BOULDER CITY, Nev. – The Lower Colorado Region of the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is welcoming hundreds of bicycle riders to enjoy the scenic vistas and historical significance of Hoover Dam. The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada’s (RTC’s) Viva Bike Vegas Grand Fondo event is Saturday, September 22, 2012. Viva Bike Vegas aligns with the Department of the Interior’s America’s Great Outdoors and the Let’s Go Outside! programs emphasizing outdoor activities on public lands.

Completed in 1935, Hoover Dam continues to provide water and power to Nevada, Arizona and California and features the eclectic architecture of the 1930’s. All services and tours at Hoover Dam will be available during the Viva Bike Vegas event with one parking lot reserved for the riders. Proceeds from RTC’s Viva Bike Vegas benefit local charities: UC San Diego Nevada Cancer Institute, After-School All-Stars Las Vegas and Communities in Schools of Nevada.

The RTC 2012 Viva Bike Vegas Gran Fondo attracts cyclists from across the country and around the world. This year, riders will begin their ride under the bright lights of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and embark on a 17-mile ride, 75-mile ride, 102-mile Century ride or 122-mile Gran Fondo. Cyclists will enjoy views of Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and the scenic trails near Lake Mead National Recreational Area. The 75-mile, Century and Gran Fondo riders will end their challenge riding over the historic Hoover Dam.

Hoover Dam Police, Nevada Highway Patrol, and National Park Service officers are providing safety escorts to the riders as they exit Highway 93 to Hoover Dam. Viva Bike Vegas participants should be arriving at Hoover Dam between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Drivers in the area should be alert to bicycle traffic coming into and leaving Hoover Dam and follow all law enforcement guidance so that Saturday’s riders and visitors have an enjoyable experience.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Media can set up to photograph/videotape the riders in the lot across Highway 93 from the Hacienda Hotel and Casino. After the last rider is escorted off Highway 93, media will be welcome in Lot 9 which is the parking lot on the Arizona side of Hoover Dam where the riders will be stopping before heading back out of the area.