Give me suggestions and info doing a ride in Lake Tahoe
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 62
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Give me suggestions and info doing a ride in Lake Tahoe
I will be in Lake Tahoe from July 5th to the 11th and want to do a ride around the lake. Can everyone give me their imput on riding direction, time, climbing and etc...
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 306
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
A thread from a BF ride a few weeks ago
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...51#post6705151
Bikethewest.com ride also a few weeks ago
https://bikethewest.com/AMBBR.html
Elevations and distances
https://bikethewest.com/Art/AMBBR-Elev.jpg
More rides here
https://bikethewest.com/index.html
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 62
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What type of weather conditions should I expect (temps, winds and etc..) and what time would you recomend me starting ? Iam 55 and have been doing some basic riding with moderate climbing and my daughter is fairly new to cycling but in good physival shape (gymnast age 21) Any and all info is appreciated
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,879
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 104 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
The ride around the lake is about 75 miles with rolling hills (2 longer hills, but not steep). Temperatures are usually cool in the morning, climbing in to the 70s on summer days. Food and water is available at many parks and stores along the lake shore.
The main problem with this ride is that there are long sections of road with no shoulders and high speed (50mph) auto traffic. For that reason, the best time to bike around the lake is in the fall after the biggest summer crowds are gone. The locals are generally courteous towards bicyclists, but out-of-town-tourists can easily be distracted or drunk or both. If you must ride during July, my advice is to start as early as possible, since the worst tourist traffic is in the afternoon.
The main problem with this ride is that there are long sections of road with no shoulders and high speed (50mph) auto traffic. For that reason, the best time to bike around the lake is in the fall after the biggest summer crowds are gone. The locals are generally courteous towards bicyclists, but out-of-town-tourists can easily be distracted or drunk or both. If you must ride during July, my advice is to start as early as possible, since the worst tourist traffic is in the afternoon.
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 62
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Which direction is suggested or does it make a difference ?.Is there a particular section that is the worst as far as road safety and etc..?. and is there any particular area where there is several miles without seeing business
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I would do it clockwise, just so the lake is on your side. The worst part, in my opinion is the stretch from Sand Harbor to Spooner Junction. It's a climb, not particularly steep (4%, I think) but it's kind of a long slog and the road is narrow. Depending on the day of the week, there could be quite a few RV's and boat trailers.
#9
Crawlin' up, flyin' down
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Democratic Peoples' Republic of Berkeley
Posts: 5,610
Bikes: 1967 Paramount; 1982-ish Ron Cooper; 1978 Eisentraut "A"; two mid-1960s Cinelli Speciale Corsas; and others in various stages of non-rideability.
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 996 Post(s)
Liked 2,443 Times
in
1,023 Posts
Go clockwise. Try not to go on a weekend day - somewhat less traffic on a summer weekday.
Start somewhere on the south shore; Stateline, South Lake Tahoe, Meyers. Start early. That combination will get you through the most dangerous part for car traffic (Emeral Bay area) before there is that much of it.
I've not had the good firtune to do it this way, but starting from Spooner Junction (in Nevada, where the highway coming down from Incline Village meets US 50) may be the best place, as it gets you through the second most dangerous place for car traffic (US 50 through Zephyr Cove to the California line) early in the day. Thoughts, anyone?
There is a bike path on Calif. 89 from a little norht of the "Y" (the intersection of Calif. 89 and US 50) to a little short of the climb to Emerald Bay. It is usually in pretty good shape. There is another bike path from north of Emerald Bay all the way to Tahoe City. It is nice to be away form cars (although the shoulder here is alos pretty good), but you need to pay attention, as there are sharp turns and steep little pitches that can be unpleasant surprises if you aren't paying attention. There is also a bike path much of the way between Tahoe City and Incline Village.
Speaking of Incline Village, be sure to top off an all supplies - food, drinks, etc. - as this will be the last chance to do so until Zephyr Cove or thereabouts. This stretch of road is the least travelled by cars (at least until you rejoin US 50) but it also is devoid of food. There may be water, as there is a Nevada State Park along the way, but you'll have to look for it as I've not seen any. As a previous poster mentioned, this stretch is more or less non-stop uphill - not steep, but it can get old. You do not want to run out of food or drink here.
After you hit US 50 at Spooner Junction, there is a pretty good downhill where you will be able to go fast enough to defend yourself. It bottoms out fairly soon, though, leaving you on a four-lane major highway with not very much shoulder. It is rideable, but because of the combination of heavy traffic and narrow shoulder it si the leat enjoyable part of the ride. Odds are it will also be the last part - or close to it - of the ride, which means you'll be tired, which decreases the enjoyment. (Getting this aprt out of the way early when you are fresh is why I suggest the possibility of starting at Spooner Junction or Zephyr Cove.) I am not suggesting you not do the ride because of this, I'm just giving you an idea of what to expect.
If you do not deviate from the main road at all, it is 72 miles around the lake. Some of he views are magnificent, the ecneray in general is top drawer, and supplies are readily available between Zephyr Cove and Camp Richardson, and again from north of Emerald Bay to Incline Village.
Remember, the elevation of Lake Tahoe itself is 6200 feet. The road ranges from that to over 7,000 feet. The sun will burn you faster than you are used to at that elevation, and you will dehydrate faster. Plan accordingly.
Also, the altitude may make you feel less hungry than usual. Make yourself eat. You really do not want to bonk at mile 55.
Having said all this, it is a great ride. Take a few precautions, and this will be one ride that will stand out in your memory for a long time. Good luck.
Start somewhere on the south shore; Stateline, South Lake Tahoe, Meyers. Start early. That combination will get you through the most dangerous part for car traffic (Emeral Bay area) before there is that much of it.
I've not had the good firtune to do it this way, but starting from Spooner Junction (in Nevada, where the highway coming down from Incline Village meets US 50) may be the best place, as it gets you through the second most dangerous place for car traffic (US 50 through Zephyr Cove to the California line) early in the day. Thoughts, anyone?
There is a bike path on Calif. 89 from a little norht of the "Y" (the intersection of Calif. 89 and US 50) to a little short of the climb to Emerald Bay. It is usually in pretty good shape. There is another bike path from north of Emerald Bay all the way to Tahoe City. It is nice to be away form cars (although the shoulder here is alos pretty good), but you need to pay attention, as there are sharp turns and steep little pitches that can be unpleasant surprises if you aren't paying attention. There is also a bike path much of the way between Tahoe City and Incline Village.
Speaking of Incline Village, be sure to top off an all supplies - food, drinks, etc. - as this will be the last chance to do so until Zephyr Cove or thereabouts. This stretch of road is the least travelled by cars (at least until you rejoin US 50) but it also is devoid of food. There may be water, as there is a Nevada State Park along the way, but you'll have to look for it as I've not seen any. As a previous poster mentioned, this stretch is more or less non-stop uphill - not steep, but it can get old. You do not want to run out of food or drink here.
After you hit US 50 at Spooner Junction, there is a pretty good downhill where you will be able to go fast enough to defend yourself. It bottoms out fairly soon, though, leaving you on a four-lane major highway with not very much shoulder. It is rideable, but because of the combination of heavy traffic and narrow shoulder it si the leat enjoyable part of the ride. Odds are it will also be the last part - or close to it - of the ride, which means you'll be tired, which decreases the enjoyment. (Getting this aprt out of the way early when you are fresh is why I suggest the possibility of starting at Spooner Junction or Zephyr Cove.) I am not suggesting you not do the ride because of this, I'm just giving you an idea of what to expect.
If you do not deviate from the main road at all, it is 72 miles around the lake. Some of he views are magnificent, the ecneray in general is top drawer, and supplies are readily available between Zephyr Cove and Camp Richardson, and again from north of Emerald Bay to Incline Village.
Remember, the elevation of Lake Tahoe itself is 6200 feet. The road ranges from that to over 7,000 feet. The sun will burn you faster than you are used to at that elevation, and you will dehydrate faster. Plan accordingly.
Also, the altitude may make you feel less hungry than usual. Make yourself eat. You really do not want to bonk at mile 55.
Having said all this, it is a great ride. Take a few precautions, and this will be one ride that will stand out in your memory for a long time. Good luck.
__________________
"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
"I'm in shape -- round is a shape." Andy Rooney
#10
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 62
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
WOW Thatsb alot of good information . I thank you for it. And if anyone else has any imput please give it to me since it will only help me to enjoy the ride .
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I'm ambivalent on the bike path. It can be nice to get away from cars, but it can get crowded with little kids and folks who don't ordinarily ride except when on vacation in Tahoe. You'll have to decide for yourself.
If you start early, it can be pretty chilly especially in the shade. You may want a windbreaker or arm and kneewarmers. And make sure you put on sunscreen. You can get really burned.
Take a camera! The views are awesome.
If you start early, it can be pretty chilly especially in the shade. You may want a windbreaker or arm and kneewarmers. And make sure you put on sunscreen. You can get really burned.
Take a camera! The views are awesome.
#13
Erect member since 1953
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Antioch, CA (SF Bay Area)
Posts: 7,000
Bikes: Trek 520 Grando, Roubaix Expert, Motobecane Ti Century Elite turned commuter, Some old French thing gone fixie
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 38 Times
in
21 Posts
IF you have a mountain bike, do the Flume Trail. It has the best views of Tahoe you've ever seen. Heck, do it on a cross bike or commuter. it's worth it.
#14
Direct Hit Not Required
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Bruno, CA
Posts: 6,193
Bikes: Leopard DC1, Ridley X-Fire, GT Zaskar 9r
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Is the Flume Trail doable on a cyclocross bike? If so, that'd be one to put on my must do list.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,879
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 104 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
The Tahoe Rim Trail, which runs parallel to the Flume Trail, is also a lot of fun.
#16
Erect member since 1953
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Antioch, CA (SF Bay Area)
Posts: 7,000
Bikes: Trek 520 Grando, Roubaix Expert, Motobecane Ti Century Elite turned commuter, Some old French thing gone fixie
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 121 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 38 Times
in
21 Posts
Agree. Tricia says "Watch out for sand snakes. They'll grab your tires"
But there isn't a lot of sand, so have fun.
But there isn't a lot of sand, so have fun.
#17
Direct Hit Not Required
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: San Bruno, CA
Posts: 6,193
Bikes: Leopard DC1, Ridley X-Fire, GT Zaskar 9r
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
You might have to walk on some of the sandy sections and almost everyone lifts their bike over the bigger boulders. Otherwise, the Flume Trail is fairly non-technical (as long as you are not scared of heights).
The Tahoe Rim Trail, which runs parallel to the Flume Trail, is also a lot of fun.
The Tahoe Rim Trail, which runs parallel to the Flume Trail, is also a lot of fun.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Sacramento, California, USA
Posts: 40,865
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Exceed, Specialized Transition, Ellsworth Roots, Ridley Excalibur
Mentioned: 68 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2952 Post(s)
Liked 3,106 Times
in
1,417 Posts
I have some photos of a ride from Tahoe City to the top of Mount Rose (if the Lake was a clock, from 10 to 1 o'clock). I went early.
Dollar Hill
Carnelian Bay
State Line
Turning off the Lake Road to the Mt. Rose Highway
Scenic overlook
Almost there!
At the top.
Dollar Hill
Carnelian Bay
State Line
Turning off the Lake Road to the Mt. Rose Highway
Scenic overlook
Almost there!
At the top.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,879
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 104 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
The main attraction of the Flume Trail is that you are essentially riding on a single track trail that is cut into a steep cliff side. There is a several hundred foot drop from the trail down to the lake.
The Tahoe Rim Trail gives you the same mountain scenery without the cliff. The TRT is also much longer (with several trail heads) and has more solitude.
The Tahoe Rim Trail gives you the same mountain scenery without the cliff. The TRT is also much longer (with several trail heads) and has more solitude.
#22
No Heroes
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Bay Area, Ca / København, DK
Posts: 74
Bikes: Bianchi Eros//2007 Fuji Touring
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
are there anymore mtn bike trails i should know about? i think ill be heading over to my friends cabin middle of july or so
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Northern California
Posts: 10,879
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 104 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
#24
Amici Veloci, Old Marine
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North Highlands, CA
Posts: 10
Bikes: Specialized Roubaix, Specialized RockHopper, Bianchi San Jose, Trek1000
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I've done the ride in September. We went clockwise from South shore. Next time will be better, I'll remember Spooner. I'd driven it many times, didn't notice the grade until I was on a bike & wasn't ready. I kept thinking, where did this come from? Beautiful ride. Enjoy.