06.09 - climbing to tahoe

we left lake topaz by 8:00 focused on its being maurice's last day, culminating with the 2,300 foot climb to lake tahoe.  it caught us a little by surptise that we had a long climb out of the basin.  one more mountain pass, but more like big hills. in the distance the the sierra.

maurice had recovered really well by now.  we were both a little sore from the climbing the last few days, but had faith that would work itself out as we rode.

we rode 15 miles through nevada countryside.  more sage.  i've seen an awful lot of sage brush these last three weeks, varying density and size as the only change, but now there were mixes of junipers and small (pinyon?) pines.  obviously there was water in this area.  we passed a sign indicating we were entering the carson river watershed.  small farms started appearing scattered in the valley.  

there were small sections hinting at the fires that have plagued the west.

then we reached walmart.  and some serious trappings of civilization as we came into gardnerville and minden.

and the requisite stop at a coffee shop, where the chai looked pretty, but was dissapointing.

and then it was all about the climb 2,300 feet in 8 or so miles. which would not have been too bad, but the wind changed direction and so did we.  and we met head on.  so we put our heads down and pedaled up u.s. 50.  there were moments when we came close to a complete standstll, and then around the 7,000 foot mark, we turned a corner, got a little tail wind and made the final push.  elation at the top.

there's not much to see at the summit, a lot of tall pines.  but then one drops down, turns parallel to the lake, and the first glimpses of lake tahoe appear.  and the blue awes you, and the size is immense.  mr. campbell, i remember you telling me it was the most beautiful place you'd ever seen, and it's certainly right up there on the list.

eventially, slowly while taking in the spectacle, we made it into incline village, head straight to the previously scoped out brewery for a reward and celebration at alibi ale works barrel house.

then on to the condo to meet up with our good friends, the welshes.  not a bad choice, our rest for the next two nights before maurice heads home and i head to the giants.