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Archive for the ‘Bike’ Category
Monday, October 10th, 2011
It’s leaf peeping season – almost. After a brief snowfall in early October the trails and roads in North Lake Tahoe are just starting to show signs of autumn. Aspens in the area are transforming from a sea of green to a brilliant shade of yellow, making for a stunning contrast against Tahoe’s solid wall of pines and firs. That striking contrasts leads many a hiker, kayaker or cyclist to take pause and soak it all up.
The last two weeks of October and the first two weeks of November are when the region’s trees really start to change over. There are a number of great venues for soaking up Tahoe’s fall foliage, but those using your own two feet are by far the most popular.
Locals recommend road cycling, inline skating and running up Blackwood Canyon on the West Shore, which is located three to four miles south of Tahoe City. What makes Blackwood unique is its paved road that takes you from 6,200 feet lake level to Barker Pass at 7,200 feet.
Stately Eagle Rock, a popular Tahoe landmark, sits just south of the Blackwood Canyon entrance and is an easy 15-minute hike to the top, offering 180-degree panoramic views of the entire region. The California Tahoe Conservancy recently completed a new trail to the top, which has significantly reduced pollutants into Lake Tahoe.
Located nine miles south of Sand Harbor State Park (just outside of Incline Village), Spooner Lake offers lush meadows and shimmering aspen groves that surround a scenic alpine lake. You’ll find miles of hiking trails, as well as a good starting point if you’re venturing into the backcountry for a backpacking excursion.
 Changing fall foliage can also be found on Lake Tahoe’s most popular hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail – the Tahoe Rim Trail. A 165-mile trail that completely circles Lake Tahoe, this dirt path has eight trailheads making it easy to access. Some favorite spots are Tahoe Meadows on the Mt. Rose Summit (Highway 431), Tahoe City off Fairway Drive behind the town’s commercial core and Barker Pass up Blackwood Canyon, the paved road is open to cars until the snow flies.
Here’s a list of more great hiking trails along Tahoe’s north shore.
In addition to great scenery, you can also peep some Cool Deals on lodging, spas and more here.
Tags: aspens, autumn, cycling, fall, hiking, kayaking, Lake Tahoe, north lake tahoe, Tahoe City
Posted in Bike, Cool Deals, eco-friendly, Environment, green travel, hiking, Incline Village, Pet-Friendly, Sand Harbor, Tahoe City | No Comments »
Monday, June 13th, 2011
An unusually long winter may have meddled with Tahoe’s legs of the Amgen Tour of California, but cycling events later in the year are sure to dodge those unexpected snow storms. Check out some of the events coming up:
 The Lake Tahoe Trail 100K Leadville Qualifier is at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort July 24. Serious mountain bikers will earn one of the 300 coveted starting positions in the 2011 Leadville Trail 100 by riding two 30-mile loops overlooking the Truckee Valley and Lake Tahoe.
Big Blue Adventure has long called Tahoe home with its series of adventure races, triathlons and trail running competitions. Specially for mountain bikers is its Lake Tahoe 4- and 8-Hour Mountain Bike Race June 18 in Tahoe City, where the champion will have made the most laps on a 12-mile course, marked by single track and fire roads.
Cyclists take to the road at the Tahoe Sierra Century Ride September 24, a race starting and finishing in Squaw Valley, which has earned praise for its scenic routes (both 60 and 100-mile available), demanding hill climbs and full-support services.
Get more details about biking in Tahoe, or read about the locals picks for Tahoe cycling.
Tags: biking, cycling, Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort, squaw valley, tahoe, Tahoe City
Posted in Amgen Tour of California, Bike, Events, Tahoe City | No Comments »
Thursday, June 9th, 2011
 Travelers are always looking for empty beaches, quiet hotels and a destination all to themselves. In a popular location such as Tahoe that can be a challenge. But there’s a secret. Head to Tahoe during the last two weeks of June and the last two weeks of August to enjoy the area before or after the peak summer season. It’s also one of the best times to take advantage of area deals.
With a good portion of Tahoe’s summer business made up of families, many travelers must adhere to traditional school closings and openings. Traveling when school is still in session gives guests the opportunity to save as many regional businesses eager to attract visitors during this four-week period provide some of the summer’s best values. It’s also a great time for families with children in private schools and track programs to call Tahoe home as their schedules may differ from public schools.
But what guests to North Lake Tahoe won’t be giving up is the spectacular weather. June marks the official start to summer and boating season with highs in the 70s. August is a bit warmer with highs in the upper 70s and low 80s.
What Tahoe-goers will notice is having the lake’s 72-mile shoreline mostly to themselves, as well as the hiking and mountain biking trails and out on the water.
According to Parks Superintendent Roger Adamson of the Tahoe City Public Utility District, their trail numbers along the popular paved Truckee River bike path from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley nearly double in July and early August compared to North Lake Tahoe’s early and late summer periods.
Operations Manager Darren Kramer of Obexer’s Marina on the West Shore, the oldest marina in Lake Tahoe, also sees peak business during the height of summer. “Although we have a handful of clients that launch their boats over Memorial Day weekend, things don’t really pick up until right before Fourth of July.”
 The last two weeks in June and August are also marked by a number of special events, including the Tahoe City Wine Walk (June 18) when guests sample at more than 30 wine and food locations overlooking Lake Tahoe. Visitors burn off those calories at the Burton Creek Trail Run 5K, 10K, Half Marathon and Marathon (June 19) along a beautiful challenging trails system within the West Shore’s Burton Creek State Park. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association offers a “Vistas, Lakes and Wildflower” trek (June 25) as part of their summer hiking season along 10 miles of Tahoe’s famed trail. For those that like it hot and spicy, the 3rd Annual Truckee Chili Cook-Off (June 26) at Truckee Regional Park has the area’s best chili cooks competing for top honors.
The last two weeks of August are equally busy with a bevy of events, such as the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival’s presentation of one of Shakespeare’s more traditional plays, “Twelfth Night,” (August 16-21) outdoors and on the beach at Sand Harbor State Park. Tahoe Adventure Company gets guests on the water or trails via a guided kayak or hike followed by a brilliant tour of the midnight sky, called Astronomy Adventure: Neptune and the Distant Gas Giants (August 22), with professional astronomer Tony Berendsen. Squaw Valley USA continues with its free Bluesdays (every Tuesday through the end of August, including August 16, 23 and 30) with national acts on the Events Plaza Stage and “blue plate” specials at village restaurants.
Get more information about North Lake Tahoe’s secret season, as well as a list of events, activities and outfitters. And, for the best bargains, including lodging, check out the website’s Cool Deals, which is updated daily.
Tags: beaches, boating, hiking, Lake Tahoe, mountain biking, squaw valley, Tahoe City, Tahoe Rim Trail, truckee
Posted in Bike, Cool Deals, Deals, Events, Family, hiking | No Comments »
Tuesday, June 7th, 2011
The esteemed Amgen Tour of California recently picked Lake Tahoe for its 2011 Stage 1 and Stage 2 legs. Although cancelled due to a fluke snowstorm, the Tour has successfully introduced the world to what locals have known for years – nothing beats biking in North Lake Tahoe.
 Whether you’re tearing it up via a thousand dollar-plus road bike around Lake Tahoe’s scenic 72-mile shoreline, maneuvering the dirt tracks on a steep uphill to Twin Peaks on the West Shore or kicking it along Incline Village’s Lakeshore Drive with your toddler who has just graduated to training wheels, there is a trail especially for you.
For Lance Armstrong wannabes, locals recommend the Rainbow Bridge route.
“Hands down one of the best rides is from Truckee to Cisco Grove,” said Hardy Bullock, the Elijah Bleu’s race team captain. One of Truckee’s newest coffee shops, Elijah Bleu’s is just as serious about cycling as they are about their java.
“The climb along Old Highway 40 is famous for Rainbow Bridge built back in 1926, its spectacular views of Donner Lake and the 1,000-foot-plus climb,” said Bullock.
Named after an old water flume created in Tahoe’s heyday to provide lumber to Virginia City’s burgeoning silver mines, the Flume Trail is now geared for bikes.
“Lake Tahoe’s Flume Trail may be one of the best known mountain biking trails in the world – and for good reason,” said Max Jones, owner of Flume Trail Bikes, who offers guided tours of the trail, a shuttle service as well as rents bikes and nearby backcountry log cabins to bikers and hikers. “It’s a challenging single track with twists and turns offering up some of the best views of Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada.”
But let’s not forget the kids. Families have long made up the majority of visitors heading to North Lake Tahoe every summer, and the region’s miles of car-free, paved trails makes it easy to enjoy a leisurely ride along the North and West shores.
“One of our most popular rides for families is along the scenic Truckee River from Tahoe City to Squaw V
alley USA, home of the 1960 Winter Olympic,” said Andy Chapman, tourism director of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. “A convenient and entertaining lunch spot is River Ranch Lodge, right on the trail, as its outdoor patio overlooks the rafters disembarking from the river. The Olympic Rings at the entrance to Squaw Valley is a great photo opportunity and a nearby park has a fantastic soccer field.”
Tahoe’s guided biking services are also many and give visitors a chance to experience the area’s many and varied trails with professional guides who are also well versed in Lake Tahoe’s history, flora and fauna. Tahoe Adventure Company, based in Tahoe Vista and Truckee, offers one of the best combo excursions.
“Summer in North Lake Tahoe is about the trails and the water,” said Kevin Hickey, owner of Tahoe Adventure Company, who provides a one-day kayaking and mountain biking adventure. “Paddling in the morning along the boulders and hidden beaches of the East Shore and then riding on a downhill dirt trail that same afternoon might be one of the finest ways to experience all the region has to offer.”
Click for more information about North Lake Tahoe cycling and mountain biking, including bike rental companies, biking events, guided operations and a list of trails with descriptions and mileage.
Tags: biking, cycling, Flume Trail, Incline Village, kayak, Lake Tahoe, Rainbow Bridge, Squaw Valley USA, Tahoe City, Twin Peaks
Posted in Bike, Family, Incline Village, Tahoe City, truckee | No Comments »
Friday, May 27th, 2011
If you’re heading to Tahoe this summer you’ll want to add these 16 to-dos to your bucket list:
- Try stand up paddle boarding at one of the race series in North Lake Tahoe, including the Quicksilver 2011 Ta-Hoe Nalu Paddle Festival August 13-14 in Kings Beach
- Choose from a handful of Fourth of July celebrations, from fireworks on the beach to the multi-day Red, White and Tahoe Blue in Incline Village.
- Bring your blanket and picnic basket for a night lakeside at Sand Harbor State Park, where the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival performs July and August.
- Enjoy viewing antique and classic wooden boats at the 39th Annual Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance August 12-13 in Carnelian Bay.
- Take in a summer movie on the beach and outdoors at resorts and villages.
- Hit the road on two wheels, pedaling around Lake Tahoe’s 72 miles or heading up historic Old Highway 40 to iconic Rainbow Bridge.
- Experience the dark night skies with Star Tours, astronomy nights at many area ski resorts and on guided kayak tours on the lake.
- Laugh, dance, chill at some of the lake’s best nightlife and comedy acts at the area’s historic casinos in Crystal Bay and Incline Village.
- Listen to music in the mountains at the Lake Tahoe Music Festival, which kicks off with the Blues Traveler July 21.
- Stretch your body and your musical boundaries at the Wanderlust Yoga Retreat and Music Festival July 28-31 at Squaw Valley.
- Groove all summer long with High Notes, North Lake Tahoe’s Summerlong Music Series, featuring free outdoor concerts daily, except Mondays, July and August held at venues throughout the region.
- Try cooking alongside celebrity chefs at the 26th Annual Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival, September 9-11, held outdoors at the Village at Northstar.
- Taste the finest in culinary delights at the region’s 2nd Annual Lake Tahoe Restaurant Week, October 2-9, with 60-plus restaurants offering prix-fixe dishes at exceptional value s- $20, $30 or $40 per person.
- Toast the season with winemaker dinners at the notable, lakeside Thunderbird Lodge offering a view like no other; dinners start July 10 with the talented Chef Douglas Dale of Wolfdale’s Cuisine Unique.
- Experience the solitude on the Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165-mile loop trail that meanders along the peaks and valleys around Lake Tahoe, and to the lake’s crystal, clear waters (with a visibility of 70 feet down) to water ski and sail.
- Take a swing at any of the more than 50 golf courses within a 60-minute drive of North Lake Tahoe.
Get complete details on any of these activities, and secure a Cool Deal in the process.
Tags: bucket list, cycling, Events, golf, mountains, music, north lake tahoe, summer, tahoe
Posted in Bike, Cool Deals, Crystal Bay, Culture, dining, entertainment, Environment, Events, hiking, Incline Village, Kings Beach, paddleboard, Sand Harbor, Tahoe City, Tours | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 18th, 2011
Summer officially kicks off in North Lake Tahoe Memorial Day Weekend with the 5th Annual Opening Day at the Lake. This four-day special event is Friday, May 27 to Monday, May 30, and includes celebrations and festivities along the West Shore and in downtown Tahoe City.
The weekend is your chance to “launch” into the boating and summer season, whether you’re a part- or full-time resident or a Tahoe visitor. Here’s a quick look at some of the events. Check the GoTahoeNorth.com event calendar for complete details.
Deck opening celebrations at Sunnyside Resort, West Shore Café, Chambers Landing Bar & Restaurant and Bridgetender
West Shore Clean Up Day
Granlibakken Resort’s Contractors Home Improvement/Repair Fair
Spirit of the West Shore Cocktail Competition at West Shore Café
Opening of Meeks Bay Resort & Marina
Opening of Tahoe City’s Tahoe Gal (Mississippi paddlewheeler), as well as Tahoe Sailing Charters
McBride’s Nursery (Tahoe Tree Company) annual Truck Load Sale of perennials and shrubs
Openings and tours of the historical Vikingsholm Castle and Ehrman Mansion
Guided museum tours, with admission, of the Tahoe Maritime Museum
Preview Center Open House at Homewood Mountain Resort
Open house at the Rideout Community Center
Historic walking tour at Tahoe City’s Gatekeeper’s Museum
Mike Brown Seaplane Splash-In and BBQ at Obexer’s General Store
Cyclists can hit the trails as well; North Lake Tahoe’s paved bike trails are open, accessible and cleared of snow.
Be sure to check out the Cool Deals for great specials throughout the Opening Day festivities as well.
Tags: celebration, Granlibakken, Homewood, Meeks Bay, memorial day, sailing, Tahoe City, Tahoe Gal, Tahoe Maritime Museum, west shore
Posted in Bike, boating, Culture, Events, Family, holiday, Sunnyside, Tahoe City | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
As spectators and visitors make their way to Lake Tahoe this weekend for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, they will not experience any road detours or alternative routes while driving to North Lake Tahoe.
“There are no road constructions projects, diversions or bypasses scheduled for North Lake Tahoe this weekend and Monday during the Amgen Tour of California,” said Tourism Director Andy Chapman of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. “All interstates and highways are wide open.”
Whether coming via Interstate 80 East, Highway 89, and Highway 267 from Northern California or Highway 431 from Reno and Highway 50 from Carson City, motorists will not be subject to delays or having to take alternative routes.
North Lake Tahoe is also an ideal way to access South Lake Tahoe, home of the Stage 1 Amgen Tour of California Start on Sunday, May 15, as visitors can drive to the South Shore from North Lake Tahoe via Highway 89 (West Shore) and Highway 28 (East Shore). As recently reported, construction will close U.S. Highway 50 over Echo Summit near South Shore beginning today, Wednesday, May 11, through Thursday, May 26. There are also alternate routes up Highway 50 from Northern California, which add 30 to 45 minutes to travels to South Lake Tahoe.
The 2011 Amgen Tour of California, the largest cycling event in North America, will start at Lake Tahoe, one of the country’s most spectacular destinations and nationally renowned cycling meccas. Lake Tahoe’s first-ever involvement in the race will feature a lap-and-a-half around the lake beginning at the California/Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe with the Stage 1 Finish at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort (Sunday, May 15) in North Lake Tahoe. North Lake Tahoe also hosts the Stage 2 Start (Monday, May 16) at Squaw Valley USA, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics.
The Amgen Tour of California covers more than 800 miles, traveling between 15 host cities over the course of eight days from May 15-22, 2011.
North Lake Tahoe is also hosting the Tahoe 10-Day Countdown, which kicked off May 5, prior to Stage 1 and Stage 2 with a number of community-oriented events planned in the region’s commercial core districts that are now accessible via the paved bike paths that have been cleared of record snowfall and swept clean.
For details about the 2011 Amgen Tour of California in Lake Tahoe, including race routes, course logs (times), parking venues, a gallery of images and events, click to www.TahoeAmgenTourofCalifornia.com.
Tags: Amgen Tour of California
Posted in Amgen Tour of California, Bike, Crystal Bay, Events, Incline Village, Kings Beach, Sand Harbor, Sunnyside, Tahoe City, truckee | No Comments »
Monday, May 9th, 2011
 What is the Amgen Tour of California?
The Amgen Tour of California is one of the most prestigious professional cycling races in the country and covers 800 miles in 15 days (beginning in Lake Tahoe and ending in Thousand Oaks). It attracts 2 million spectators annually and has a statewide economic impact of $100 million. The local impact is expected to be $5 million over the 10 days of events in Tahoe.
How is Lake Tahoe Taking Part in the Tour?
For the first-time ever, Lake Tahoe is hosting the Stage 1 Start in South Lake Tahoe, Sunday, May 15. The cyclists will ride a lap-and-a-half around the lake and then head over Brockway Summit (Highway 267) to the Stage 1 Finish at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort. The Stage 2 Start takes place the following day, Monday, May 16, at Squaw Valley USA, with riders heading through Truckee before making their way into the Gold Country and the finish in Sacramento.
Is There a Dedicated Website for the Tour?
For the Lake Tahoe Stages, click here. The site offers events, including Tahoe’s 10-Day Countdown to the race (May 5-16), as well as race information, including a race day parking map and lodging.
Where Are The Best Places to Watch the Race?
The Starts and Finishes will be the most popular venues with expos and festivals surrounding these events, but Lake Tahoe’s commercial cores along the race routes also offer fantastic venues – as well as special viewing parties, parking, shopping, dining – such as South Lake Tahoe, Homewood, Tahoe City, Tahoe Vista, Kings Beach, Crystal Bay, Incline Village and Zephyr Cove for Stage 1, as well as Squaw Valley and Truckee for Stage 2. Course Logs (with times) and details for special viewing parties and venues can be downloaded.
Will Tahoe’s Highways Be Closed for the Tour?
There is a rolling road closure for the peloton, but the highways are only closed for a short period (approximately 20-30 minutes) as the cyclists and support vehicles move through the routes.
Is There An Opportunity to Ride the Race Route?
Absolutely! Cycling enthusiasts can ride the route during the Start at the Top – Lake Tahoe Legends Ride, Saturday, May 14, and explore majority of the first lap of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, while rubbing elbows with cycling legends, including Olympic medalist Bobby Julich. Click to the official website for details and to register: www.TahoeAmgenTourofCalifornia.com.
Can Visitors Walk a Portion of the Official Race Route?
Of course! Amgen’s Breakaway Mile is a walk to honor the millions of cancer survivors worldwide. Those touched by cancer are invited to join this one-mile walk across the Amgen Tour of California finish line at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Sunday, May 15, prior to the professional riders rolling across the finish. Click to the official website for details and to register.
Is There An Opportunity to See the Teams Up Close?
The Opening Gala and Official Team Introduction is a great way to see the professional cyclists up close. The elegant evening is Friday, May 13 at the MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa in South Lake Tahoe at 6 p.m. Tickets are $300/each with a percentage sold benefitting Breakaway from Cancer. Get details.
Is Lake Tahoe Home to Other Cycling Races?
Lake Tahoe is recognized for several annual biking events, including America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride (June); Tour de Tahoe, Tahoe Century Ride, Lake Tahoe Marathon Race Week with its biking events (September); the Death Ride (July); Tour de Nez (July); as well as a handful of mountain biking events, such as the Lake Tahoe Trail 100K Leadville Qualifier (July).
How Can Visitors Do Their Part During the Tour?
Area visitor bureaus and chambers of commerce encourage spectators to abide by the “pack-in pack-out” motto to help keep our national treasure clean, as well as to park in designated lots and bike or walk to key race viewing points.
How Can Visitors Take Part in the Race Day Festivities?
Join the celebration at the South Lake Tahoe Expo Sunday, May 15 and at the finish line at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort with is Lifestyle Festival. The Lifestyle Festival is a focal point for spectators and includes a health & fitness expo, cancer awareness education, family activities and bike safety. The race starts are also popular with spectators, especially autograph alley where the pro cyclists check in with race officials prior to the race.
Is Lake Tahoe Accessible via Car?
Yes! There are no road restrictions for North Lake Tahoe via Interstate 80, Highway 267 or Highway 431. There is a temporary detour off Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe, beginning May 11. Alternate routes around the closure take travelers through the scenic gold country of El Dorado and Amador counties. Motorists should allow approximately 30 minutes extra travel time (depending on traffic and conditions) during the two-week full closure to reach South Lake Tahoe. The alternate routes available from U.S. Highway 50 are:
· From Sacramento: Exit at Power Inn Road and take State Route 16 east to State Route 49 south, at State Route 88 in Jackson, turn left (east). Take that to State Route 89 and turn left again (north), and follow it back to U.S. Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe.
· From Placerville: Exit at Missouri Flat Road and take State Route 49 south. Follow it to State Route 88 in Jackson and turn left (east), At State Route 89 turn left (north) and follow it back to U.S. Highway 50 in South Lake Tahoe.
· Get details.
What Is Amgen?
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science’s promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people’s lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and vital medicines, visit online.
Tags: Amgen Tour of California, cycling, Lake Tahoe
Posted in Amgen Tour of California, Bike | No Comments »
Friday, May 6th, 2011
The most festive venues are going to be the Stage 1 Start in South Lake Tahoe, Stage 1 Finish at Northstar–at-Tahoe Resort (both May 15), and the Stage 2 Start in Squaw Valley USA, site of the 1960 Winter Olympics (May 16).
South Lake Tahoe to Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort via West Shore
The first option is following the peloton from the start (10:30 a.m.) in South Lake Tahoe as it makes its way west through the commercial core and onto Emerald Bay Road (between 11:09 a.m. – 11:16 a.m.) on the West Shore, then into Tahoe City (11:49 a.m. – 12:03 p.m.) and Kings Beach (12:11 p.m. – 12:29 p.m.). From Kings Beach, the riders will continue on Highway 28 to the East Shore, while spectators will turn north onto Highway 267 (Brockway Summit) and head to the finish line (3:12 p.m. – 4 p.m.)
South Lake Tahoe to Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort via East Shore
The second possibility has spectators taking in the start in South Lake Tahoe and experiencing the festivities at Lake Tahoe Expo at the Horizon Casino Resort after the riders have left. Spectators are then advised to head onto Highway 50, heading to the East Shore and catching the riders in Crystal Bay (12:15 p.m. – 12:34 p.m.) or Incline Village (between 12:21 p.m. – 12:40 p.m.), before making the turn north onto Highway 267 and getting to the Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort for the finish (3:12 p.m. – 4 p.m.).
Lake Tahoe’s Best Climbs – Kings of the Mountain
According to the region’s cycling gurus, some of the best spots are on a steep climb or at
the bottom of a precipitous descent.
1) Iconic Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe’s most photographed areas and a fantastic spot to watch the racers, predicted to top the summit between 11:09 a.m. and 11:16 a.m. This is the first of three Kings of the Mountain race finishes for Stage 1. Parking here, on the West Shore, is tight with only two parking lots available: Eagle Falls Trail Head and Vikingsholm Visitors Center. Spectators’ best bet is to get there early.
2) Spooner Summit on the northeast corner of the lake, where Highways 50 and 28 intersect. It’s also where the cyclists will make the long and steady ascent to an elevation of 7,150 feet around 12:50 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. This is the second King of the Mountain finish. There are three parking lots here: Spooner Lake State Park, Snow Park and the Tahoe Rim Trail Access Road.
3) Brockway Summit on Highway 267 to 7,000 feet and is the last King of the Mountain finish, which is expected to take place between 3:03 p.m. and 3:52 p.m. Per the California Highway Patrol, Brockway Summit (Highway 267) will close 20 to 30 minutes before the race passes. Spectators who are interested in viewing the finish should be over the summit before the racers come through. Parking is extremely limited with just a few pull out stops and hiking trails parking.
And for those that just can’t get enough “carnage” during Stage 1, the descent of Emerald Bay on the West Shore has riders reaching speeds of 40 miles per hour into the flats of Homewood (11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.). The Spooner Summit descent has cyclists going even faster – 45 miles per hour – as they descend back toward the lake to the tunnel at Cave Rock. After cresting Brockway Summit, the lead group will plunge down a rapid descent into a hard left turn onto Northstar Drive (3:09 p.m. – 4 p.m.), where both sprinters and climbers will setup for a high-speed blast to the finish line at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort (3:12 p.m. – 4:03 p.m.).
4) As part of the Stage 2 route from Squaw Valley USA to Sacramento, May 16, the 1,000-foot climb up Old Highway 40 to scenic Rainbow Bridge (10:55 a.m. – 11:02 a.m.) offers spectacular views along with close ups of the riders. However, there is only one parking lot at this summit.
The Stage 2 Start at the Village at Squaw Valley (10:15 a.m.), under the Olympic Rings, might be a better option, especially as racers make a celebratory one-and-a-half laps around the village before departing onto Squaw Valley Road. Spectators can see cyclists fine tune their bikes before checking in with race officials, and after the start they can enjoy leisurely meals at nearby cafes and restaurants.
Other Ideal Viewing Venues – Special Viewing Parties
Lake Tahoe’s commercial cores are perfect for viewing the Stage 1 peloton as many are hosting special viewing parties, such as South Lake Tahoe’s MontBleu Resort, Casino & Spa, the official start of the race (10:30 a.m.), as well as Heavenly Village and Embassy Suites; Ski Run Blvd. (10:39 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.) the “Y,” where 89 and 50 intersect, a BMX Demo will be taking place showcasing Olympic medalists (10:47 p.m. – 10:50 a.m.); Homewood Moountain Ski Resort on the West Shore (11:45 a.m.); Tahoe Tree Company, just outside of Tahoe City on the West Shore (11:49 a.m. – 12:03 p.m.); Heritage Plaza in downtown Tahoe City; Tahoe Vista State Recreation Area in Tahoe Vista; Blue Onion Café and the Old Brockway Golf Course in Kings Beach (12:11 p.m. – 12:29 p.m.); the historic Crystal Bay casino corridor (12:15 p.m. – 12:34 p.m.); Incline Village on the North Shore (12:21 p.m. – 12:40 p.m.) with a party at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe; and Zephyr Cove on the East Shore (1:30 p.m.).
Along the Stage 2 route, a fantastic viewing spot is the Truckee “mousehole” (10:37 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.), the site of the King of the Mousehole Sprint, where Highway 89 crosses under the Union Pacific Railroad through a narrow 25-foot wide concrete arch structure, as well as along Donner Pass Road (10:38 a.m. – 10:42 a.m.).
All of these areas offer up parking lots (on a first-come, first-serve basis), dining options, shopping and bike rental companies for those that are geared up to ride. Many are also hosting festivities surrounding the 2011 Amgen tour of California, including family activities and bike expos. For a list of local businesses offering activities, where to park (a Google map), lodging packages and special events, visit www.TahoeAmgenTourofCalifornia.
Times for the Amgen Tour of California race are approximate, based on average speeds of the peloton and are subject to change. To ensure ideal viewing of the race, plan ahead for traffic delays. The visitor bureaus encourage spectators to abide by the “pack-in pack-out” motto to help keep our national treasure clean, as well as bike or walk to key race viewing points. For real time updates during the race, visit www.AmgenTourofCalifornia.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
For a complete calendar of Tahoe’s 10-Day Countown, events leading up to the race (May 5-14), as well as activities during Stage 1 (May 15) and Stage 2 (May 16), click to www.AmgenTourofCalifornia.com.
For best viewing points, where to catch the riders up close, a complete list of events and lodging accommodations, click to www.TahoeAmgenTourofCalifornia.com follow us on Twitter and Facebook. For details about the Tour and information about volunteering, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.
Tags: cycling, north lake tahoe, tahoe
Posted in Amgen Tour of California, Bike, Events, Incline Village, Kings Beach, Tahoe City, truckee | No Comments »
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
Registration is now open for Amgen’s Breakaway Mile in North Lake Tahoe at the Village at Northstar, taking place in conjunction with Stage 1 of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California on Sunday, May 15.
The Breakaway Mile is a walk to honor the millions of cancer survivors worldwide that ends at the North Lake Tahoe Amgen Tour of California finish line prior to the day’s finish of the professional race. Participants not only have the opportunity to walk along the racecourse, but also are invited to view the race action from a reserved area near the finish line complete with refreshments. Each Breakaway Mile also features an Amgen scientist who plays a crucial role in developing breakthrough medicines. Registration is limited to the first 150 people. Sign up here.
The Breakaway Mile also shines the spotlight on one special local person. A local Breakaway from Cancer® Champion, who has made a positive impact and acted as an inspiration for those affected by cancer, will lead the Breakaway Mile through the Village at Northstar. Online nominations were accepted from February 25 to March 25 to identify candidates and online voting is now available to select the local Breakaway from Cancer Champion. There are three Lake Tahoe finalists: Ruth Geresy, Stuart Jed and Alan Tolhurst. Vote online now. Only one vote per person and online voting closes April 27.
The activities are part of Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer initiative, which represents a partnership between Amgen and four nonprofit organizations to raise awareness of the broad range of support services available to patients and caregivers – from prevention through survivorship.
Breakaway from Cancer Champions will be granted special access to the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, award a jersey to a professional cyclist, be recognized on stage, and lead the Breakaway Mile through their community.
Tags: breakaway from cancer, Breakaway Mile, northstar at tahoe
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Changing fall foliage can also be found on Lake Tahoe’s most popular hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail – the Tahoe Rim Trail. A 165-mile trail that completely circles Lake Tahoe, this dirt path has eight trailheads making it easy to access. Some favorite spots are Tahoe Meadows on the Mt. Rose Summit (Highway 431), Tahoe City off Fairway Drive behind the town’s commercial core and Barker Pass up Blackwood Canyon, the paved road is open to cars until the snow flies.
