Every month, we’ll be highlighting a TAMBA Trail Legend – a volunteer, donor, or community partner who’s gone above and beyond to support TAMBA’s work. None of the awesome things we achieve would be possible without the Trail Legends who work with us.
This month, we’re celebrating local business owner and champion for women’s mountain biking in Tahoe, Lani Raspen.
Lani’s contributions to the biking community in Tahoe are well known to many. After working at Shoreline of Tahoe in Stateline for 17 years, she and her husband Ken became co-owners in 2018. Since then, their support for TAMBA and the Tahoe biking scene has been unwavering. Anyone who’s attended a TAMBA event in recent years will have seen the Shoreline tent and an army of volunteers hard at work. Whether it’s staffing the now-legendary Kingsbury rest stop during the Rose to Toads ride (homemade perogies, anyone?) or stoking the party vibes at Corral Night Ride, Lani and her Shoreline team continue to go the extra mile. A keen road biker, Lani also leads rest stop support at all Bike the West road rides, as well as the infamous Death Ride.
As a long-standing TAMBA Trail Crew leader, Lani has played an integral role in the construction of some of the South Shore’s most beloved trails, including Corral, Angora Ridge, and Lily Lake Trail. She leads and participates in numerous trail work days throughout the season, usually with her 2 year-old son Franklin in tow. This year, alongside the TAMBA Pro Crew and other volunteers, she dedicated numerous hours to working on the new Lower Stinger Reroute, which led to its successful completion in September 2023.
Alongside supporting biking events and trail building, Lani continues to be a staunch advocate for women’s mountain biking in Tahoe. She organizes and leads regular women’s trail building, group ride, and skills clinic events, all of which are free to attend. It’s no surprise that these popular events draw participants from as far as Reno, Truckee, and Ely, NV. Lani’s contagious enthusiasm creates a supportive and fun environment for female riders to meet one another, develop their skill sets, and celebrate Tahoe’s fantastic trail network.
Board Member Jenna Langer was introduced to Lake Tahoe’s mountain bike community through Lani’s women’s rides. “Lani’s commitment to TAMBA and inclusivity on our trails has made a positive impact on hundreds of women throughout our region. Her welcoming rides and trail work days cater to people of all levels, providing a supportive environment for women to grow as riders and trail advocates. She inspires confidence and purpose as she spreads the stoke of mountain biking while removing barriers. We are lucky to have her as a leader in our community.”
Thanks to her numerous contributions to trail building, stewardship, and inclusivity, Lani has already had a profound impact on Tahoe’s trails and the mountain biking community. TAMBA is incredibly grateful for her continued support. Thank you, Lani!
