Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway Closure

So....somehow I've never ridden the new(er) sections of the Tahoe Pyramid Bikeway and I decided to have a go of it this weekend.  I even did a little homework to make sure I remember where Quilici Ranch Rd and Crystal Peak Park were.  No problems there.  However, once we charged into the Sunday morning headwind and approached the beginning of the actual trail / fire road we were greeted with this.

Not a big deal....trail closures are a part of life.  However, you have to ride about 2 miles out just to find out the trail is closed!  No sign in Crystal Peak Park or the extra parking area where the trail starts from.  That's just irresponsible road closure!  It's the only non-paved route from Reno to Truckee....which in my mind makes it the bicycle equivalent of I-80.  Imagine if we closed I-80 with no warning or appropriately located signage (not to mention realistic detours) and how people would react!

So, since it was Sunday and no one was working I did something that I don't recommend.  I rode it anyway.  It was great and I enjoyed exploring.  However, they are doing real work to the flume and they are using large haul trucks (40 ton) that would squish a cyclist like jelly.  So don't repeat my ride until the closure is over.  And yes, I know by not honoring the sign I run the risk of making cyclists look bad....but I'm also tired of being treated like a 2nd class citizen with respect to construction projects.

Also, I don't hate this project because while it's tearing up the road/trail right now, I'm hopeful that TMWA will make the trail that much better after the project wraps up!  A few pics to show that it's still a nice ride construction or not!

Reasons that Fall is the Best Season for Cycling!

Here's six reasons (stolen from bicycling.com) that make fall riding great!

#1  Riding thought the leaf fall!

#2  Finally getting to pull the warm riding gear out of the closet!

#3  Not being a sweaty mess when you finish a ride!

#4  It's Cyclocross Season!

#5  Biking around Apple hill for cider, beer, and fall festivities!

#6  Pumpkin / Oktoberfest Beer!

For the Love of God...Ride your Bike to Drink Beer!

Folks....this is just terrifying!  Climate change is now threatening our beer supply.  The only clear solution is to ride bikes....to drink beer.  Save the planet one pedaled to pint at a time!

**Clearly....it's a slow bicycle news day.  Sometimes you have to find something to post!**

New Bike share in Reno!

It might be a limited offering for people who live (or work?) out of a certain building, but offering more transportation options that aren't single passenger vehicles is always a great idea!

Click the image for a video link

From KTVN News:  A new bike share service is in town, but the bikes are not lime green and only about 200 residents can use them. It's called Zagster.
Zagster officially launched in Reno, Tuesday. It's in partnership with Basin Street Properties, who wanted to offer the service specifically to its business tenants. They're starting out with six bikes, but could grow to more.
Similar to Limebike, you have to download the app to use it, or you can rent by texting.  However, the general public isn't allowed to ride them.
Users also have to return the bikes to the single docking location on West Liberty Street. Employees get the first four hours of riding for free, then pay two bucks an hour after that.
Basin Street Properties implemented this service to promote a healthy lifestyle for their tenants. Judy Villagomez, Senior Property Manager says, "It's all about sustainability, you know keeping the environment clean, keeping people in shape, getting outside and enjoying the weather we have here."
The pilot program is expected to last at least six months, then they'll evaluate the service. If it's been successful enough, Basin Street Properties could expand Zagster to their other two properties in town.
Villagomez says Zagster did get their business license approved with the City of Reno. We reached out to Zagster but never heard back. A representative with the City of Reno says the company is playing by the rules.
If you'd like to learn more about the service, click here.

Bicycles in America Talk tonight at UNR (4pm and 6pm).

I almost missed this one (yes, it's today)!  Isn't it just terrible when the bicycle based events overwhelm! 

Adventure Cycling Bikepacking Ride on Saturday!

Well, I'm back from vacation and the bikey scene in Reno is rolling!  The tweed ride just wrapped up with an attendance of around 50 people and a there's a bike packing event on Saturday with a prep "packing" event on Friday night.  Both are hosted by Orange Pedal Cycling and the Reno Bike Project so you know they'll be great!  I believe the pre-packing event is Friday night at 7 pm and the ride leaves from the parking lot at 8:30 the next morning.

The trip will take you out to the canyon in the back of Lockwood (Largomarsino Canyon) which has a ton of Indian Rock Artwork and is beautiful to boot.  Aka....Lockwood isn't just a landfill if you were wondering.  So bring a bike....get some advice on how to pack it....and get out for a fall bike packing bonanza!

I think the one way mileage from the trail head is around 14 miles with 1700 feet of climbing.  A great trip with just enough work to make you feel like you earned that beer at the end of the day!