by Jane Sandwood
Touring Lake Tahoe by Bike
Lake Tahoe draws visitors from all around the world to soak in the beautiful scenery and the clear air. You can explore the lake all year round, but wait until spring to travel by bike, as Tahoe can get very snowy in winter. It is a 72 mile trip around the lake, so it is advisable to break it up into 2 or 3 days if you are a novice cyclist planning a full tour of Tahoe.
Cycling with the family
If you are cycling with the family, or young children, then the paved bike paths are ideal. If you don’t own a bike, there are a number of bike hire companies around the lake that can help you choose the suitable bike for you. Along the bike path you can stop at different beaches and enjoy the sunshine. Baldwin Beach has beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Pope Beach is a favorite for kayaking and swimming, as the waters are so calm.
The Tahoe Trailways
Moving round the the Tahoe Trailways Bike Path, this is a section of paved pathways that stretch 15 miles from Tahoe city. You can travel all the way from the Sugar Point State Park, up to Alpine Meadows on the Northwest coast.
Incline Village
Incline Village and the Lakeshore Bike Path are favorites with fitness fanatics, and are perfect for joggers as well as cyclists. The bike paths are beautifully well kept. Head to Gateway Park, off SR 28 to get to the start of this path. The path passes Crystal Bay, which is has the state line, where you can pass from California to Nevada in a few steps. There are some great mountain bike trails around Crystal Bay too.
Lake Tahoe is a paradise for both seasoned and novice cyclists. There is an abundance of places to stop for snacks and meals and plenty of accommodation, even in the height the summer. The beaches are beautiful and the waters tranquil and blue.