By Sara Piccola |
The Greater Reno-Tahoe area attracts two million visitors per year with up to 200,000 visitors per day during peak-season. People travel from all over the world to Northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe region to experience “America’s Playground.” Many people envy those of us that live in this incredible area where we have four seasons to enjoy outdoor activities: biking, boating, camping, hiking, rock climbing, skiing and a variety of cultural and nightlife activities.
Over the next couple of issues, we will recommend several outings for a great “staycation” right here in our neighborhood.
This month, trade four wheels for two and enjoy these biking adventures for the whole family to share.
Bike along the Truckee: Adults and kids can join in on this easy five mile ride. This path begins at the base of Squaw Valley, follows the Truckee River and ends at Tahoe City. If you don’t have a car parked there, be prepared to take the five miles back to Squaw.
West Shore Boulevard Ride: This nine mile ride provides great lake views, sends you down some moderate grades and across several road crossings. Beginning in Tahoe City, this section heads south along West Shore Boulevard to Tahoma and Sugar Pine Point State Park.
Pope-Baldwin Bike Path: This South Shore trail is 4.5 mellow miles and will take you through a wetland wildlife area and a peaceful forested section. For the more daring, there is a side path up to Fallen Leaf Lake.
Tahoe Rim Trail: The Tahoe Rim Trail provides 130 miles of biking adventure. You can enter the trail on Highway 89 at the Big Meadows Parking lot, or at the end of Andrea located off Kingsbury Grade (Nevada Highway 207) and North Benjamin. There are many options for beginning this ride. Some parts are for the more experienced riders, so do your research ahead of time.
Dry Pond Loop: Timberline Road off of Mt. Rose Highway will lead you to the parking lot for the Dry Pond/Thomas Creek ride. There are numerous trail heads from this starting point, all providing the wonderful feeling of being one with nature.
It’s no secret that there are hundreds of mountain biking and road cycling trails in the area. With winter shortly around the corner, this is the perfect month to enjoy some last minute bike rides. Always research the difficulty level of a ride before you embark, but most importantly enjoy “America’s Playground.” After all, it’s in your backyard!
References:
1. http://www.visitrenotahoe.com/reno-tahoe/what-to-do/land-adventures/bike/reno-carson-trails
2. http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS/REPTS_TE/14316_files/chapter_2.htm
3. http://www.tahoe-traveler.com/content/node/24
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