Geiger Grade To Virginia City to Carson City Loop
Geiger Grade is a challenge. However it is only a 7 plus mile climb and frankly not one of the more difficult rides in the area. To add some spice to the ride take one of the following routes. After a 3 mile descent from the Geiger summit cruise into Virginia City. Stop by the store at the north end of town to get drinks and food if needed. From here proceed to the south end of town the road Nevada 341 splits into two routes. Straight ahead is US 342 that takes you down thru Silver City and the heart of the canyon. I do not recommend this route. The road is narrow and needs repair. There are some very sharp turns and some traffic. A much better solution is to turn left in Virginia City and take 341 the truck route down through the canyon. This road is newer, well constructed and maintained in excellent condition and a joy to ride. Take the five mile descent to the base of the canyon where you again join with route 342 and they again become one route. Bare left at the juncture and follow 341 about 3 miles till you get to US 50. At this point you have a choice to make. Choice 1. Turn right and head toward Carson City. It will be about 8 miles from the turn. There will be a gradual climb through Mound House then a fast descent straight into Carson City. Traffic on US 50 is almost always busy so use care. There is however a wide shoulder on both sides and you can stay clear of the traffic. Upon entering Carson City stay on US 50 until you reach College Parkway/Graves Lane. Turn right and follow this road around all the way through Carson City, under the freeway, to US 395 (Carson St) Cross 395 and continue west till you get to N. Ormsby. Turn right and follow the road around a corner and it becomes Combs Canyon Road. Follow this west toward the mountains. About a mile west of the college there will be a fork in the road. Combs Canyon will fork to the right. You will almost immediately start a 2 mile climb up the canyon. Be prepared for this one. It is difficult at this time in the ride so it is best to save something for it. Rising out of the canyon take a right on the first street that you can turn on (Lakeview Road). Follow this over the hills and turn right when the road ends. A note of caution, Cross traffic does not stop and is hard to see so take care. After turning right proceed to the old 395 highway and turn left. This will take you to Washoe Valley. My suggestion here is to turn right and ride the east side of the valley. This way you do not have to cross this extremely busy and fast highway. Head east then north around the valley. This is a relatively flat section with one small steep hill as you enter the New Washoe City at the north end of the valley. Stop at the 7-11 if you need food or drink. Then it is 3 more miles to the junction of US 395. Turn right and head down the hill to Pleasant Valley and breeze all the way to South Reno. You will not have to stop until you hit the traffic light at the junction of 341 and 431. It is an easy ride back to south Reno and beyond to end your ride. For Choice 2 please see the Reno-VC-Dayton page.
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