RR: Lake Tahoe, Dardanelles

[dstepper]

First day riding for Lynn and I, we started at Big Meadow and rode the Tahoe Rim Trail out to the PCH at Meiss Meadows. From there we back tracked on the TRT and dropped down to Dardanelles Lakes. This is a must see lake very pretty. At the lake we met a Meyers local that told as Christmas Valley Trail had been reworked and rerouted and that if we wanted to ride it, he would shuttle us back up to Big Meadows. In my limited Tahoe trail experience this was the longest downhill I have found. Mucho embedded rocks in the trail and the low bottom bracket on the RIP was a problem. I will do this loop again before I head back to So-Cal…most excellent ride.

Dean

[sheclimbs]

Great report Dean. I am enjoying reading this as I am sitting next to you at the camp ground while we are using a pirated wifi! Just can't stay away from STR.

Got into town in enough time to unpack and hike up to party rock and watch the sun set in Lake Tahoe.

After a great nights sleep in the fresh pine scented air, we were up and rolling early. Thought I would start Dean out on one of my favorites, Miess Meadows out to the PCT and then loop back and head down Dardenelle's. I had just recently heard about Christmas Valley but had no idea what we were in for. We'll it certainly lived up to our new friend Kevin's description, awesome challenging single track that goes for miles.

It was really exciting to find some new dirt up. After many years of our annual trip, something new was in order. I think Christmas Valley is my one of my new favorite rides. Slim, you're going to love this one. It by far the longest single track descent I've found up here. Pretty technical but the downhill gives you the momentum you need to keep rolling. So much so Dean didn't even stop to take any pictures.

It's always nice to have your first major ride on a new bike on a most excellent trail. The spot really performed, it was nice to have the right bike for the Tahoe Rim Trail.

Off to bed to rest up for day two of our Tahoe marathon.

[genusmtbkr5]

Very nice RR and pics Dean. I wish you guys could have made my ride to Beek's, but you had a very good excuse not to.

[OMR]

Absolutely beautiful! I do so love the Tahoe area and those pictures bring back many pleasant memories. As Gene said, wish you could have been with us today as it was inspiring to see the effort that some of these young grasshoppers put into the climb up to Beek's .... and the great fellowship of a bunch of diverse people all with the love of riding ...
(and Andy and the beer bob, of course)

... but realize you had other trails to ride. Nice that you have a great companin to share them with as that's what it's all about.

Have a safe trip home...

OMR

[Ladd Jasper]

Just beautiful, guys. Thanks for the report and pics. See you for week two.

[foofighter]

gorgeous pics !

[guero]

great write up and pix, im sure they dont do it justice!