Family Friendly Bike Rides in South Lake Tahoe

Your campsite is set, firewood is stacked, and your bikes are ready to roll.  Now you may be wondering, where to ride that the whole family can join in?

There are a number of family friendly options in Tahoe South:

Anderson’s Bike Rentals starts at the beginning of the Camp Richardson Bike Path. There are miles of safe, paved trails perfect for the family of all ages to peruse. The path is dotted with beaches. As you bike, you can enjoy a picnic in the sand at Pope or Baldwin Beach. Ride the bike path into Camp Richardson and stop at the restaurant with the best calamari and Rum Runners in town, The Beacon, or treat the kids to their daily vacation ice cream cone at the Camp Richardson Ice Cream Parlor. Continue on the path to the Taylor Creek Visitor Center, home of the Taylor Creek Stream Profile Center where you and the family can take a break from biking and learn local conservation and stream life.   A 180 degree curved diorama illustrates life above and below the water next to an aquarium-like display of diverted river.

Starting at Parks and Recreation parking lot, head down Rufus Allen Blvd and cross over onto the city bike path. Heading west, you can safely roll through the newly updated Lakeview Commons park and boat ramp. Continue onto Lakeview Ave, which has a wide bike path, which will take you to Reagan Beach and let the kids take a break from pedaling on the playground with a gorgeous view. Return the same direction to the starting place or head just a little bit farther down Hwy 50 past Rufus Allen Blvd to stop for an ice cream cone at Aloha Ice Cream and Desert Spa and a peak into the Pirate Store.

Looking to get a bit dirtier?

The Moraine Trail is an easy 1-3 mile out and back trail that circumnavigates the Eastern side of Fallen Leaf Lake. Take Hwy 89 to Fallen Leaf Lake Rd. Continue down Fallen Leaf Lake Rd past the Campground turn off by about a 1/4 mile. There is a large flat pull-out for parking where the trail begins. Word of warning: there is a short staircase that you will have to help the little guys haul their bikes up, but the view of Mt. Tallac on the edge of the lake is worth the effort!

Rabe Meadows Trail begins at the intersection of Hwy 50 and Kahle Blvd in Stateline. The trail winds through Rabe Meadows and eventually ends at Nevada Beach. You can explore numerous side trails to small streams and rock outcroppings, all while stopping to learn along the way about the early Washoe Tribe families that settled here.

Another great and longer trail option is Powerlines Trail, which offers up to 7 miles of out and back dirt adventure. It’s rolling hills and wide track make it a fun adventure suitable for beginning mountain bikers of all ages. You can find directions and trail conditions on Powerlines and other mountain bike trails in the Tahoe Area on the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association’s website.

Where to Rent a Bike in South Lake Tahoe

Photo By Lauren Lindley

When I imagine a great family vacation I picture bike paths galore, bright sunny vacation homes, and sandy beaches. 

In Tahoe South we have plenty of bike paths to explore, mountain-home-esque vacation rentals, tons of summer camping, state parks and yes, even sandy white beaches. What’s not to love?

I love riding bikes. I do not discriminate from mountain bike, to road, to cruiser. I have no less than 7 bikes sitting in my yard right now, and I’m sure my neighbors hate me.

I don’t care.

I don’t care, because I love the freedom of transportation that a bike provides. I love that as a child, I wasn’t allowed to watch TV but I was allowed to ride my bike wherever I pleased and that one singular rule gave me more independence and courage as an adult than any other tool or trait that my parents could have tried to force upon me.

As a child on vacation, my fondest memories included renting bright cruisers and being allowed to ride to our hearts content all over the Technicolor vacation sub-divisions in which we rented homes. A bike on vacation was far more exciting than your own neighborhood: there were new streets to explore, new kids to meet, souvenir shops to pre-shop, and, most importantly, ice cream stands.

Tahoe South is no different and summer families of every shape, size and age gather on two wheels for the same recreation all summer long. Whether you are a cycling connoisseur looking for a road bike, a mountain biker looking for that Tahoe Downhill Experience, or simply a family looking to cruise the bike path for an ice cream cone, we’ve got you covered:

• Anderson’s Bike Rentals starts at the beginning of the Camp Richardson Bike Path. There are miles of safe, paved trails perfect for the family of all ages to peruse. The path is dotted with beaches. As you bike, you can enjoy a picnic in the sand at Pope or Baldwin Beach. Ride the bike path into Camp Richardson and stop at the restaurant with the best calamari and Rum Runners in town, The Beacon, or treat the kids to their daily vacation ice cream cone at the Camp Richardson Ice Cream Parlor.
• For the road or mountain biking enthusiast, I recommend South Shore Bikes (530-544-RIDE). Hec and his staff at South Shore Bikes can set you up with road, mountain or downhill bikes by the hour or day. If you need multiple bikes for multiple family members, they also rent beach cruisers and stock a well rounded supply of road and mountain bike parts.
• If you are in need of apparel while you’re in town, head on across the street to my store, Pearl Izumi (530-541-9044) for all your road and mountain biking apparel needs.
• Brought your bike but need a tune? I recommend Wattabike (530-544-7700) in Meyers. If you are a road biker looking for cycling routes in the area, stop into Pearl Izumi and speak with my staff or check out our favorite loops on Alta Alpina Cycling Club‘s site.
• If you are a mountain biker looking for the best trails in the area, head on over to TAMBA‘s trail page.

In Tahoe South, our locals are friendly, our bike paths are safe, our beaches are beautiful, and you and your family will create some of the best vacation memories on just two wheels.

Reasons to Wear the PI Attack Knickers

Check out this year round cyclist and blogger’s worthy and comprehensive review of the Attack Knickers.  We have the Attack Bib Knicker on sale in our store for $78.75 down from $105.00.

A Roundup of cycling events in South Lake Tahoe – summer 2012

A long ride is always best when you’re surrounded by the camaraderie of others! I find that it’s quite a bit easier to take in the surrounding view when you’re part of an organized event – there’s food, support and SAG along the way.

Below is a roundup of some of my favorite cycling events in South Lake Tahoe this year.

The Alta Alpina Spring Century is a laid back club ride open to club members each year. It takes place on Sunday, May 27 and is a great reason to join the local cycling club. At $25 for a year membership, the ride is a great way to learn about some of the beautiful terrain the Tahoe Area has to offer. The route starts in the foothills, climbs over Monitor Pass, goes through Hope Valley, over Luther Pass, through Tahoe South via Pioneer Trail and descends Kingsbury to the finish.

Tahoe South’s premier cycling event is America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride. It’s always an inspiring event with 80% of the participants raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through Team in Training. This year’s annual event takes place on Saturday, June 3. There are 35 mile, 72 mile and century options. There is no better way to see Lake Tahoe than by circumnavigating the lake.

If you would love to tour the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and surrounding area in a supported event, the brand new Cycle the Sierra takes place June 23-27 and will feature prominent Tahoe South routes. Day 2 ends at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Day 3 features Kirkwood to Tahoe South and Day 4 is Tahoe South to Sierraville.

For those looking for an extra special challenge, The Alta Alpina Challenge: Riding the Wild Sierra takes place on Sunday, June 30 and includes an amazing double century billed as the “World’s Toughest Double Century.” It also offers a number of other options on the most beautiful roads and mountain passes Tahoe South has to offer including a Family Fun Ride option, a metric, a century and a 5 Pass 134 mile challenge. The rest stops are run by volunteers from the local cycling club and offers homemade cookies!

The iconic and world famous Death Ride takes place this year on Saturday, July 14. It is unfortunately already sold out. Alta Alpina’s 5 Pass Challenge during the Wild Sierra is a good option for those looking to tackle this route this summer. Otherwise, keep an eye out for registration to open up next winter. Spots always sell out quickly.

If you can’t make June’s America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, the same company puts on a similar event every fall. The annual Tour de Tahoe will take place on Sunday, September 9. While there is no century option for this event, who wouldn’t want to spend a lovely morning touring the lake?

If you are into racing, Alta Alpina Cycling Club puts on a weekly road race series over the summer with a handful of events falling in the Hope Valley Area including one on one of my personal favorite roads to ride: Blue Lakes Rd.

Get Your Bike Ready!

Although the weather may still be unsettled, these warm, sunny mid-week days have me thinking of one thing: riding my bikes! If you’re feeling the same way, now is the time to get your bike ready for the season.

Here is a quick checklist to make sure that you are ready to roll:

1. Clean that baby. Of course, you probably did a full cleaning before your speed racer was tucked into his corner of the garage for the winter, but if you didn’t, take a towels, old toothbrushes and some Simple Green and make him and all the components, including the chain, shine. Take the time to remove the seatpost from the frame and dab a bit of bicycle grease on it before sliding it back in to makes sure that your seat tube doesn’t rust.

2. Inspect your tires. Do a visual inspection for cuts in the sidewalls or tread; if you see any, replace the tires. Otherwise, inflate them to the correct PSI (listed on the sidewall). Also, secure the wheel. Make sure the quick release wasn’t left loose at the end of the season.

3. Check your brakes! Squeeze the brake lever and confirm that both pads hit the rim simultaneously. Secondly, do a visual inspection of the pads themselves; if they show excessive wear or are worn down to the indicator line, replace them.

4. Spin those wheels. If they wobble crookedly, you need to swing by your local shop to have them trued.

5. Starting in your lowest gear, pedal around the block and shift through each gear. If shifting is not smooth or easy, take your bike to the shop to have your derailleaur adjusted.

6. Have you ever changed your chain? If you’ve been on your bike a few seasons and haven’t done so, now is the time to do it. Chain life depends on many factors, including how clean you keep it. If you notice any skipping when shifting, it may be a sign that it’s time to replace it. Keep your chain clean and lubed up and you will extend it’s life significantly.

7. Check your cables for signs of wear including cracks.

Now is a good time to confirm that all those small items you desprately need in your seatbag are still there. For example, if you use a CO2 inflator for flats, make sure your only cartridge isn’t spent. In my case, it means is that spare twenty dollar bill still there for post-ride beer?

Don’t feel like doing this yourself? Or, need parts to do some home repair and maintanence? Tahoe South offers many exceptional bike shops that can tune, bathe and generally ready your bike for you. My recommendations:

Kent and his amazing staff at Wattabike in Meyers. 2933 Hwy 50, Meyers CA, 96150 (next to Roadrunner Gasoline). (530) 544-7700

Heck, Chris and their amazing staff at South Shore Bikes, voted the “Best Bike Shop” for the Best of Tahoe 2011. 955 Emerald Bay Rd, South Lake Tahoe CA, 96150. (530) 544-RIDE

If you can’t find that pair of gloves you swore you put away at the end of the season or just need a new pair of shorts to start your summer out right, come check out our selection of apparel here at Pearl Izumi!

We’re Hosting a Women’s Only Swim Clinic!

More info here

Plan your running Tahoe summer!

All Comers Track Meets begin June 7, 2012

June 9, 2012 – DeCelle Memorial Lake Tahoe Relay

June 10, 2012 – Girls on the Run 5k

June 16, 2012 – Tahoe Legends 5k and 10k

June 17, 2012 – Burton Creek Trail Run

June 24, 2012 – Run to Squaw

July 4, 2012 – Run to the Beach

July 8, 2012 – Truckee Running Festival

July 21-22, 2012 – Tahoe Rim Trail 50K, 50M & 100M

August 12, 2012 – Northstar Mountain Run

August 25, 2012 – Big Blue 5k and 10k Trail Runs

September 16, 2012 – Emerald Bay Trail Run

September 28-30th, 2012 – Lake Tahoe Marathon Week

October 6, 2012 – Oktoberfest Trail Run

October TBD, 2012 – Tahoe Mountain Milers Kokanee Trail 5k, 10k and Half Marathon