Mt. Rose Meadows to Chimney Beach Downhill

If you ask any Cross Country Mountain Biker who lives in North Lake Tahoe what their favorite mountain bike ride in Tahoe is?  Most likely, they will respond with "Mt. Rose meadows to Chimney beach".  The reason being is that the views and terrain on this portion of the Tahoe Rim Trail are just absolutely spectacular.  The ride consists of fast sandy single track with views of Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley throughout the whole ride.  Technical challenging uphills and downhills with massive granite rocks are everywhere.  There is never a dull moment on this Tahoe Epic.  They say pictures are worth a 1000 words so I will let the photographs do the rest of the writing.

Sherry McConkey is Strong!  It's always a treat to ride with her.

Sara flying down Chimney Beach!

Shelly Walco is a trooper completing the 20mile ride with a blown out knee!

The guys on this ride were out numbered 7 to 4 and the ladies were much better looking and impressive, so they made all the shots.  Sorry guys!

Downieville Downhill Days

Hanging out in Downieville has become my favorite get away from the trials and tribulation of my incredibly stressful life in Squaw Valley, Ca.  Really though summers in Tahoe are just as good as it gets.  Summers here are spent mountain biking, golfing, swimming, camping, hiking, gardening, cooking, drinking, and bar tending.     

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time camping and sessioning the Downieville downhill.  In my humble, but important opinion the Downieville downhill is everything mountain biking should be.  A 17 mile long, 5000ft descent that starts at 7200ft in the Scenic Sierra Buttes and ends in the historic little town of Downieville.  This classic Northern California single track challenges your strength and endurance.  Oh by the way it's fun as hell too!

  

Kate cruising down the sunrise trail in the Sierra Buttes

Butcher Ranch Intersection and a dramatic vegetation change.

JT cruising along

JT, Ruth, & Kate cooling off by the Yuba River in the heart of Downieville