by Tim Hauserman
One of my favorite events on the summer calendar every year is the Tour De Manure metric century ride, this year set for June 18th in Sierraville. The 62 mile ride passes through spectacularly beautiful farm country with wildflowers and a plethora of birds. And the company is awesome, a great group of Tahoe and Truckee riders who get to enjoy a day in the relaxing farm country of the Sierra Valley. After the ride, the fun continues with great food and music.
The ride:
Starting in Sierraville (25 miles north of Truckee on Highway 89) you head north on Highway 89/49 to Sattley, where a right turn begins the long pull across the Sierra Valley on A-23. The roads are straight and flat, and lightly traveled, making perfect conditions for large groups of riders to peloton across the valley. At Highway 70 in Beckwourth, a right turn brings you to A-24 which winds back across the wide open rangeland to Loyalton. Here, the first real hill is added with an out and back jaunt on Smithneck Road. The final leg is back to Sierraville along Highway 49, with plenty of awesome views and birds to help you complete the circle. Hopefully you get here before the notorious Sierra Valley afternoon winds add an extra level of spice to the event.
The volunteers:
As Doug Read, one of the organizers says, “It’s a bunch of firefighters who never get on bikes putting on a century ride for people who do.” And yes, it is a great bunch of firefighters who volunteer to make the event a success, but it is also a joint effort of much of the town of Sierraville, as the event is the major fundraiser for the local fire department. The volunteers give the event a happy small town feel that can’t be beat.
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The food and music
Tri tip and chicken, pasta and salad, and plenty of desserts. And beer of course. You’ve built up an appetite, they will take care of it. While eating you can listen to Tahoe and Sierra Valley resident Michael Hogan and The Simpletones play country and blue grass until the cows come home, or you are ready for a nap.
To register go to tourdemanure.org
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THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
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