Frequently Asked Questions
When does registration open? Registration for members opens on 7/29 at 10:00 a.m. for TAMBA members and on 8/4 for non-members. This year we have less shuttle spots, so please do not delay in getting registered.
What kind of weather should I expect? Riding in Tahoe in September has always been a mixed bag. We have had years with perfect weather. We have also had heavy smoke and even snow. Be prepared.
What bike should I ride? The ideal bike has gears, weighs around 30 lbs. or less, and has between 4” to 6” of suspension front and rear.
How long does it take to ride from Mount Rose to Mr. Toads? Fast times are about 8-9 hours, average times are around 10-11 hours, and some people finish in the dark.
Do we ride together as a group the entire time? No, the ride gets spread out pretty fast and not everyone starts at the same time either. You’ll probably leap frog with people and find a comfortable pace with a few other riders who want to be social.
Do I have to ride all the way to Toads? Of course not, this is a fun ride and there are many options to ride back down to lake level sooner than Toads. Some favorite alternatives are Rose to Van Sickle, Star, and Armstrong. Even if you don’t finish on Toad’s, please join us after your ride at the Toad’s parking lot for an end-of-the-day party starting at 3:30 p.m. courtesy of OutdoorGearLab.
What do you mean by a self-supported ride? There is no one out there that will save you if your bike explodes or you get hurt, there is no sweep or sag to pick you up. Please carry everything you need to fix mechanicals, extra food and water.
I heard there are rest stops, where are they and what’s at them? We have two rest stops along the first half of the ride, the first will be at Spooner Summit on the west side of Highway 50 in the Rim Trail parking lot, the other will be just past Kingsbury Grade in the parking lot of Heavenly’s Boulder Lodge. We’ll have a variety of sweet and salty snacks along with drinks. There will not be any more rest stops and only limited access to mountain water (a lake and a few streams) after you get back on the Rim Trail at the Heavenly Stagecoach Lodge. Thank you to the Tahoe Rim Trail, Barton Health, and Over the Edge for making these rest stops happen!
What should I pack? Here’s a link to photos of a few pack contents from past years. Be prepared! Also, there is very limited phone service along the route. Bring a print map if you don’t know the route and ride along with others.
Do you have a map of the ride and gps track? Yes click here to download a pdf map, click here for a gps track.
Where do I catch the shuttle in the morning? Shuttles leave promptly at 6:00 a.m. at the bottom of Toad’s HERE.
How well marked is the route? There is standard trail signage and a few temporary signs specific to this ride at key intersections. That said there are a few variations on the ride, so know where you’re going. Ultimately if you stay on the Tahoe Rim Trail heading south you will get to Toads… eventually!
Why does TAMBA put on this ride? Wouldn’t this be the most awesome Enduro race ever? We put this ride on every year to showcase the amazing riding in Tahoe. Please be courteous to all other trail users, this is not a race! Tell them what you are doing and how badass it is. Have fun, we want to create lasting experiences. Starting in 2015 we have a USFS permit for this event, so we now use this event as a fundraiser to raise money to go directly back into Tahoe’s single-track.
Where to Stay Hotels/Motels :
The following South Lake Tahoe hotels are supporters of TAMBA
Inn By the Lake
Cedar Pines Resort
Motel 6 (dog friendly)
Tahoe Seasons Resort
Tahoe Beach Retreat
Camping: There are many campgrounds in the area; however camping is very popular in the summer months, so make sure to reserve your spot well ahead of time. Check out the Forest Service’s list of campgrounds in Tahoe KOA Luther Pass Overflow Camping (Free!!) City of South Lake Tahoe Campground Fallen Leaf Lake Campground Camp Richardson Campground
I’m nervous! What should I expect?
Read our recaps.
2011 (the inaugural ride) by Ben Fish, includes gps route for download.
2012 ride report by Amy Fish
2013 (year of fire and snow) ride report by Jeff Glass
2014 Ride report
2015 Ride Report by Tim Peare