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The largest cycling event in North America and the third largest in the world starts at Lake Tahoe Sunday.
Hundreds of the best pedalers from around the globe will ascend and descend the rise and fall of the lake's perimeter at an average speed of 28 mph over the course of one and a half laps around the lake. And thousands of visitors are expected to watch the cyclists during the race.
When selecting a viewing location, consider parking, crowds, events and the speed of the cyclists as they pass by, whether they're chugging up a hill or sprinting in the flats.
Bicycles may be the most practical way to access a number of spots as the roads will be closed for short periods and heavy traffic may occur as viewers make their way from one spot to the next.
Where to watch:
START: STATELINE (South Shore)
Expect plenty of excitement as riders finish their warm up lap and come speeding by the starting line at MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa. While you wait for the second lap, feel free to grab a cold one at the Lake Tahoe Brewery or a bite at one of the many eateries.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE “Y” (South Shore)
Fresh off the start, the racers will fly through this area at high speeds. Many events, including a professional BMX demonstration, will be happening in the vicinity.
CAMP RICHARDSON (South Shore)
With a several lodging, food and drink options and plenty of open space, Camp Richardson might just be the place to set out your lawn chair. You could even ride alongside the peloton on the Pope-Baldwin Bike Trail — if you can keep up.
EMERALD BAY (West Shore)
Watching the riders hook around the switchbacks and up onto the narrow straightaway will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting parts of the race. But parking in Emerald Bay won't be easy. The best way to get there, suggests Tahoe City's Brian Nakagawa, is to ride your bike. The first cyclist to reach the top on the first lap will be awarded the King of the Hill jersey.
HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT (West Shore)
With a barbecue, craft beers, free parking and a race-inspired costume competition, Homewood has plenty of attractions for the casual cycling fan.
TAHOE CITY (North Shore)
The streets through downtown Tahoe City are sure to offer an up-close view of the riders, not to mention activities, food and an easy getaway for viewers hoping to make it to the finish line after the first lap.
KING'S BEACH (North Shore)
The long level stretch through King's Beach will provide the perfect plane for riders to dig in and sprint. With a grassy expanse of shoreline, plenty of events planned and more than enough parking, it will also be a comfortable and fun spot for viewers.
SPOONER SUMMIT (East Shore)
Expect breakaways in the pack, while cyclists climb to the top of the 7,062-foot Spooner Summit. At the top, the rider in front will claim to the second King of the Mountain jersey of the stage. After turning onto Highway 50, cyclists will tear downhill to lake level at speeds approaching 45 mph.
CAVE ROCK (East Shore)
Cave Rock's vantage point will allow for a lengthy view of the riders coming and going. Don't look for too much in terms of activities and, if you choose to hike the rock, be careful.
FINISH: NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE RESORT
After a second pass around the west shore of the lake and fresh from the highest climb and longest descent of the 118-mile stage 1, cyclists will cross the finish in Northstar-at-Tahoe's village, just south of Truckee off Highway 267.
Dylan Silver is a reporter with the Tahoe Daily Tribune, a sister publication of The Union.
Hundreds of the best pedalers from around the globe will ascend and descend the rise and fall of the lake's perimeter at an average speed of 28 mph over the course of one and a half laps around the lake. And thousands of visitors are expected to watch the cyclists during the race.
When selecting a viewing location, consider parking, crowds, events and the speed of the cyclists as they pass by, whether they're chugging up a hill or sprinting in the flats.
Bicycles may be the most practical way to access a number of spots as the roads will be closed for short periods and heavy traffic may occur as viewers make their way from one spot to the next.
Where to watch:
START: STATELINE (South Shore)
Expect plenty of excitement as riders finish their warm up lap and come speeding by the starting line at MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa. While you wait for the second lap, feel free to grab a cold one at the Lake Tahoe Brewery or a bite at one of the many eateries.
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE “Y” (South Shore)
Fresh off the start, the racers will fly through this area at high speeds. Many events, including a professional BMX demonstration, will be happening in the vicinity.
CAMP RICHARDSON (South Shore)
With a several lodging, food and drink options and plenty of open space, Camp Richardson might just be the place to set out your lawn chair. You could even ride alongside the peloton on the Pope-Baldwin Bike Trail — if you can keep up.
EMERALD BAY (West Shore)
Watching the riders hook around the switchbacks and up onto the narrow straightaway will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting parts of the race. But parking in Emerald Bay won't be easy. The best way to get there, suggests Tahoe City's Brian Nakagawa, is to ride your bike. The first cyclist to reach the top on the first lap will be awarded the King of the Hill jersey.
HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT (West Shore)
With a barbecue, craft beers, free parking and a race-inspired costume competition, Homewood has plenty of attractions for the casual cycling fan.
TAHOE CITY (North Shore)
The streets through downtown Tahoe City are sure to offer an up-close view of the riders, not to mention activities, food and an easy getaway for viewers hoping to make it to the finish line after the first lap.
KING'S BEACH (North Shore)
The long level stretch through King's Beach will provide the perfect plane for riders to dig in and sprint. With a grassy expanse of shoreline, plenty of events planned and more than enough parking, it will also be a comfortable and fun spot for viewers.
SPOONER SUMMIT (East Shore)
Expect breakaways in the pack, while cyclists climb to the top of the 7,062-foot Spooner Summit. At the top, the rider in front will claim to the second King of the Mountain jersey of the stage. After turning onto Highway 50, cyclists will tear downhill to lake level at speeds approaching 45 mph.
CAVE ROCK (East Shore)
Cave Rock's vantage point will allow for a lengthy view of the riders coming and going. Don't look for too much in terms of activities and, if you choose to hike the rock, be careful.
FINISH: NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE RESORT
After a second pass around the west shore of the lake and fresh from the highest climb and longest descent of the 118-mile stage 1, cyclists will cross the finish in Northstar-at-Tahoe's village, just south of Truckee off Highway 267.
Dylan Silver is a reporter with the Tahoe Daily Tribune, a sister publication of The Union.
