Tour De Tahoe - 72 miles

[Trekhawk]

Support equal. Effort level equal. Scenery equal (you can see the lake at times but you can't at others and you're in civilization).

Crowds and traffic - opposite ends of the spectrum.

Company at the Siskiyou - priceless.

SK

PS - I've lived in Kahliphonia for 44 years and I have been to Lake Tahoe once - for this ride. Good golly! There are hordes of people drinking and gambling. Why would I want to mix with them? I rode Tour de Tahoe only to see the Lake from something other than an aeroplane.

Hmm perhaps I should just do this some other time when there are no crowds (did I mention I hate crowds) and ride Siskiyou instead. That way I still see the sights but not all the people.
Thanks

[maillotpois]

I've coached the "America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride" century in Tahoe for the last 5 years with TNT. I'm not sure exactly how the course differs for the Tour de Tahoe, but the ride around the lake is beautiful. There are really only 2 climbs of note (Emerald Bay and Spooner), and the rest is roller-y.

Altitude affects everyone differently, but I have never had participants have trouble on the ride because of it. (I always have the worst time in Tahoe (or Yosemite) the first day I am there, unpacking the car! Seems like that's the only time I feel tired/out of breath.)

Traffic is a consideration at Tahoe because they don't close the roads. Advise getting an early start so you are through most of the ride before too much traffic gets going.

I know Siskiyou sounds great, too, but I suggest everyone do one of these Tahoe centuries at some point, because it really is beautiful up there!

[SadieKate]

I've coached the "America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride" century in Tahoe for the last 5 years with TNT. I'm not sure exactly how the course differs for the Tour de Tahoe, but the ride around the lake is beautiful. There are really only 2 climbs of note (Emerald Bay and Spooner), and the rest is roller-y.

The TdT starts in South Lake City and just rides the circle clockwise (at least it did the year I rode it). Traffic was awful. Thank goodness for the large orange "special event" signs and the fabulous law enforcement efforts.

The switchbacks at Emerald Bay are short and Spooner is just a patient mind game. The photo folks were at the top of the Emerald Bay climb which makes for a spectacular picture.

[Veronica]

We did the June version of this event several years ago. It was our first organized century. The auto traffic didn't seem so bad, but it was a very crowded ride. Lovely views.

V.