Miles of paved bicycle paths surround the lake. Incline Village has a scenic, easy, 2 1/2-mile path along Lakeshore Boulevard (a safe choice for younger children). In Tahoe City you can follow the path in three directions. The one that follows Truckee River is a relaxing, beautiful ride. On the South Shore, the Pope-Baldwin bike path runs parallel to Highway 89 through Camp Richardson and the Tallac Historic Site. Nearby, in South Lake Tahoe, a paved pathway runs from El Dorado Beach along the lake, paralleling U.S. 50. The Tahoe City trails are my favorites, especially the Truckee River section. You can rent a bicycle from any of the shops listed below.
A dizzying choice of mountain biking trails awaits mountain bikers in Lake Tahoe. For maps and information, check with one of the bicycle-rental shops. In North Lake Tahoe, try The Back Country, 690 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City (tel. 888/625-8444 or 530/581-5861; www.thebackcountry.net); Olympic Bike Shop, 620 N. Lake Blvd., Tahoe City (tel. 530/581-2500; www.olympicbikeshop.com); Tahoe Bike & Ski, 8499 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach (tel. 530/546-7437; www.tahoebikeski.com); or Porter's Sports Shop, 885 Tahoe Blvd., Incline Village (tel. 866/YO-PORTERS or 775/831-3500; www.porterstahoe.com). In South Tahoe, try Anderson's Bike Rental, 645 Emerald Bay Rd. (tel. 530/541-0500), or Lakeview Sports, 3131 Hwy. 50 at El Dorado Beach (tel. 530/544-0183).
Another great choice is Cyclepaths Mountain Bike Adventures, 1785 W. Lake Blvd. in Tahoe Park, a few miles south of Tahoe City (tel. 800/780-BIKE or 530/581-1171; www.cyclepaths.com), where you can arrange a guided off-road tour. Whether you're into hard-core downhill single track or easy-going scenic outings, the expert guides will provide you with the necessary gear, food, and transportation.
