Birthday Girl hosts a ragin' weekend

Tahoe Deluxe

There are a few special times in one's life that call for extraordinary parties. The big Five-0 is one of them. Lisa managed to collect several friends and take them on a ride of a lifetime, in fact three rides. The first ride started at high altitude near Mt. Rose. At 8000 feet there is much less oxygen, a mild issue for A.D. who was half way to Mars for much of the ride

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Happy group, perfect conditions

The ride progressed across the eastern part of the Tahoe mountains, across pristine granite trails. The grades were mild (thank God) and there was little technical issue. Eventually this route joined the flume trail, perhaps the most scenic and pleasant ride in the world. It hangs on the side of the mountains several thousand feet above Lake Tahoe. Its grade is nearly level.

Flume Trail rocks the pleasure zone

All too soon the flume trail exits at Marlette Lake. A short climb put the bikers at a junction that would prove to be an issue. There was some discussion about the correct trail. However several riders already departed. The herd mentality took over and the group all followed their lead. About a mile down the trail, Lisa began to worry. This was not the right trail. Eventually all of the riders regrouped and reconsidered the route. It was decided to ride back up the hill and take the other trail. The other trail turned out to be one of mt.bikin's greatest downhill treats.

Ooutmar shreds the Chimney beach trail

All too soon the riders were at the bottom. The next item on the pleasure list was to go to the lake and kick back with beer and chips. Some went swimming while others basked in the sun and felt the buzz of a huge effort on a great ride.

Visitor checks out Paul's pack

The weary riders still had another item on the agenda. There was a delicious meal, more celebrating and an evening of friendly relaxation.

A delicious offering, well earned

The ride selected for day two was another scintillating ride into the towering wilderness on the western slopes surrounding Lake Tahoe. The group split at the beginning to allow for a couple of riders to drive to the trailhead and to have a vehicle ready at the end of the ride to wisk Lisa away, limousine style, to her appointment with the masseuse.

Mob scene headed for glory

There was some slight confusion at the beginning of the trail. Thinning operations in the forest had managed to reduce the otherwise beautiful area to a trashed-out disaster zone of forest wreckage. Once past this annoying scene the group began an arduous climb that lasted for nearly two hours. the forest again gained composure of grandeur and beauty. The climb contained an occasional technical section and areas that simply had to be walked. The rewards were slow in coming, yet from time to time glimpses of the lake appeared to the east.

Tough riders power uphill

After what seemed like 4000 feet of climbing (actually it was a little over two thousand) the top of the trail reached the "rock". This spot was worth every ounce of effort. The lake was visible to the east and magnificent views of the spectacular mountains to the west were in full view. Alpine Meadows and Squally World were visible along with parts of the Desolation Wilderness. There was a stunning display of wild flowers. Mule's Ears carpeted huge areas. Many others added to the sensation, a feeling that one had surely slipped the surly bonds of the ordinary. This was an untrammeled venue rich with peace and beauty.

The soaring spirit lives here

As fantastic as this moment was, it was only part way into the adventure. The next phase of fun involved an extended downhill that included virtually everything known to mountain biking. At first there was an extended section of very technical single track. It was a jarring, bone rattling descent for a couple of miles. There were sections that even the most proficient of the riders were unable to clean. Finally the torture relented to some swift, smooth riding. Again wild flowers lined the path as if the trip were a royal procession, honored by nature's bounty.

The snowflower, parasitic yet beautiful

Eventually the group reached the jeep road to the bottom. At this juncture the riders split into two groups. Those who couldn't get enough continued to Page Meadow. It required a very steep climb. A climb that taxed the already weary riders. Once again, the reward came in the form of sweet single track that lead the tired riders to a form of total redemption. The meadow was so nice it boggled the fried brains of the bikin' fools.

Ooutmar never saw anything like this in Saudi Arabia

It was Fuzzy's and Lorna's turn to cook. They produced a meal that rocked the palette. A combination of skill, alchemy and perhaps a little luck put a meal on the table that basically exploded the culinary zone. It hardly seemed possible to experience more pleasure.

Strictly first cabin

Day three was intended to be a mellow cruise following the previous days of intensely rigorous riding. Albert adeptly led the procession from the house into the woods north of town. He found the main artery to the TRT  (Tahoe Rim Trail) after a slight bit of searching. The initial climb was a steep hike-a-bike. Fortunately it didn't last long. Shortly the group arrived at the TRT and took a leisurely break.

The relaxed riders

The trail mellowed after the break. It climbed slightly, then ran nearly level for a couple of miles. This part of the trail was somewhat similar to the flume trail as it was pleasant, easy and scenic. The group rolled easily along enjoying the day. Eventually the trail connected with an improved road. A short climb put the riders at the lunch spot. It was another spectacular offering of mountain majesty. The high knoll had commanding views of the entire area.

Lunch on top of the world

The group reconvened for the next phase of riding. It took some time for the riders to get into the mood after the extended lunch break. The atmosphere was cozy and relaxed.

No shortage of beauty

It was at this juncture that the ride took an unexpected twist. Ooutmar realized that he had spaced his fanny pack. He hiked back to the lunch spot; no pack. There ensued a period of discussion and memory searching. Previous photos were examined. Finally Ooutmar and A.D. decided to retrace the route in search of the pack. Albert gave directions to the next part of the TRT to be found down the improved road. The two groups split.

A.D. and Ooutmar rode back to the trail junction, proceeded back down the trail to the original rest stop. They searched the area carefully and found nothing. As they climbed back up the trail, they searched intently for the pack. Nothing appeared. They continued to a spot near the improved road. BINGO! There it was hiding in the low brush.

Barely visible, Ooutmar's pack sits just to the right of his left foot.

This serendipitous moment framed the flavor of the day. It was a day of discovery, of adventure and challenge. The main group had descended the road, found the next portion of the TRT and was well on their way to Tahoe City where the trail terminated. Ooutmar and A.D. rocketed down the road looking for the turn to the TRT. They met a couple who were backpacking. The couple mentioned that the main group had passed. It just happened that this encounter occurred at the trail intersection, marked by a small cairn.

Couple provides valuable clue

The two proceeded up the single track. There would be a mild climb before the promised; "all downhill" portion of the day's ride. This portion of the trail was as delightful as they come. It consisted of decomposing granite. It was smooth without technical challenges. The forest was open and serene. They rode to the top of the climb and began a long, long descent. The drop continued for several miles until it intersected with other trails and an old jeep road. The TRT, at this point, began another climb. This confused the two, now tiring, riders. It was supposed to be all downhill.

Navigating the magic trail

The two initially began the climb. They hesitated when it became steep and technical. A short discussion ensued. They decided to return to the jeep/single track and go downhill. This put them again at the improved road. The map was consulted. It was inconclusive. However it seemed obvious which was was more correct even though it went uphill. Shortly a vehicle approached, was flagged down and queried. The driver confirmed the correct direction. They continued until two motorcycles approach, again flagged down and questioned. They confirmed the direction and supported the notion of taking the single track that joined at that spot. Even though the two hadn't a clue, the general consensus was that somehow the trail would lead civilization.

The single track proved to be delightful. Even though the duo hadn't much idea of where they were headed, it seemed in the right direction. The trail met several other trails as they progressed. Each time they made turns that intuitively seemed logical. Eventually they met an older woman and questioned her. She confirmed their position and added information that would put them at the starting point of the ride.

The day turned out to be anything but an easy ride. It covered many miles, lots of terrain and offered a glorious menu of bikin' fun. The only thing left was another unbelievable meal. It seemed unlikely that the senses could be further heightened, yet the offering from the grill and kitchen put the funnometer into the danger zone.

The final meal together lit up the senses

Monday morning was the day to clean up, pack up and leave. Several of the attendees spent time and the beach while A.D. took his kayak to the Truckee river. He dropped off the boat and locked it to a tree, then drove the car to the take-out and rode the bicycle back to the boat. It worked out well. The bike was strapped to the boat and launched for an hour of paddling fun. It was good with the exception of masses of other rafts, screaming people and crowded rapids. The transit was mostly pleasant and routine until the very last drop to the take out. The river dropped significantly creating some genuine white water. A.D.'s kayak is strictly a flat water boat. There were a few dicey moments including a broken paddle before easing into the final eddy and exiting 

The weekend was a huge portion of mountain bikin' adventure. It contained all of the ingredients to satisfy the deepest urges of the fat tire mind. For sure it was a one time event, a classic and appropriate celebration of friendship, mountain bikin' and Lisa's big FIVE-0.