Ducati Monster Forum

Planning a little trek up to Tahoe from SF this weekend for a Bachelor party.  [moto]

Going Sat at the crack O'clock AM. 
Anyone have any experience/ advice for this trip?

I've ridden to Reno before. As long as the weather is good, you should have smooth sailing.

One crucial thing to remember is the change in altitude. Make sure you have an extra layer, either windbreaker or under layer. It will be significantly cooler going through the mountains. I forgot about this, and wound up going through the pass around 11pm, with 45 degree ambient air temps. Add in wind chill from highway speeds, and it was downright unpleasant, bordering on a stupid risk to my health. [bang]

But like the wise man once said, "Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment."  ;D

When I find my route book, I can give you some really nice alternate roads. [thumbsup]

+1  [moto]
Went through Tahoe on the way to and from WSBK in Utah this past weekend.  Even at 10:30 a.m., it was still very cold.

Ok, found my list of trips...

Here's a basic overlay:

From East Bay,

580 E to 205 E
205 E to 120 E
120 E to 99 N
99 N to 88 E
88 E to 89 N
89 N to 50 N
50 N into S. Lake Tahoe

I'm listing the roads with cardinal directions (I've always been a 'I need to go that direction' kinda guy).

If you have a MapQuest set up, or just go to Google Maps, you can see the basic route.

Be aware, that some of the local gas pumps (see also: mom 'n pop general stores) have limited hours. Keep an eye on your gas gauge!  [thumbsup]

I was about to post the same route, but starting through the delta.  Plan for lunch in Jackson.

I was going to post the delta route, but figured takin' the slab would get ya out of town sooner, and on to the good stuff before the tourists. [moto]

 How are the roads etc? Any craziness finding gas etc? What's the time estimate this way? I've only gone by 80 in cage.


 [laugh]

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/2552186798_8163566fe8_o.png)

Be still my beating heart. That looks like fun.  [thumbsup] [moto]

Going 88 is the best (best = fun) route with the least traffic.  It will take at least an extra hour plus compared to just going Highway 80.  I would guess over six hours of riding time.  Gas up in Jackson as stations on 88 are sparse. 

Yep, get gas in Jackson.  I think there are one or two stations on 88 but you'll be too busy grinnin' to want to stop.

Oh, FYI, Pashnit Tim has a place off of 88... I think it's around Pioneer, CA. Might be worth dropping him a line before setting out, just in case. [thumbsup]

Start from Delta sound fun as enzo mentioned , I believe it 's 160 hwy .

My family has a place on Donner Lake and one of my favorite weekend trips is to do the ride from East Bay (Concord), along the Delta (160) to Sacramento, then 80 East to near Kingvale or sometimes backroads from around Folsom to bypass more of 80, but eventually coming down into Donner Lake on Donner Pass Rd to the West end, then take 89 to Lake Tahoe and ride the entire loop around the lake.  Beautiful!

There's some nice twisty bits coming down into Donner lake and with a great view.

I'm heading that way Father's day weekend. Great ride. 

I've done this route a few times, It's pretty good [thumbsup]  http://tinyurl.com/3neup5

This is prime season for road work up in Tahoe, I'd check to make sure there isn't any major work being done on your rout before you take off.

Hmm, that looks like a nice route.  I may have to alter my plans.  Good point about the road work though, they definitely get all the road work done they can squeeze into the summer months.  It seems like the past two summers they've gone at it like crazy though, so I'd be surprised if there was much work this year, but who knows, they may have to spend that budget even if there's no work needed...

yikes. Good things to think about. Thanks guys!  [thumbsup]


EDIT:
Looks like they do work mostly during the week. 

I'd stick to the route you mapped already. The roads are in good shape 90% of the time, since 88 is the main feeder out to the Kirkwood ski resort.

Just keep an eye out for critters...especially in the evening. It is that time of year.

Ya I think I'll do that. Conditions reports coming in good.  Those other rides look awesome but, I want to get there in one day.
I'm out of here. I'll post reports.

Thanks all!  [thumbsup] [moto]  [drink]

ok ! that was fun, for anyone who cares. Here's my story for the route below to Tahoe from SF and back:
Time: 5.5iding. + stops = 6 hours.

580 is a 6 lane goat trail - but you all knew that. bumpity bumpity over concrete slabs and pot holes that make your head bobble.
99 starts to get into farm country which is pretty nice but still truck land.
88 & 89 is glorious.  [thumbsup] Made for driving in the snow, so no big surprises, technical hairpins or sharp altitude changes. Pretty much big smooth sweeping curves. Good condition road. Gorgeous views. Only on baby deer I scared away with my horn.
Also, ... It was nearly empty! (Saturday AM) Not a car in my direction for miles! Lots of little towns with 35MPH posting that you want to actually go 35MPH in because of tractors and trucks congregating. Otherwise very smooth.  [moto]
I stopped in Jackson for food and a stretch. As predicted, it got cold! Still snow on the ground up there!

One the way back I took 50 to 80 all the way. 70 degrees vs 55F on the other side on 88.
4 hours riding time. I only stopped once for gas down hill with tail wind most of the way.

50 was a blast. More big sweeping turns, plenty of passing lanes. Good road conditions, but very heavy traffic. Sunday Morning was a bumper to bumper parade from just after the lake to the bay with some open traffic after Sacramento.
It was 95F from Sac to the bay. Makes you want to go really fast.
80 is a slab, no need to tell you more. Sucky, endless traffic riddled slab where you can play, “dodge SUV.”

Thanks everyone for the advice!

Wrote a little writeup last year about my trip thru Tahoe and over to Nevada in the MOB on the old site. Coming from S.F though your route would be a little different. Sounds like you have good advice already.