Originally Posted by
anotherbrian
Yes, you do need to ride on I-80. See http://www.colfaxarea.com/biking.php and the entry for "Bicycling from Alta/Baxter to Truckee/Lake Tahoe".
To the south, US-50 to Tahoe would be insane. If going that way, take Mormon Emigrant Trail from Jenkinson Lake at Pollock Pines to 88, then 89 up to Tahoe.
Please don't try this so late into fall, it could be fine, but there is always the possibility of a dangerous snow storm at those altitudes. It is insane enough in spring or summer.