Mountain Biking in Lake Tahoe 2010 @ Zephyr Cove Campground

It's been a fabulous summer of "firsts" for me! First time mountain bike racing cross country at the Downieville Classic 2010 in July (race report and photos here). Last week was my first time mountain biking at Lake Tahoe! I had not visited the Tahoe area since going to Burning Man in the Nevada desert in 2007 (haven't been back yet). So three years later, I made my mountain biking debut on the gorgeous, rocky trails of South Lake Tahoe. I joined an organized camping/biking weekend with friends from Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz and other mountain biking clubs.  I quickly discovered that Tahoe was even better with my bicycle, friends, camping and feasting! I have posted my full Tahoe photo collection on my Flickr page. Take a look!

I loved the spectacular views on our rides. I joined group rides on Thursday and Friday and then did not ride on Saturday and Sunday.

What brought me to South Lake Tahoe to camp for four nights in August? The lure of organized bike rides, camping, warm sunshine and someone else working out all of the logistics. (Thank you!) Although I had planned to do the trail work on Saturday afternoon, a key part of the trip, I bailed out due to exhaustion and multiple crashes from the ride the day before. Yes, I felt bad about not doing the work but much more remains to be done, so it's not my last chance!

Mountain Bike Tahoe 2010 trip stats. This was the 5th annual group mountain biker outing, but the first time at the Zephyr Cove Campground in Nevada- which I loved for its proximity to the lake - just 10 minutes' walk to a dip in the clear, cold, refreshing water.

Photo Credit: http://www.tahoecam.com

 There were about 108 attendees this year from 7 clubs from Monterey, Santa Cruz and the San Francisco Bay Area.  There were 12 rides organized over 4 days. During trail work day, 1212 feet of finished Tahoe Rim trail was completed and 539 feet of usable (not finished) trail was also done. The Tahoe Rim Trail work leaders were really impressed with how much was accomplished! Here are trail work photos taken by Chris Matthews of Specialized.

This was a fabulous overlook that reminded us of our hard climb. Photo Credit: Karen Kefauver

I could have stopped even more often to take in the amazing panoramic views. Photo Credit: Karen Kefauver

It was new to me to get in a car to drive to the start of a ride, but it was worthit and we had willing drivers, some of whom could fit up to 15 bikes in one vehicle! Talk about bikepooling! Photo Credit: Karen Kefauver

A Downieville Virgin Tackles the Classic Mountain Bike Race and Festival in Northern California

Confessions of a Downieville Virgin: Interview with Myself

Why are you going?
Now that I am badass after riding the North Dakota Badlands in June, I am ready for anything! Well, not quite. Truth: I've heard about Downieville as a biking destination for nearly 20 years and haven't ridden there yet. In particular, this bike festival, the Downieville Classic, is supposed to be a blast! At last, I will go check it out! Kind of like how I heard about Burning Man for ages and finally made the pilgrimage to Black Rock Desert, Nevada in 2007.

Photo credit: from Downieville Classic website

Karen, what event did you register for? The one where you ride your bike into a lake? 
I finally signed up because my friend Winona wore me down with her repeated invitations to join her at this race. But she went to Japan instead. (Thanks a lot!) No lake jumping for me, instead just hours and hours of rocky, hot climbing and descending: yeehaw! From the website:

"The Downieville Classic cross country race is one of the last remaining point-to-point bicycle races in the United States. The 29 mile course follows a rugged "Gold Rush" era route that departs the mountain town of Sierra City (elevation 4,100'), climbs to the crest of the Sierra Nevada (elevation 7,100'), and then plunges 5,200 vertical feet into downtown Downieville."

Where is Downieville?
A long, solo drive from Santa Cruz! Downieville is on California Highway 49, and is just over a two-hour drive from Sacramento. The drive from Reno or Lake Tahoe's North Shore takes just under two hours.

Where are you staying?
In a small cabin with a guy I hardly know.

Have you been training for this cross country race?
No.

 Karen negotiates dangerous descent through grass in Maah Daah Hey, North Dakota. 

(Mom, I am kidding!)

Photo Credit: Jereme Rauckman

What do your friends say about Downieville?
 "Oh my! EEEK! Be careful-- it is challenging especially in a racing situation. I am very proud of you-- I'm ready to ride there, but not race unless I am comfortably at the back! Can't wait to hear your report!" — Henrietta Stern  

"We rode most of the cross country course - very difficult course. I suggest bringing extra food, water and clothing as it will probably take a long time to get through the whole thing. Good luck!
— John Caletti, Caletti Cycles
Custom Bicycles Handmade in Santa Cruz, California


* "I am impressed that you're riding Downieville."
— Dwight Follien, survivor of  many broken ribs and concussions from mt. bike riding/racing
* Dwight being "impressed" makes me more nervous than anything. Except maybe for the red-lettered note on the Downieville Classic website:

"Be prepared for adverse trail conditions, including deep and fast moving water crossings and snow drifts. We will be removing all downed trees from the course and installing drainages, however we will not be shoveling snow from the trail. This year will be Classic!"

Wish me luck and feel free to send me advice here!