A quick excursion to the west shore of Lake Tahoe

[RPondaRoad]

I filled the RT up with gas and pointed it up the hill on I-80 and headed to Lake Tahoe this morning.  I like riding around the lake before/after tourist season and do it often.  But, this was my first time at the lake this year.  The weather was great...low 60's as I made my way over Donner Summit, but only a few miles later in Truckee it was already getting warmer as I descended from the pass.  A quick exit on Highway 89 had me buzzing by the Squaw Valley (Olympic site) and Alpine Meadows ski areas as I rode along the scenic Truckee river.  Even though it's a couple of weeks before the throngs of people show up to enjoy the lake, I was surprised at how tranquil Tahoe City was.  Riding through the pine trees with the now low 70 degree breeze in my face and wonderful views of the lake and the Heavenly Mountain ski resort on the opposite shore was, as always a treat.  I passed the turnout to the viewpoint of Emerald Bay as I knew I would get good views as I rode around it.  I'm always impressed with the bay's beauty, clear water and Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe's one and only which sits in the middle of the bay.  This was to be a quick trip, so when I came to the intersection that would either take me toward South Lake Tahoe and the casinos at Stateline or to Highway 50 and home, I chose the latter.  I can go up later to ride the other side of the lake which isn't as touristic.  In a short time I was over Echo Summit and heading down through the turns of the highway and along the shore of the South Fork of the American River.  It was a great day...there is so much snow still in the mountains that it's impressive and well worth the trip.  

 

 

[MariettaMark]

Love it! I made that trip many times in the past. Beautiful!