Lake Tahoe
The ride around Lake Tahoe is a very beautiful one. I should note however that this ride while not the most difficult in the Sierras should only be attempted by an experienced rider and thoughtfully planned out. The ride around the lake is 72 miles (traveling clockwise) with the Lake on your right shoulder. This is the safest way to ride because drivers will see you. If you ride the other way (counter clockwise) the ride is about 76 miles and much more dangerous because drivers are looking at the lake and not watching for you. You can begin your lap of the lake just about anywhere you can park. You should plan to make a stop or 2 for drink refills and possibly something to eat. The best places for grocery stores are Incline Village, just north of South Lake Tahoe, and the Homewood and Tahoe City areas. There are grocery stores and convenience stores all along the route, particularly on the South shore. Remember that you are at elevation. The lake is 6,200 feet above sea level so if you are not prepared it can take a toll on you during a long ride. If you begin at Incline Village proceed east toward Sand Harbor this is a scenic, mostly downhill section. You might want to check out the houses on Lakeshore Drive. The ride is rolling till you get to Sand Harbor which is a very beautiful beach and harbor area. After passing you will begin to gradually climb toward Spooner Summit. This is a long climb of approximately 10 to 11 miles but taken steadily is not too difficult. You’ll get a beautiful view of the lake as you climb. Traffic can be heavy at times but usually not too bad going this way. Upon reaching Spooner summit turn right onto US 50 and head south down the east side of the lake. Ease down the longest decent of the ride past Glenbrook and through the tunnel at Cave Rock. It is now on to Zephyr Cove where you can tour the lake on river boats. Passing this point the road will rise and drop and rise again until you get to a long decent into the south shore area. There is on traffic light here and a large Rileys supermarket in the shopping center if you turn left here. From here it is up a short rise and on to South Lake Tahoe. The traffic will increase at this point and usually be pretty heavy all the way around the south shore till you get to Camp Richardson. As you ride through the south shore area there are plenty of stores and restaurants if you need a break. Precede to the intersection of US 50 and California 89 (also known as the Y). Head north on 89 past Camp Richardson and Fallen Leaf Lake road. Just past Fallen Leaf Lake road on the right is a California Tourist Information Center with a great parking lot. This is a great place to park your car for rides in this area. Heading north the road will begin to rise moderately for the next few miles. About 5 or 6 miles the serious climbing will begin. This section is probably the most dangerous part of the ride. The road is narrow and there is usually a steady stream of cars on this road to caution is advised. This climb is steep and difficult particularly if you have been riding for a while. Once this section is conquered it will be a fast downhill to Emerald Bay. Now a good climb with a wonderful view of the bay and island inside. Make your way to the top and the traffic should quiet down a bit and head north to Meeks Bay. You will now be in the heavily wooded part of the California side of the ride. The road is narrower here but quite enjoyable here. There is a good market in Homewood if you need anything. From Homewood it is on to Tahoe City. At the intersection of routes 89 and 28 in Tahoe City turn right onto route 28. Should you need bike shop assistance there are several bike shops in this area. I recommend Olympic Bike Shop which will be on the right or lake side of route 28. They are a full service shop with almost anything you might need. From downtown Tahoe City head up Dollar Hill and down a good descent to Carnelian Bay, Tahoe Vista and Kings Beach. Once past Kings Beach there is another good climb to the Stateline casinos and back to the Nevada side of the north shore. One more descent then up another hill and you are back to Incline Village. Grab something to eat and enjoy your accomplishment of completing a lap around Lake Tahoe.
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Keys to the Ride1. Spooner Summit Climb2. Decent from Spooner Summit to Glenbrook3. Climbing from Zephur Cove4. South shore traffic and congestion5. Climb to Emerald Bay6. Decent to Emerald Bay and climb out7. Easier section from Meeks Bay to Tahoe City8. Dollar Hill and decent into Carnelian Bay9. Climbing from Kings Beach to Stateline and back to Incline Village
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