When many bike riders think of riding opportunities in the Tahoe region, his or her first thought might be of rolling over gentle terrain at Tahoe Cross Country or trying to keep their eyes on the trail while marveling at the lake view on the world famous Flume Trail. In other words, for many people, Tahoe riding has meant mountain biking.
But the Tahoe-Truckee region is resplendent with incredible road biking opportunities, and more and more bikers are out there taking advantage of them. We have incredible scenery and lightly traveled roads, and, of course, once you get past the early morning chill, perfect temperatures for riding. Over the course of the summer, I will entertain you with some of the best road rides around. Let’s start out with the most iconic place to spin in the region: Donner Lake to Cisco Grove.
You can start this ride at either the west or east end of Donner Lake. If you start at the west end, you can cut 5 miles off the distance, but you will begin the steep climb up to Donner Pass immediately, and lose the chance to enjoy views of Donner Lake as you warm up.
For an east end start, park along the roadside on Donner Pass Road near the Donner Memorial State Park. Then ride through the park entrance to enjoy a pleasant ride through the park and along the south side of the lake (restrooms and beach area). Exiting the park, you confront a short climb, then barrel through the south side residential area, soon reaching Donner’s west end where the 3-mile climb to the top begins. It’s a challenging ascent, but you are well compensated for your effort by the absolutely breathtaking views of Donner Lake, with Mount Rose as a distant backdrop.
If you need a break, stop to gander at the rock climbers, who head up the sheer rock faces just above the road. Stop again at the Donner Lake viewpoint, just before crossing the Rainbow Bridge, and passing through the notch that brings you to Sugar Bowl Academy and the top.
Now, a long and mostly downhill jaunt begins, taking you past Soda Springs (note the store if you need replenishment) to the crossing of Interstate 80. Then, as you roll swiftly past Kingvale, the traffic becomes practically non-existent and the ride is a pleasurable spin that seems to go on forever.
Eventually, just after riding under Interstate 80, you descend next to a lovely set of cascades as the Yuba River drops into a pool at the Rainbow Lodge (food, drink and shelter). Next, you pass the trailhead to Loch Levon Lakes and your turn about point at Cisco Grove (store).
On your return, you will have plenty of time to ponder how much steeper it feels on the way up then it did on the way down, as you ride along the Yuba River. Fortunately, you also will get to appreciate the beauty of the river and the countryside as you ride at a much slower speed.
While some may consider the short, steep 3-mile ascent from Donner Lake to the top of the pass, as the challenging part of this 40-mile ride, in my experience the tough part is the never ending uphill from Cisco to I-80, especially the section between Kingvale and Donner Pass. Just keep pedaling. You will get there.
Eventually, you do reach the pass and begin a swift descent to Donner Lake. It will take effort to keep your eyes on the road instead of the dramatic panorama. The good news is that while the road is narrow, the car traffic is usually going as slow as you are. Once you reach the lake, stay on Donner Pass Road this time. On sunny days, the numerous public piers are a perfect opportunity to take a dip in Donner’s lovely and relatively warm waters. Enjoy. You deserve it.
RIDING TIPS
Ride single file.
Wear a bright jersey and a helmet.
Make sure your bike is fitted properly.
Don’t ride and listen to music at the same time.
Bring a cell phone and tell someone where you are riding.
