Date: May 4, 2011

Contact:  Pettit Gilwee
530-525-1164
Pettit@gilweepr.com


For Immediate Release


NORTH LAKE TAHOE PAVED BIKE TRAILS CLEARED OF SNOW


   (NORTH LAKE TAHOE, California/Nevada) – In preparation for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, scheduled for May 5-16, North Lake Tahoe trail crews have been working long days to clear snow from the region’s many paved bike trails.
   “The trails have been cleared of snow and swept clean, one of the earliest biking seasons ever,” said Tourism Director Andy Chapman of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. “The feat is remarkable, especially considering our record-breaking winter that dropped more than 60 feet of snow at the ski resorts’ higher elevations.”
    Spectators can now gather on the miles of paved trails to cheer on the Tour’s professional cyclists as they race for the coveted yellow jersey during Stage 1, which includes a lap-and-a-half around the lake starting in South Lake Tahoe and finishing at Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort Sunday, May 15. Stage 2 will be equally engaging as the cyclists take off at the Village at Squaw Valley and speed down Squaw Valley Road and onto Highway 89 before heading to Truckee Monday, May 16.
   North Lake Tahoe is also hosting the Tahoe 10-Day Countdown, kicking 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 reachable via the paved bike paths.
   “Making the North Lake Tahoe bike paths accessible was also important because it provides an alternative transportation option to the many cycling enthusiasts specifically here to watch the race,” said Chapman. “We anticipate that most spectators will park their cars in designated lots and ride to key spots along the race routes where they can see the pros up close.”
   The clearing of the paved bike trails also coincides with the National Bike Month (May) and Bike-to-Work Week 2011, May 16-20, which encourages new riders to bike to work and children to bike to school. It also ties in with Lake Tahoe’s draw as a nationally renown cycling and mountain biking destination.
    All of North Lake Tahoe’s paved bike trails are recreational-rider friendly and some favorites include the route along the Truckee River from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley USA, the West Shore from Tahoe City to Sugar Pine Point State Park and Lakeshore Drive in Incline Village with its awe-inspiring Tahoe mansions.
    Although the paved bike trails are accessible, the trails officially open May 27. Riders and walkers are advised to be aware of any missing signage and asphalt repairs, as well as freezing conditions at night that can make trails slick in the early morning.
   Visitors tuning up their bikes in anticipation of the Tour may also want to dust off their golf clubs as many North Lake Tahoe golf resorts are gearing up to open at the end of May. Old Brockway in Kings Beach will again be the first resort to open on May 4.
   And don’t put the skis away just yet. North Lake Tahoe offers biking and skiing this time of year with Alpine Meadows not closing until May 15, Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe scheduled to close May 6 and Squaw Valley USA open until May 30.
    For details about the 2011 Amgen Tour of California, including race routes, course logs (times), parking venues, a gallery of images and events, click to www.TahoeAmgenTourofCalifornia.com.
    For more information about North Lake Tahoe, including special events, activities, lodging, and videos, head to www.GoTahoeNorth.com. And, for the best bargains, check out the website’s Cool Deals, which is updated daily.
    North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. The North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus, Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, work together to promote North Lake Tahoe as a premier, year-round destination.

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