cycling in death valley national park, to and from vegas

[bobbiedobbs]

Guy from Philly planning a solo bike road ride through DV in late March/early April. Would love any suggestions/comments on my planned route: Las Vegas to Pahrump, Pahrump to Amargosa Valley at CA/NV border, Beatty to Stovepipe Wells, Stovepipe to Death Valley Junction, DVJ to Shoshone, Shoshone to Pahrump, return to Las Vegas. Road riding only, no camping, avoiding Furnace Creek cause of $$$. Yes, I'm passing on some of the big Death Valley attractions to keep climbing moderate and avoid backroad riding.

Questions:
--Is there a good one day Red Rocks ride outside of Vegas?
--Am I likely to encounter scorpions/tarantula? (insect phobic)
--Likely wind conditions?
--Are desert thorns a big problem?
-- Recommendations generally?

Thanks!

[aggie]

One of the best rides is from Furnace Creek going by Badwater on the way to Shoshone.  You should be able to go from Stovepipe wells all the way to Shoshone.  There is a store in Furnace creek to stock up on water for the trip to Shoshone.  No other places to get water.  I doubt you will see many critters on the road but it is possible.  Most likely to encounter them if you do a little hiking on trails.  Hard to say about the winds.  Been there when it's been calm and been there when the wind was blowing like crazy.  In the park I didn't run into any thorns.  Not sure about the other roads.  The weather could be cold or very pleasant.  Be prepared for both. 

You can make a loop ride through Red Rock Canyon.  It is a fairly popular ride.  Park near the entrance then ride through the canyon and return to the entrance on hwy 159.