Tour De Tahoe - 72 miles

[Trekhawk]

Im thinking it would probably be a shame to not do one of the Tahoe rides before I leave the USA but notice the elevation for the ride is 6300 - 7100 feet. If you have done this ride how did you like it and did the elevation level cause any problems for you?

Thanks Leslie

PS This would be the one in September.

[SadieKate]

Piece o' cake and I trained at sea level and minimal hills 'cause I wasn't yet on the TE Girls' Hill Training Program.

[Trekhawk]

Thanks SadieKate - I notice the Siskiyou ride is around the same time how would you rate them against each other for scenery, organisation, crowds etc?

[SadieKate]

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.

[Bike Goddess]

TrekHawk leaving us in the USA? Where are you headed??????????

Re Tahoe- I did it the week AFTER Labor Day with a friend who lives nearby. Since all the out of towners were gone, we pretty much had the place to ourselves which was quite fun. There's a lot of traffic before Labor Day, so that would be something to consider. I'd take you on the trip if you want to do it during the week. Plenty of places to get food on the way, so that really isn't a big deal. AND we would have a place to stay as well!

I didn't do the Siskiyou century last year, BUT as SadieKate says, it is a beautiful area. Mount Shasta is a magical place-no two ways about it. And you wouldn't have to deal with much traffic. Maybe I'll do that one this year. Haven't planned that far ahead yet.

[tprevost]

Hey Trekhawk,

If you decide to do this one, let me know, I may come ride w/you!

Tracy

[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

[Trekhawk]

TrekHawk leaving us in the USA? Where are you headed??????????

Re Tahoe- I did it the week AFTER Labor Day with a friend who lives nearby. Since all the out of towners were gone, we pretty much had the place to ourselves which was quite fun. There's a lot of traffic before Labor Day, so that would be something to consider. I'd take you on the trip if you want to do it during the week. Plenty of places to get food on the way, so that really isn't a big deal. AND we would have a place to stay as well!

I didn't do the Siskiyou century last year, BUT as SadieKate says, it is a beautiful area. Mount Shasta is a magical place-no two ways about it. And you wouldn't have to deal with much traffic. Maybe I'll do that one this year. Haven't planned that far ahead yet.

Bike Goddess - we move back to Australia Mid 2007. So Im trying to mix riding and sight seeing that way I see even more of your beautiful country.

Riding around Tahoe with you sounds fab Ill keep it in mind. Getting around the kid factor (I have three) might be a problem but if it looks like I can wrangle it anyway before I leave I will let you know. Sounds much nicer than riding with a big crowd and perhaps you can give me a tow if the lack of oxygen gets too much for me.

[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!

[Trekhawk]

Hey Trekhawk,

If you decide to do this one, let me know, I may come ride w/you!

Tracy

tprevost - come ride Siskiyou with me instead (I could pick you up at Wildwood) and if I make plans to ride Lake Tahoe with Bike Goddess at some other time (when its not so crowded) I will let you know.

[Bike Goddess]

Yes, we could to a TE bike trip to Tahoe. Keep me in mind, and we'll figure out the logistics!

Sorry to hear of your upcoming departure, but it sounds like you might be going home. Oh home sweet home!

[Sag 4 Valentine]

Hey Bike Goddess and Trekhawk,
Let me know if you do Lake Tahoe. I would love to also join you, depending when.

[Trekhawk]

Hey Bike Goddess and Trekhawk,
Let me know if you do Lake Tahoe. I would love to also join you, depending when.

No worries I will be sure to let you know.

[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.