Sierra Cascades – 9/06/2013 – Truckee to South Lake Tahoe

Congratulations to Andy, Craig, Mimi, Patrice, Chuck and Kris for riding the entire distance into Truckee.  It was a very difficult ride.  Nine of us required van assistance.

Miles today = 47, Elevation gain = 2,349. Total miles = 1,056, Tot Elevation gain = 61,075

It was a LEISURELY RIDE to South Lake Tahoe.  We started late and lingered at the Tahoe House Bakery, probably the best bakery I’ve ever visited. Most of today’s ride was on tree lined bike paths away from the traffic.  Not a single logging truck all day!  The ride started along the crystal clear Truckee River.

We began to see LAKE TAHOE but could also see some smoke. Lake Tahoe is the third deepest lake in the US; remember from a couple of weeks ago that Crater Lake is the deepest.  There are 63 streams into the lake and only one going out.  Water from Lake Tahoe never reaches an ocean.  The photos are from Inspiration Point; it seemed more like perspiration point to us after the climbs to get there.

Photo on the left, Yoga on the Rocks, taken by Patrice van Vleet.

 

We’re staying two nights at a large and luxurious resort on the lake.  Everyone in the group has a room and balcony facing the lake.  The rest day tomorrow is much needed after nine consecutive days of riding. We only have four days to go; one is very difficult and two are easy; tomorrow’s is moderate.

WHO’S RIDING? (BRENDA’S BIOS)

MIMI CRANE (Big Sky, MT) Mimi was born in Philadelphia. She had a difficult time deciding what to study in college. After 2 years at Barnard College in NYC, on the swim team, studying liberal arts she changed colleges and pursued engineering which was not her favorite. She spent her junior year abroad in Vienna and by now she was busy applying to the Air Force Academy because in 1980 women had just been allowed into the academy. She was lucky to get the needed recommendation and joined the class of 1981. She spent 7 years in active duty after graduation as a pilot, 5 years in Del Rio, TX and 2 years in Okinawa. After her Air Force commitment was completed she elected to work for FedEx for 25 years. She flew left and right seat in nearly all the types of aircraft and was fortunate enough to end her career flying the 777 which she describes as a pleasure to pilot. She retired 2 years ago and now claims to be a full-time ski bum, enjoying cross country and downhill skiing. She is also getting into biking. Mostly, she is dedicating her time to maintaining and improving her health which she says suffered because of her work schedule. She also enjoys weight training and yoga. This is her first BAC ride and I think we will see her on many more trips in the future.