Washoe Valley
Washoe Valley is a fairly short ride (22 miles) that s mostly flat. The best place to start and end the ride is Bowers Mansion parking lot. Exit the lot and head south down a small hill. Franktown Road will be on your right about a mile and a half into the ride. Take the detour and see the large houses (Greg Lemond lived in a house on Franktown for a while). Some small rises and a fast downhill will bring you back to Old 395. Turn right and head south another couple of miles until the road turns left and pass under the freeway. Now you will head north east around Washoe Lake toward New Washoe City. Travel the east side of the lake with one short but steep rise just before entering New Washoe City. You can stop at the 7-11 if you need food or hydration. Follow the road another three miles and you will intersect US 395 on top of Washoe Hill. Use caution and cross the road here. I recommend walking this crossing half the road and pausing in the center area and crossing the other half when traffic permits. Once across roll down 395 through Washoe City. You might want to stop at the chocolate Nugget on your way back to old US 395. The handmade ice cream bars are wonderful. Exit US 395 onto Old US 395 and reenter the valley roadway. Head south past Davis Creek Park and camp ground and it is back down to finish at the Bowers Mansion parking lot. An easy and enjoyable ride for all riders and abilities.
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