How is the ride around lake tahoe? I’m going to be up next weekend and want to bring my bike, but I know how crowded the roads get, lack of shoulder in most places and that the trail system is a bit muddled. Also, any suggestions on a good beach on north lake for an open water swim?
A lot of people complain about the traffic around the lake, but with the exception of South Shore, It is not that bad. The key is to get a very early start so that you are done before the traffic kicks in.
There seemed to be adequate shoulder to ride on with the exception of a few spots. Plenty of places to refill bottles and a very nice rolling ride with some nice hills both up and down.
All in all it is one of my favorite rides. The scenery is awesome and it is fun to see what 73 miles actually looks like when looking out at the lake when your done.
It gets chilly in the early AM, but warms up in afternoon. Take arm warmers and gloves to start out with.
I’ve ridden it twice going clockwise leaving from Tahoe City. I would also agree to leave early. The last time I rode around the lake, it was May. I’m not sure how much has changed with the fires in So. Lake. I know Camp Richardson was closed for a while. Also, there is construction at Emerald Bay that was expected to last all summer.
Have a good time, it’s a great ride!
Like others have said, leaving very early and riding clockwise are key. Once you get through S. Shore and headed towards Camp Rich the traffic gets much better until you get around Homeywood on the West Shore.
I was at the lake for July 4th and swam in Kings Beach almost every morning. There’s a park directly across from Safeway where you can start. If you head east you can go for almost a mile before turning around. The bottom is sandy and you can stay near shore swimming in about 4 feet of water. Lake was chilly when jumping in but after 5 minutes it feels great. Head to Java Hut after and you’ve got the perfect start to the day.
Commons Beach in Tahoe City is decent as well but you don’t really want to get too close to the Marina. The drive over to Kings Beach is well worth it IMO.
A few years ago I did the bike race around Lake Tahoe that’s part of Marathon week. It was one of the highlights of my 28 year racing career. Like others have said, start as early as possible, meaning as soon as it’s light enough, and start somewhere around the stateline so you will get S. Lake Tahoe out of the way early.
All I will add is that the trail “system” is not well-suited to riding around the lake. Stick to the roads.