• Carson Now on Facebook
  • Follow Carson Now on Twitter
  • Follow Carson Now by RSS
  • Follow Carson Now by Email

Best places in Tahoe to watch Amgen Tour of California Women's Cycling Competition

Lake Tahoe’s natural geography of steep climbs and long descents against postcard views will offer plenty of sites to catch race action as the top women cyclists compete in Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race Empowered with SRAM, May 8-9.

With the start and finish line at Heavenly’s California Base Lodge, spectators will be updated with live race announcements, and entertained with high-energy music, local and Amgen Tour of California exhibitors, food and beverage.

Race organizers are encouraging individuals to ride their own bikes/walk wherever possible to limit the number of vehicles on the road.

“This historic race for women’s cycling within our own backyard, near our homes, favorite beaches and trails reflects Tahoe’s appeal as a top cycling destination,” said Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority. “We’ll be out to celebrate the first two stages of the Amgen Tour of California women’s race.”

“North Lake Tahoe is excited to have such high caliber women’s professional sporting events in our region,” said John "JT" Thompson, tourism director of the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association. “We look forward to showing off our natural environment that organically lends itself to the outdoor sports enthusiast.”

STAGE 1
With a route that runs clockwise around Lake Tahoe, Stage 1 is full of ups and downs.

CLIMBS:
Iconic Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe’s most photographed areas and a spot to watch the racers, who are estimated to top the summit between 11:34 to 11:41 a.m. The athlete who completes the three designated climbs during both stages with the fastest cumulative time will receive the “Queen of the Mountain” designation. Emerald Bay is the first location for the challenge. Parking for these vantage points on the West Shore is tight with only two parking lots available: Eagle Falls Trail Head and Vikingsholm Visitors Center. Spectators’ best bet is to get there early before traffic schedules hinder access.

Kings Beach is nestled in the heart of North Lake Tahoe and will offer prime viewing opportunities for the race, passing through at approximately 12:45 p.m. Public parking is located next to the Kings Beach State Recreation area, the largest public beach on the north shore. Viewers can also watch from the top deck of Caliente Restaurant.

Crystal Bay is a few miles up Highway 28 and viewers can watch from Reservoir Road or Stateline Lookout (Fire Trail) behind Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino. The race should pass through Crystal Bay around 12:50 p.m.

Spooner Summit – at the conclusion of the two plus mile uphill grade from the scenic Lakeshore Boulevard in Incline Village – on the southeast corner of the lake, where Highways 50 and 28 intersect, is where the cyclists ascent to an elevation of 7,150 feet around 1:29 to 1:58 p.m. This is the second “Queen of the Mountain” challenge. There are three parking lots here: Spooner Lake State Park, Snow Park and the Tahoe Rim Trail Access Road.

The last ascent is up Keller Road in South Lake Tahoe to the finish line, expected to take place between 1:49 to 2:40 p.m. Parking is available at the festival area at Heavenly Mountain Resort’s California base.

Local Viewing Venues
Bijou Community Park off Al Tahoe Drive in middle of South Shore, the “Y” where Highway 89 and 50 intersect, and Camp Richardson Resort off of Highway 89 before Emerald Bay each have parking areas (available on a first-come, first-served basis).

STAGE 2
The course for Stage 2 includes two-laps through South Lake Tahoe and Meyers, Calif., the town seven miles west of South Shore.

As much of this stage route winds through neighborhoods, the best spot for many South Lake Tahoe locals to watch the race may be their front yard. For other viewing suggestions:

Pioneer and Black Bart Avenues: park along Black Bart Avenue; walk or ride your bike to Pioneer Trail. You’ll be able to watch the riders fly past four times.

Pioneer Trail, between Washoan Boulevard and Busch Way: park along the frontage road and cheer the riders as they head toward Meyers and again when they return.

Highway 89 between Portal Drive and Cornelian Drive; limited parking. The final “Queen of the Mountain” challenge will be on Apache Drive with another opportunity to see the riders up close. Get there early for parking along lower Mohican and lower Chippewa, and walk up to Apache Drive to see the riders before they turn onto Mandan Street. There is no parking permitted along Apache Drive during the race.

Along Ski Run Boulevard riders will turn off Pioneer Trail onto Ski Run for the final push to the finish line.

Times for the Amgen Tour of California Women’s Race Empowered with SRAM are approximate based on average speeds of the peloton, and are subject to race dynamics. The area visitor bureaus encourage spectators to abide by the “pack-in pack-out” motto to help keep all areas clean, as well as bike or walk to key race viewing points.

Volunteer positions are still available. Those interested in assisting on either or both of the race days can register at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Tour/volunteer. Registrants must be at least 18 years old, or accompanied by an adult. Interested applicants can contact local volunteer coordinator Mark Luke at watoc.vols@gmail.com.

For real time updates during the race, visit www.AmgenTourofCalifornia.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Top Stories

... or see all stories

Sunday in Carson City brought out a black bear with a shiny brown coat that lumbered through a yard in early morning light, probably looking for breakfast.

Here is the Carson City area road report for the week of May 13-19, 2024. Closures are expected at the following locations due to road and utility work:

“Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. The day connects kids and families with their local, state, and national parks and public lands through thousands of park events that promote discovery and exploration in the great outdoors.” – National Park Trust

The wait is finally over. The second annual Mark Twain Days Festival returns to Carson City and Virginia City this weekend! Enjoy themed train rides, concerts, literature, book sales, kid's stories, and so much more all throughout the capital city and Virginia City.

Let's take a look at the full list of events for the weekend.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.

UNR Extension Native Plant Sale

UNR Extension Master Gardeners of Douglas County are hosting a Native plant sale on Saturday, May 18 at the River Fork Ranch (The Nature Conservancy) located at 381 Genoa Ln. Minden, NV.

The event is from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Carson High Youth Tennis Clinic

CHS Youth Tennis is hosting a clinic June 17, 18, 19, 20 from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM. It's being hosted at the high school at 1111 Saliman Rd. Carson City NV

Please click to expand the flyer for sign up options.

Free History Slide Show: Reflections of Lake Tahoe Tuesday May 14, 1:30pm, at the Carson City Senior Center.

Using extensive research and seldom seen photographs, local authors and historians David and Gayle Woodruff take a look back at the many people and events that have affected this magnificent Sierra Nevada gem over the years.

From industrial powerhouse of the Comstock Lode to the many efforts to create a Lake Tahoe National Park, the varied tales of “Big Blue’s” history are unique, interesting, and often amusing.

In an extremely rare display of colors, the aurora borealis was spotted throughout Northern Nevada Friday night as captured by multiple Carson Now readers. Click on each photo to expand.

This spectacular display is caused by a severe solar storm that is expected to continue through the weekend.

After review of the Nevada Department of Wildlife’s recommendations and consideration by County Advisory Board’s to Manage Wildlife, the Nevada Board of Wildlife Commissioners has approved big game tag quotas for the upcoming 2024-2025 hunting season.

Once again our cat of the week is the winner of our Whisker Wednesday contest at Catmandu. Meet Cutie Pie. While she loves to be called Cutie, you can also call her Pie for short.

On Tuesday, May 14, the Carson City School District’s Board of Trustees will host a meeting at Carson High School at 1111 N. Saliman Street. At the meeting the district will discuss their plan to merge Carson High School and Pioneer Academy.

Join us for our 60th Anniversary + Spring Art Reception on May 18, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free for all, as well as on-site and nearby parking.

Originally opened during the height of the mining boom of Virginia City, Nevada, the Delta Saloon started serving in 1880. Having seen its share of history, and creating its own, the property is under new ownership with Jim Grimes, VC Delta Saloon, LLC., a fourth-generation Nevadan born and raised in Reno and Sparks, Nevada.

Celebrate Carson High School Class of 2024! And, keep them safe.

Since 1988, Safe Grad has helped prevent fatalities related to graduation night intoxication by offering a FREE, safe, and sober all-night party for graduating high school seniors.

Southern Utah is lucky to be gaining one of Carson High’s most extraordinary students, Arene LeBlanc. She is an outstanding student who has overcome so much from her freshman year and now consistently demonstrates exceptional academics, leadership skills and a commitment to community service.

UPDATE 1:16 p.m.: Service restored.

Douglas County is experiencing a temporary disruption in the non-emergency dispatch phone line. This disruption solely affects the non-emergency dispatch line and does not impact access to emergency services via 911. In the event of an emergency, residents are urged to continue dialing 911 for immediate assistance.

Looking for something for you kiddos to do this summer that includes exercise, fun, and team building? Look no further than the Carson Baseball Summer Camp!

In a systematic approach to improve water quality, Lyon County Utilities will be conducting water main flushing Tuesday and Wednesday, May 14-15 in the Rose Peak area (roughly between Flowery Avenue and Sheep Camp Road) in Dayton, Nev.

The 2nd annual Hot Air for Hope Balloon Festival is returning May 17-19 at Lampe Park in Gardnerville. This is a free community event that benefits the Center for Hope and Healing.

Each year, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office hosts an open house event as a way to connect families, deputies, non-profits and more. This year the event takes place Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nevada State Police has identified a Northern California man who died in a fatal crash last month on I-80 in Fernley.

Carson High School will host its First Annual Art Expo, showcasing the talents of its student artists in photography, graphic design, drawing, painting and ceramics Thursday, May 16, from 5-7 p.m.

A 40-year-old man was arrested Wednesday for suspicion of carrying a concealed knife without a permit, a gross misdemeanor offense, and misdemeanor disturbing the peace, according to a Carson City Sheriff's Office booking report.

Hello fellow anglers. Depending on where you were for the opening day season, the waters were high on the rivers and some lakes still had not iced out yet. But yet the strangest thing about it was. There were about half of the expected anglers that ventured out. I noticed the campgrounds were only half full.

Check out the free Senior Health Fair from 8 am to 12 noon this Thursday, May 9 at Casino Fandango Grand Ballroom in Carson City.

More than 70 vendors, a record number, will share valuable information about their programs and services. Participate in raffle drawings, interact with service dogs, donate blood, and have quick access to important vaccines. Pick up our fifth edition of the Senior Celebration magazine and a Community Resource Guide.

Following a capacity community turnout in March, Grassroots Yoga Center is offering its second Self-Care Wellness Fair Saturday, May 18. The center is located at 195 E. Winnie Lane.

Students at Fritsch Elementary School in Carson City were swinging for success with their participation in the San Francisco Giants Junior Giants initiative. The free, non-competitive and innovative baseball program for boys and girls ages 5-13, focuses on education, health and bullying prevention, providing a holistic approach to community sports.

Nevada Humane Society, Carson City branch's Pet of the Week is Valkerye, a one-year-old shepherd mix who still has a big puppy heart. She enjoys playing with children as she is used to living with them.

The Misfits Theater Group presents its 2024 Spring Production: Gold Casino or Bar Be Tender on the weekends of May 18-19 and May 24, 25 and 26, 2024.
Click on flyer for details.