Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 | midnight
It only seems fitting that when bicycle manufacturers and retailers want to show off the latest in mountain bikes and accessories they bring it to Bootleg Canyon.
They want to show off their newest products by demonstrating how they perform and stand up to one of the toughest places for mountain biking.
Bootleg Canyon has become internationally known among riders, so it's no surprise the area continues to host the Outdoor Demo, part of the Interbike International Expo.
The expo took place in the Sands Convention and Expo Center Sept. 22 to 26 and the demo took place the first two days here in Boulder City.
Bootleg Canyon Trailmaster Brent Thomson has built the canyon into a premiere attraction.
When Interbike and Sands were negotiating a new contract, there was talk about Interbike moving its annual trade show to another city, because some critics said Las Vegas wasn't bicycle friendly.
Whether Las Vegas may or may not be bicycle friendly, Boulder City and Bootleg Canyon are. Some of this year's attendees think that's the reason Interbike opted to extend the contract with Sands through 2012.
"Being from Denver I would have loved to have Interbike and the Outdoor Demo there, because I think we have some great areas," said Bert Jennings, a Denver mountain bike retailer. "But this place is awesome too. The trails are amazing and they really test you."
It's unfortunate that most people don't get to experience Interbike or the demo, because it is a trade show and not open to the general public.
I'm sure if people were able to experience it, there would be a huge increase in people riding, buying bikes and taking an interest in the sport.
OVERTIME: UNLV freshman wide receiver and Western graduate Phillip Payne is a big reason why the Rebels have started the season with three wins in four games.
Payne's one-handed touchdown reception Sept. 13 sent the Arizona State game into overtime, which UNLV later won against the national ranked Sundevils.
He then caught the game-winning touchdown in overtime Sept. 20 to lead the Rebels to a home win against Iowa State. He's been nothing short of impressive in his first four games at the collegiate level.
Hopefully, local high school players who are still uncommitted take note of Payne and give UNLV a shot. It's understandable that guys like Palo Verde's Torin Harris will go to USC, because that's a once in a lifetime shot. The same could be said for Bishop Gorman graduates DeMarco Murray and Ryan Reynolds, who play for Oklahoma.
But California's Brett Johnson (Green Valley High) and Utah's Eddie Wide (Cimarron-Memorial) and DeVonte Christopher (Canyon Springs) opted to stay and play at UNLV, perhaps they could have been the ones responsible for UNLV's turnaround.
Brent Hinckley can be reached at 948-2074 or [email protected].
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