Anyone ridden to Tahoe before?

[Desmostro]

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?

[duckwrench13]

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.

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

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

[Meltz]

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.

+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.

[duckwrench13]

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! 

[enzo]

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

[duckwrench13]

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]

[Desmostro]

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! 

 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.

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

 

[Desmostro]

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

[Reddymon]

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. 

[enzo]

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.

[duckwrench13]

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.

[smducman]

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

[DarkDucati]

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. 

[Kaveh]

I've done this route a few times, It's pretty good   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.

[DarkDucati]

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...