Archive for the ‘Summer Recreation’ Category
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
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By Michelle Portesi
Nestled behind Royal Gorge Ski Area in Soda Springs is a series of lakes well hidden except for those who know how to find them. It’s about 4 miles of a bumpy ride to access them from Royal Gorge’s parking lot, but you will be well rewarded for your efforts.
I didn’t have to put my Suzuki ‘Tonka Toy’ into 4 wheel drive to get there, but a 4 x 4 is suggested- if for no other reason than its higher clearance. The road can be fairly rutted.
You will first pass Kidd Lake Campground, which is owned by PG & E and is also part of their hydroelectric system. Designed mostly for tent camping, there are spaces for RV’s in the parking area. If you would like to camp in the area while you explore, make reservations by visiting their website: pge.com
Long Lake, Soda Springs CA
If you’re just looking for a short day hike, continue on the road until it ends. You will see a Royal Gorge warming hut which marks the head of the Palisade’s Creek Trail. Note the Cascade Lakes reservoir to your left, which is also part of the PG & E hydroelectric system. Cross over the reservoir’s bridge. From there, it’s less than a mile to Long Lake. Hike along the granite shores, sunbathe on a rocky outcrop or go for a swim. In the distance are views of Granite Chief Wilderness west of Squaw Valley, Devil’s Peak and Castle Peak.
Rope swing at Long Lake swimming hole
How to get there: From Donner Lake, continue west up Donner Pass Road to the summit. Turn left on Soda Springs Road and right on Pahotsi. It turns into dirt road fairly quickly. Continue on the dirt road approximately 4 miles (supposedly it’s Kidd Lake Road, it isn’t marked as such) past Kidd Lake to Cascade Lakes. The map isn’t quite accurate, as the road does continue to Cascade Lakes. Park the car and follow the Palisades Creek Trail to Long Lake.
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
By Tim Hauserman
Start of Ironman
You’ve been seeing them all summer, but especially the last month. Riding the Kings Beach-Tahoe City-Truckee Triangle with their beautiful Tri bikes. Swimming along the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. Or running on the bike trail between Tahoe City and Squaw Valley. They are Ironman athletes, training for what is regarded as one of the toughest Ironman competitions in the world, the second annual Ironman Lake Tahoe, on September 21st.
The Lake Tahoe Ironman begins in Kings Beach. The racers step into the chilly waters of Lake Tahoe at 7 am for a 2.4 mile open water swim. They emerge from the water and try to quickly transition to their bike. A bit of a challenge since they are freezing cold. There is plenty of time to warm up, however, as now they face a 112 mile bike ride. They head towards Tahoe City, then down the Truckee River corridor to Truckee, where after wondering around Truckee they ride back to Kings Beach. Ah, but first they have to take a tour of Northstar and climb over Brockway Summit. From Kings Beach they do another complete lap, and then continue on from Kings Beach to Tahoe City again before heading into Squaw Valley.
Cycling along Lake Tahoe
Now it’s time for the athletes to run a Marathon. That’s right. After swimming nearly 2 and a half miles, and riding a grueling 112 miles, they have to run a marathon. The run takes the racers through Squaw Valley and a tour of the Resort at Squaw Creek before heading down the bike trail towards Tahoe City. They run several laps to get in the necessary number of miles before racing or stumbling to the grand finale in Squaw Valley. But they don’t have much time to stumble, because the clock is ticking and they have to finish before midnight to be Ironmen.
The last leg
If racing in the Ironman is not in the cards, you definitely want to watch it. You can join the thousands of volunteers helping the athletes, or pick a spot along the course to cheer them on. There are a number of traffic restrictions and road closures in the Tahoe-Truckee region on September 21, so be sure and find out all the details at the official Ironman Lake Tahoe website. http://www.ironman.com/triathlon/events/americas/ironman/lake-tahoe.aspx#axzz3Bb7W5CpK
(Photos from the Ironman Website)
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
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