Overall Route Rating
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4.38 out of 5 Rider Rating 4.38
8 Reviews

Motorcycle Route Author

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By Guest (0 McR Points) on Aug 31, 2007

Rider Reviews

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Guest
May 9, 2013
Blown away! I cannot wipe the smile from my face…
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Guest
September 26, 2009
I hear what Bruce is saying about 395. If you…
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Written Directions

Start in Reno NV take US hwy 395 N into California. Take a left on to CA 70 and head west. Take a left on to CA 49 and head south. When CA 49 runs into CA 89, take a left and take CA 89 down to Truckee CA, great place for lunch. From Truckee, get on CA 267 heading south down to the King's Beach area on the N shore of Lake Tahoe. Suggest you stop and take in some Tahoe sites. Now from King's Beach, take CA 28 east (through Crystal Bay, Nevada) and then switch to NV 431 (take a left on to 431 heading northeast) and return on down the mountain. NV 431 takes you to US hwy 395 where you can take it north and back into Reno.

Scenery

From peaceful cattle grazing meadows, with no traffic in sight to steep twisty Cliffside roads climbing up to Lake Tahoe. Postcard vistas abound, if you dare look. Fortunately there are many turn offs to allow for breath catching and photo shooting. The most glorious views of mountains and valleys, and of course Lake Tahoe, which for this prairie boy was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen on two wheels. The route travels through two national forests: Tahoe National Forest and Yoiyabe National Forest.

Drive Enjoyment

The roads are great. Newly paved 2 lane with turn out lanes. Very twisty and almost all blind. Sheer cliffs on one side and rock face on the other. Hairpin turns with locals driving up and down the mountain way too fast. The grade changes dramatically and you can feel it in your ears, make sure your brakes are good before you try it.

This route starts out peacefully and tranquilly and gets more challenging as you go up and down the Mountain. This is not a beginners route. The grade is steep and the turns come at you quickly. Missing a turn long or short can result in falling off an 8000 ft cliff or meeting head on with a pick up or semi, going way too fast. Make sure your bike is up to the task. My road glide handled it well. I was getting buzzed by Beemers and sport bikes.

Tourism Opportunities

Fabulous camp grounds, national forests restaurants and roadside bars all along the route. Of course Tahoo and Reno have world class atractions.

Motorcycle Road Additional info

- View the weather forecast for this area from Yahoo weather .
 

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Guest
May 9, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
Blown away! I cannot wipe the smile from my face. The ride was spectacular! I did the loop outlined on this ride then when I hit Truckee I made an adjustment and went down 89 to Lake Tahoe. Once I got to Tahoe, I made a right onto 28 and went to the Southern end of the lake where I picked up 50 and started North again. I stayed on 50 and rode up to Carson City. Then continue on up to Virginia City and then back to Reno. Just over 200 incredible miles. Must tell you that if you go to Virginia City you must talk to the locals and find the Cider Factory! It is a little restaurant run by Chef Ricard up on the hill. He didn't just make my meal he made the meal specifically for me! Guy was great and so was the atmosphere. Rolling out across 70 and 49 up north was like riding my horse in the old west. The roads were smooth as glass and I felt as though I was floating my steel horse over the praire. Down through Tahoe was like witnessing God's perfect design in trees, water, waterfalls and mountain beauty. If I could start this day over and do the whole thing again, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Take this ride and enjoy!!!! Oh, and thanks to whoever put the ride on here in the first place to encourage me!
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Guest
September 26, 2009
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Cruiser
I hear what Bruce is saying about 395. If you want to add a really nice leg to the trip, get off 395 at Red Rock and follow it all the way around. Nice twisty ride. You come back to 395 North of Halleluja Junction. Take a left on 395 and go back South to 70 West.
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ryno23
October 16, 2013
0 McR Points
Motorcycle Type : Touring
This ride was pretty nice. I came across tow groups of Deer on 89. Fortunately It was on a straight part of the road and had plenty of time to slow and observe the Deer. Only update I have is 70 West is in bad shape, still doable, but bumpy. There were signs saying pavement maintenance in progress. Hopefully it will be smoothed soon. I was the only person on 49 and it was beautiful as was 89. I started this ride in Fallon so once I got to the I-80 I went south to Reno for lunch. Very beautiful this time of year and nice weather for a ride.
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