airlines not charging change fees, it would have been simple enough to do and given me a reprieve from the sub-zero conditions in northern Illinois.
One final note - great idea with the clothing recyling bins at rental car return. It's a good way to lighten your load on the return while helping out the needy.

 

Sounds like you had a fulfilling and relaxing trip. How do you get the ATV for the race?

 

I’ve never heard of a race that long. Congrats on finishing at all, let alone placing! Glad you were able to get a well deserved soak. Thanks for the report, sounds like a fun trip.

 

Interesting details! Congrats on the race!

 

Wow! Ultra-Man! 5th overall! Great job. Thanks for the report. I rarely sleep the night bf running races (the early start times) but it noisy neighbors would be off putting. Glad you were able to take the situation in stride.

 

Wow. I was proud of myself for doing 4 mile walks! Is Mesquite worth an overnight drive and stay from a LV trip? How does it compare to Laughlin?

 

If you are a golfer, it is definitely worth the 80-mile trip. Besides casinos and retirement living, that is its calling card. Compared to Laughlin, it has more of an upscale feel to it, whereas Laughlin has more character and a stonger casino presence.
An advantage of getting away from Vegas for a day or two is a chance to experience a less hectic world and wide open spaces. If you stayed much longer though, it may get boring.

 

Pretty sure he ran 100 miles and the "ATV Crowd" just happened to be in the same hotel. At least that's how I read it. Don't think an ATV would take 26 hours to go 100 miles.

 

" Thank you, Chef !"
Nice race for you......Congratulations !
.
So.....could you explain a bit more about the race ?
Was there a " Rest Break " between 50 mi loops ?
How many miles does one " run " vs. " walk " ?.......Do you keep this stat ?
Please, explain the hallucinations......very interesting .!
Are you running on the side of a highway ?.....trails ?....side roads ?
How many started the event ?......you mentioned 50 finished.
.
I think it was a well earned rest to just lounge in your suite - to recover, quicker.
When I ( worked ) 14 hr snow storms ( shoveling mostly ) -
I'd hit my hotel room and sit for at least an hour in the hot shower !
......I couldn't move a muscle......
I can't imagine a 100 miles in 26 hrs ?

 

A classic Chef trip report. Rarely doing what the usual tourist would do. I was thinking of doing a Mount Zion trip with a stop in Mesquite along the way someday. Base will be Las Vegas of course. Congratulations on a great finish to the marathon.

 

To be clear, this was a footrace I did. The ATV folks just happened to be at same hotel as me. They were off doing their own thing, as ATV trails are quite prevalent in this area.
This event started at 8am in the small town of Beaver Dam and went along sandy or dirt-packed trails and off roads. A saving grace was having aid stations every few miles with drink and food. That's part of the $275 entry fee. Yes, we pay money to suffer for that long.
My strategy for 100 milers is to run the downhill and level portions and walk the uphills. However, I usually start to "hit the wall" around 70 miles and begin to slow down.
Only stop longer than a couple minutes was to change into warmer clothes for the chillier night-time temps. The course is marked with flags and once it gets dark, a headlight is a necessity. You are really out in the middle of nowhere.
The hallucinations were minor compared to more extreme ones people experience who do 200 mile races. The entire time, I felt control of myself. Often, runners will use a pacer to help them ward off fatigue and stay alert, especially on courses that can be dangerous. This course was at low elevation and we weren't going to fall off a cliff or anything like that.
Most people who started the race finished, as it allowed very generous cut-off time of 48 hours. Some folks opted to sleep a few hours after getting 50 miles in and then going back out to finish.
I still felt fresh after 50 and couldn't wait to get out and finish final loop. Around mile 80 though, I started fantasizing about that warm bed and prime rib buffet. Needless to say, I was happy to see the sun come the second morning knowing I only had a few miles left.

 

Thanks for the TR chef we have thought about spending a couple of days in Mesquite on are way home, and the Mardi Gras is were Mrs.V got her first hand pay.

 

Congrats on finishing 5th! I can't even imagine doing such a thing!

 

Congrats on your achievement! I don't think I could even drive that far without a break.

 

Just to add to mesquite part of his trip we stayed for 3 nights ( Jan 11-14) at eureka. Loved the place, laid back, excellent drink service and golf is super close.
Only downside was paying for rooms but I would go back

 

Yeah, I totally glossed over the time and personally can't fathom 100 miles on foot. That makes sense.... And is a pretty amazing accomplishment. Congratulation @chef on the 5th place finish.

 

We like a side trip to Mesquite occasionally. We had 3 nights booked for April 2020 during our 6-week trip that sadly didn't happen. There are some nice places to visit in the area.

I'm glad your stay at Mardi Gras was good. We spent one night there in Nov 2019 after a Laughlin trip. We stayed there for two weeks many years ago and were happy with it. The 2019 visit was not great, won't go into detail. We moved rooms and the next one was better. On the whole, it beat paying $140 for a basic room elsewhere. Plus they refunded the charge due to our problems.

 

What did you think of Mesquite? We've thought of stopping there a few times, but never have. Did Virgin have low limit tables? Any good food there?

 

Well done @chef!! 100 miles - I can’t even fathom that.

 

Well I thought my children were nuts for doing Dopey's Challenge (5k, 10k, 1/2, full) over 4 days. You definitely have them topped. I was happy I made it through the 5k lol. Not even sure I could handle that right now.

Very proud of you.