By Tim Hauserman
With the recent completion of the Legacy Trail between downtown Truckee and Glenshire, a great new avenue of access to the Truckee River has been created, and bikers and walkers in Glenshire will now have the opportunity for a safe and fun route into town.
Legacy Bike Trail, Truckee CA
From downtown Truckee, The Legacy Trail begins at the Truckee River Regional Park, or you can meet the trail by riding to the end of East River Street, and taking the bike bridge across the river. Either way, follow the river downstream as the trail gently twists and turns under the Bypass bridge, past the Truckee Riverview Sports Park, and through an open forest of pines. While the riding is smooth, it’s also a popular trail for dog walkers and stroller pushers so keep your speed under control.
Soon enough, you reach the recently opened section of trail, and marvel at the substantial rock wall that has been built to enable the trail to stay close to the Truckee River. You then pass through an open meadowy area to a bridge across Martis Creek. Opportunities abound to take a break and enjoy the sound of the river at one of the many benches along the trail. Finally, via a series of long, sweeping switchbacks through a humongous pile of basalt tailings, you climb up to the edge of Glenshire. Enjoy sweeping views of the Truckee River and the Sierra Crest before reaching trails end at the entrance to the Glenshire development.
View of the Truckee River on the Legacy Bike Trail
In addition to providing new access to downtown Truckee for Glenshire residents, the Legacy Trail gives Tahoe/Truckee bike riders another connection and opportunity for a longer ride. I left my house in Tahoe City and rode to the entrance to Glenshire in just over an hour (it took longer on the return because of a headwind and a few hundred feet of additional climbing). Except for the narrow shouldered section along West River Street, which is hopefully slated for improvement in the next few years, the whole ride was on bike trail or wide bike lane. Each year, new trails and improvements get added to the network of Truckee/Tahoe trails, and there are a lot of bikers that can’t wait to take advantage of these new opportunities.
Legacy Bike Trail, Truckee CA
YOUR FRIEND IN HIGH PLACES 
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