Cyclists gear up for run

More than 500 cyclists will pedal through the master-planned community of Summerlin near the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area today at the 11th annual Tour de Summerlin, one of the largest and most scenic cycling events in Southern Nevada.

The event kicks off at 7 a.m. at The Vistas Community Park, 11311 Alta Drive. Routes include 40-, 75- and 100-mile options to accommodate cyclists of all levels.

According to Peggy Chandler, senior vice president of community development for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin, the community has been gearing up for the annual event by adding designated bike lanes in The Vistas, home village of the event.

"Clearly marked bike lanes, wide streetscapes and abundant trails make Summerlin the ideal community to host a cycling event," Chandler said.

Summerlin's dedicated bike lanes are typically 4 to 6 feet wide. The lanes are located on main roads and are designed to accommodate competitive and recreational riders. The community also features miles of natural trails located in open space corridors that provide respite from noise and traffic, making them a preferred route for distance cyclists and runners.

"Summerlin's infrastructure caters to outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate a healthy, active lifestyle offered in a convenient neighborhood setting," Chandler said. "Bike lanes, trails and parks are located throughout the community so our residents never have to travel far to enjoy the community's outdoor amenities."

Tour de Summerlin is an annual spring event coordinated by Randy McGhie, cycling enthusiast and owner of McGhie's Ski Bike & Board. For more information on this annual cycling event, visit www.tourdesummerlin.com. For information on other upcoming events in Summerlin, visit www.summerlin.com.

Summerlin began to take shape in 1990. Regional and national studies have ranked it in the country's top 10 best-selling master-planned communities for nearly two decades.

Located along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley, Summerlin encompasses 22,500 acres with about 7,500 acres still remaining to accommodate future growth within the master plan.

The community is currently home to nearly 100,000 residents.

Amenities include more than 150 neighborhood and village parks, more than 150 completed miles of the Summerlin Trail System, 26 public and private schools, 14 houses of worship, nine golf courses, shopping centers, medical and cultural facilities, business parks and more than three dozen actively selling floor plans.

Homes are available in a variety of styles - from single-family homes to townhomes, condominiums and lofts - priced from the mid-$100,000s to more than $1 million. Custom homesites in The Ridges are priced from the high $200,000s. Luxury apartment homes offer monthly rents starting from the $800s. For more information, visit www.summerlin.com or www.facebook.com/summerlinlv.