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11 Sep 2017
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Fall in Tahoe
Mountain Biker Alert in North Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is mountain biking paradise, but those trails we love don’t just magically appear. Many were old dirt roads that were converted into trails, while others were created by volunteers that put in the time and expertise to build a bit of dirt heaven for the rest of us to ride. Now, an effort is underway, largely through the Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA), to replace steep, eroding trails with flowing ones that are more fun to ride as well as being more environmentally sensitive.

The Burton Creek State Park/Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area is the North Shore’s most popular mountain biking terrain, and right now TAMBA is in the process of rerouting/rebuilding two major trail sections in the area. They are converting the Elevator Shaft Trail (sounds a bit steep doesn’t it?) and the Ocelot Trail from the steep rocky drainage ditch type trails they are now, to winding pleasurable romps through the woods.

I had a chance to check out the still under construction new Ocelot Trail today, and it is going to be awesome. Not too steep, super fun, and once it gets completed, a heck of a lot smoother than the old trail. I’ve heard equally good reports for what the newly redesigned Elevator Shaft will be like once the work is completed there. But if the trails are to be finished before the snow flies, there is still a lot more work to be done. That is where you come in. Volunteers who want to spend a day helping build trails are needed.

You can work on the Elevator Shaft Trail this Wednesday, September 13th, and the Ocelot trail on Saturday, September 16th. On the 13th meet at Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area at 9:00 am. On the 16th meet at the Tahoe City PUD building across from the Fire Station on Fairway Drive in Tahoe City at 9:00 am. Both work days will go until 4 pm, but whatever time you can commit will be appreciated.

If you come to help out, please bring: Long pants, long sleeve shirt, helmet (bike Ok), sturdy shoes, gloves, sunglasses or other eye protection, water, snacks and plenty of energy. Lunch will be provided by The Back Country if they know you are coming.

For more information go to tamba.org or contact trail builder John Clausen at [email protected]