Mountain biking in the Fall

Posted October 31st, 2008 by jacobr

Had the chance to go out with some buddies to the Lake Tahoe area last weekend. We went to the Nevada side of the lake and started our MTB trip near the Sand Harbor beach area. This was my first time biking on this trail and we were trying to get to the famous flume trail.
Where we started, there was no time for a warm up. We started with an immediate climb on tunnel creek road that probably took most of us close to an hour to get up. Not sure how long the climb was but being in the big mountains, I certainly felt the elevation on my legs and lungs. Plus there were a few sections of sand that really fried my legs and made me yell out bad words (I am sure the nearby hikers did not appreciate) as I was trying hard to get through it.
I have become a better rider over the last year but my skills are still advanced beginner/intermediate and this ride really took a toll on my body. However, after getting over the tunnel creek road it took about 15 minutes more of riding to actually get on the flume trail.
I have to say that the pain is well worth the views that you can soak in. I am not sure what the elevation is but you really seem to be high up as you look down on Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe is an absolutely amazing lake and to see it on your mountain bike really made me appreciate the ride and the surrounding scenery.
All the Aspen trees are changing color and fall is in the air. I have been told that there are a lot of trails in that area, however my trip consisted of the big climb and riding across the flume. We then turned around and rode the flume back the way we came, again to take in the views.
I don't think I could have handled any more climbing, but I am motivated to work harder to enjoy these epic rides.
Does anyone know what the elevation of Lake Tahoe is? What's the elevation when you are on the flume?

Thanks for all the info.

jacobr's picture
On November 3rd, 2008 jacobr said:

Thanks for all the info. The weather has taken a sudden turn for Winter and snow is piling up in the mountains now. May not be able to ride the flume anymore this year.
Anyways, I am still working on becomming a better rider and this will give me a chance to improve over the remainder of the year and try and get out for some of the longer trails next season.

The Flume is awesome

tedr's picture
On November 2nd, 2008 tedr said:

It is usually voted and deserves it's ranking as one of the best rides. For the views alone! It must sit above the lake by atleast a 1000+ft. And there are several trail add-ons you can make that take you up to over 9000 ft. Just awesome.

Train hard and train smart

Have raced on the XTERRA

patrick123's picture
On November 2nd, 2008 patrick123 said:

Have raced on the XTERRA course a few times. Have to agree that this is an epic ride but very tough course.
There is a lot of climbing at high elevation then you hit a bunch of technical, switchback riding. No rest but great ride.

Lake Tahoe is 6900'. I

kenny's picture
On November 1st, 2008 kenny said:

Lake Tahoe is 6900'. I believe that you have to climb nearly 2000' up from the lake to get on the flume. Which will put you at 8900' or just over 9000' elevation.
If you do the XTERRA loop - after you climb tunnel creek, head out on the flume, next section you come to is Marlette lake. A lot more climbing after going out past Marlette and technical switchbacks as you loop around back to tunnel creek and descend that road.
It's a ton of climbing but an epic ride. Give it a try.
Fall is the best time of the year to do that ride.