TAHOE DAILY
Tribune
Start of Highway 50 closure pushed back again BY DYLAN SILVER DSILVER@TAHOEDAILYTRIBUNE.COM
Highway 50 will be closed for up to two weeks beginning — at the earliest — May 11, just days before thousands of people are expected to be visiting the area for the Amgen Tour of California. The start of the project is still weather-
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NORTHSTAR-AT-TAHOE RESORT 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.
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EYES ON THE ROAD
Photos by Dylan Silver / Tahoe Daily Tribune
SPOONER SUMMIT 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.
Where to watch the Amgen Tour of California Homewood HOMEWOOD MOUNTAIN RESORT With a barbecue, craft beers, free parking and a race-inspired costume competition, Homewood has plenty of attractions for the casual cycling fan.
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DYLAN SILVER | DSILVER@TAHOEDAILYTRIBUNE.COM n little more than two weeks, the largest cycling event in North America and the third largest in the world will land in Lake Tahoe. 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. And thousands of visitors are expected to gape at 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 89 short periods and heavy traffic may occur as viewers make their way from one spot to the next.
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EMERALD BAY 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. Emerald Bay
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CAMP RICHARDSON With a several lodging, food and drink options and Cascade plenty of open space, Camp Richardson might just Lake be the place to set out your lawn chair. You could even ride alongside the peloton on the PopeBaldwin Bike Trail — if you can keep up.
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South Lake 50 Tahoe Camp Richardson
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HELITAHOE HeliTahoe will be chasing the race action through the skies. Likely the only way to avoid the road closures, the helicopters will be flying from both the North Shore and the South Shore.
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Highway 88 and into South Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. The detour is 35 miles longer than the Highway 50 route. The press release announcing the closure did not mention the
KING’S BEACH 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.
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TAHOE CITY 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.
dependent. The closure is the first step in a safety project that will update the deteriorating rock walls along the Echo Summit stretch. It will be followed by six weeks of one-way traffic control on weekdays. A signed detour will take travelers out Highway 49 or Highway 16 to
The “Y”
CAVE ROCK 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.
STATELINE 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” 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. “It will be a party,” said Lauren Linvey, who manages Pearl Izumi in the Factory Stores at the “Y” complex.
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Cave rock’s vantage point will allow for an expansive view of the race.
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