A friend organized a ride around Lake Tahoe for a group of 7 adventurous comrades (many of whom hadn’t biked much this year), and it was an excellent weekend.
76 moderately hilly miles and 4200′ of elevation gain (maxing out at 7000′ where there was snow on the ground). I’d never biked at any significant altitude (maybe a short distance in Glacier Park) and while it wasn’t noticeable on the flats, I was surprised how much I felt it when pushing myself or going uphill– deep breaths feeling like shallow ones. Or maybe I just need to ride more.
The road conditions were good (shoulders or even paved bike paths much of the way– the occasional slightly more hairy sharing of a lane with fast traffic or riding along switchback cliffs with no railing, but overall all the drivers were respectful and everyone got along), the weather was brisk (mid-40s) but not too cold, and the views were stunning– cliffs and crags on either side, wide open views of the lake, and tall-pine forests without much undergrowth. I took a few photos along the ride:
And beyond the ride itself– a house high above the lake with a hot tub, beer tasting, and time with friends.
