Las Vegas on Two Wheels: How Sin City Became a Biker’s Paradise

Even though Las Vegas is famed for its Strip, which houses an abundance of casinos, gambling isn’t the only thing that happens there. Naturally, for a city that was actually built on gambling, people are going to focus on that one thing, and given that the city is an unabashed tourist trap, then it’s an association that’s never going to go away.

But there’s much more to the city and the surrounding area just waiting to be discovered. There are beautiful desert landscapes to enjoy throughout the surrounding areas, and the city is a central hub for exploring some of the greatest sights in the west. Vegas is a fantastic base for hopping on two wheels and getting out to explore the likes of the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, the Utah National Parks, the Hoover Dam, and, of course, Route 66.

The Growth of Vegas

Springing up in the middle of the Nevada desert, it was originally discovered as a place on the Spanish Trail that connected New Mexico and California. Las Vegas had something precious to offer travellers – natural sources of water, which were great for traders and prospectors looking for life-changing gold.

The city of Las Vegas was officially founded in 1905, and legalised casino gambling was introduced in 1931, which is where things took off. After World War II, Las Vegas became synonymous with gambling and entertainment, and it became a playground for the rich.

People are now able to get a taste of Vegas without leaving their home through online casinos. Finding one that is licensed and regulated for the UK will help to ensure a range of safe payment options, from debit cards to prepaid voucher payment system Neosurf, such as on platforms listed at https://legalcasino.uk/payments/neosurf/. What’s more, online casinos offer a wide range of games, with motorbike-themed casino slots being quite a popular choice.

Plenty of Rentals and Glorious Day Rides

Beyond the gambling scene in Las Vegas, it’s a paradise for bikers. But what exactly is on offer there? For starters, travellers can check out rental locations, from manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, BMW and Triumph, so that you can fly in for a while and still get out there on the bike for some adventures. Some brilliant day and weekend rides can also be done from Las Vegas, like:

Valley of Fire

This is a must-ride while in Vegas because you can take an entire loop around the Fire State Park, which boasts a brimful of natural monuments, petrified trees, petroglyphs and geologic pre-history. The Valley of Fire, alight with red sandstone, is around 50 miles from Las Vegas, and there are plenty of campsites around if you want to extend the stay.

Red Rock Cancon

This stunning Conservation Area is just 30 minutes west of Las Vegas and easy to get to. There are some stunning peaks, and more red sandstone, but the landscape in the canyon varies greatly with boulders, rock spires and some stunning colours. The scenic drive takes a 13-mile loop through the breathtaking area.

Oatman, Arizona

A little further afield (around 110 miles from Las Vegas) is Oatman, but this ride is worth the trip, and it sits right on the Historic Route 66. Taking the ride into Arizona’s Black Mountains is unforgettable, and Oatman, an old gold mining town, has a population of only around 100 people. It’s a bucket list option for nostalgic bikers who get a glance into the past.

The Local Clubs

Vegas has its motorcycle clubs as well, like the High Roller MC, Old Bastards MC, Eagle Riders MC and the Sin City Desciples Motorcycle Club. A lot of the clubs run well-organised scenic motorbike rides, and some do fundraising events and put on bike shows.

So if you are heading to Sin City, it is worth checking out what’s going on to get a taste of the local bike scene there. For events, there’s Las Vegas Bikefest, Laughlin River Run, the One Motorcycle Show Vegas and plenty more gatherings to scope out.

The Perfect Scene

Getting away from the bright lights of the Strip, there are so many scenic open roads around the area running through breathtaking natural landscapes, and there are Route 66 sections to enjoy as well.

As long as you’re not riding out in the middle of summer’s blistering heat, there are plenty of months with mild weather for those long rides, and for a city that is the perfect embodiment of rebellious freedom, coupled with the natural geography, it’s a biker’s paradise.