Yesterday I rode the famed Lake Tahoe Rim trail to continue my training for the Tour of the California Alps (Deathride).
If you have never had a chance to ride or hike the Lake Tahoe Rim trail it is definitely something to add to your to do list. We opted for a loop that started with a seven mile pavement section from the old Ponderosa Ranch to a trail called Tyrolian. The Tyrolian trial which could be renamed Heart Attack for its continual steep uphill climb takes you to the Lake Tahoe Rim trail near the Mount Rose summit. The section of the Rim trail here only allows bikes on even numbered days so check your calendar if you go. Once we were tied into the Rim trail it is a fast rolling section of trail comprised of DG, boulders, steps, and breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks. This section also includes the Steps (shown in the photo). One of the many exhilarating technical obstacles.
The next junction you come to gives you the option to head down to the Old Ponderosa, head down to Carson City, or continue on to Marlette Lake and keep climbing. We opted for the latter.....
The section towards Marlette starts with another climb towards Marlette peak that seems to never end. This section of the Rim trail is also home to the Xterra Incline Village race. This section boasts more technical drops and steep switchbacks and heart pounding climbing to Marlette peak (shown in photo).
The trail down Marlette peak to Marlette Lake is fast and fun. All downhill with sweeping turns, single track and jeep trail to Marlette Lake. Once at Marlette Lake you enter one of the most famous trails at Lake Tahoe the Flume Trail. This section of single track is literally perched on a cliff that runs from Marlette Lake to the top of Tunnel Creek. This section is one where you really should stop and take a second to enjoy the breath taking views of Lake Tahoe, Sand Harbor and Incline Village. Be careful of the other riders as traffic goes both ways through here and there is barely room for one.
The Flume Trail ends at Tunnel Creek and the descent begins to the car on a fast jeep trail that drops for what seems like miles.
It was a great training ride for the Deathride and with the loop we chose we logged 35 miles on the mountain bikes and what a great ride it was. Loaded with challenging singletrack, steps, boulders, tough climbs, and great views.

Coby.