Upcoming Lake Tahoe Biking Events You Need to Check Out
Lake Tahoe is regarded as one of California's premier biking destinations, and for good reason. The roads are smooth, the mountain bike trails are thrilling, and the backdrop for rides is simply magnificent. Even if you don't bike often, it's more than worth hopping for a while during your stay in Lake Tahoe.
If you are a cyclist or a cycling fan, then you'll be delighted to know that Lake Tahoe hosts many exciting bike races and festivals. From quick local festivals to professional biking tours, the range of biking events in Lake Tahoe is extraordinary. Each cycling event offers its own blend of excitement for spectators and participants alike.
If catching one of these events sounds like a good time to you, then read on to discover the top biking events in Lake Tahoe.
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In this Blog:
- America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride
- Death Ride: Tour of California Alps
- Donner Lake Triathlon
- Truckee Tahoe Gravel
- Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival
- Tahoe Bike Month
- Northstar Enduro
- Book Your South Lake Tahoe Stay Today!
America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride
The Blood Cancer United (formerly known as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) hosts a premier cycling event every June and has done so since 1992. Join 2,500 other cyclists with an option to make a donation; however, a contribution is not required to compete. One circumnavigates gorgeous Lake Tahoe in Nevada and California along a 72-mile route. If you're a more seasoned, conditioned cyclist, you can also try the 100-mile route, which adds 600 feet of vertical.
- Registration Here
- Distance: 35, 72, or 100 miles
- Date and time: June 7 | 6 AM - 6 PM
Death Ride: Tour of California Alps
Up for the challenge of three Sierra Nevada mountain passes, 103 miles, and 15,000 feet of climbing? The second week of July marks this annual test of fitness, strength, and endurance. The course will start and finish at Turtle Rock Park. Along the way, you'll cover 103 miles on both sides of three mountain passes. This race is pretty intense and is recommended for more experienced bikers, as many of the ascents can be dangerous.
- Registration Here
- Distance: 103 Miles
- Date and time: June 11 | 5 AM - 6 PM
Donner Lake Triathlon
You’ll need running shoes, swim goggles, and a bike for this Olympic-level annual event! Held in late July, with courses for kids and Olympic-level competitors alike. This epic competition features a sprint triathlon, an Olympic triathlon, a half triathlon, and an aquabike triathlon. The two-day event includes a swim in Donner Lake, a bike ride along Old Highway 40, and a run to the finish. With such a wide variety of activities, this event offers a good challenge for just about anyone wanting to compete.
- Registration Here
- Distance: See website for different event details
- Dates: July 25-26
Truckee Tahoe Gravel
Get down and dirty each June at an off-road gravel biking festival, the Truckee Dirt Fondo Cycling. This three-day event features competition on three different courses in the Tahoe National Forest. If you aren't competing yourself, there will still be seminars, warm-up rides, and cooldown rides. Due to the variety in rides and the moderate terrain on these courses, this race is also rather accessible.
- Registration Here
- Distance: 26, 58, 65 miles
- Date: June 27
Tahoe Mountain Bike Festival
For two full days of cycling and community fun, check out the action at Tahoe Paradise Park in Meyers. The annual June event celebrating Tahoe trails is presented by Divided Sky and the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, which builds, maintains, and advocates for multi-use trails. Saturday offers a chance to watch demos and skills presentations from top brands and local shops, while Sunday includes an advanced ride and an intermediate ride, then ends the afternoon with a community-based festival on the trail!
- Registration Here
- Dates: June 20 - 21
Tahoe Bike Month
Bicycling events planned every June throughout the Lake Tahoe Basin include a friendly competition for the most recorded rides, complete with weekly prizes and drawings. No matter how you like to ride, you can be a part of the fun. The kickoff begins with an annual bike path cleanup in South Lake Tahoe with lots of goodies and swag awarded to all participants. Various competitions, teams, and events are always part of the action, including some we mentioned earlier.
- More Information Here
- Date: Kickoff on June 3
Northstar Enduro
Part of a much larger California Enduro Series, the Northstar Enduro is set at the Northstar California Resort in Truckee. While the course and distance of the race are still being prepared, you have a good amount of time to register for the race. A course map and race schedule for this event will be released on August 27, giving you plenty of time to plan and prepare.
- Registration Here
- Date and time: Aug 23 | 9 AM
Book Your South Lake Tahoe Stay Today!
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Whether you come to watch or participate in these exciting Tahoe bike events, you'll need a great place to stay. RnR Vacation Rentals has managed South Lake Tahoe's finest vacation rentals for over a decade. Our luxury waterfront homes, single-family rentals, and cabins provide an exceptional Lake Tahoe experience that you won't soon forget.
If you are a cyclist visiting Tahoe, then you'll love staying in one of our vacation rentals with a hot tub. They are the perfect home away from home for resting and relaxing after a long day on your bike. Check them out by clicking the button below!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you bike around Lake Tahoe?
Absolutely! The full loop around the lake is about 72 miles, taking you through both California and Nevada. It’s a beautiful ride, and while it is challenging, it's not impossible! This ride is best for you if you're comfortable with a long challenge.
What is the biggest biking event in Lake Tahoe?
Perhaps the biggest event is America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride, which is expected to bring in around 2,500 cyclists this year.
When is the best time for biking events in Lake Tahoe?
Summer is the best season for Lake Tahoe biking events, especially June through August, with many of the area's biggest events being scheduled around each other. June also marks Tahoe Bike Month, featuring races and events throughout the month, so if you're headed to South Lake Tahoe for biking, June is the perfect time to do it!
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