LAKE TAHOE AREA

Lake Tahoe is home to perhaps one of the most photogenic trails in the world. If you have flipped through mountain bike magazines most likely you have already seen the incredible Flume Trail pictures.

When looking at the incredible views the Flume Trail has to offer, you may wonder if the ride could possibly be as good as it looks. Not only is this a great ride, but after you finish it you have plenty more to choose from.

Lake Tahoe acts like a hub to a network of trails that surround it. Most of the trails can start and end right from the shoreline, convenient for cooling off after a hard ride.

Or you can just get on or off of the lakeside bike path just about anywhere you choose. With many miles of bike path already completed, the plan is to eventually comepletely circle the lake.

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN

Mammoth Mountain is one of the many ski resorts these days that attempts to cater to mountain bikers during the summer months. While most ski mountains seem to think that simply opening a chairlift to mountain bikers and giving them access to service roads is what people want, Mammoth Mountain seems to have figured out what true mountain bikers really want.

Mammoth Mountain has built a fairly extensive trail network that branches off in all directions from the 11,053' peak. The trails are all well maintained and there are even water coolers, restrooms & phones located strategically around the mountain.

The one thing that the trails on this mountain lack are true technical sections. While the trail map shows all levels of difficulty, this is primarily based on how steep the terrain is for a given section. So, if you're a fairly skilled rider, you may soon become bored with the smooth, sandy trail conditions. Don't let this stop you from coming here though, as there are other places to ride, FOR FREE. One of the local favorites is the Lower Rock Creek Trail.

Because of the investment Mammoth has made, don't expect the prices to be cheap. Even though you only get use of the Gondola, you still have to pay near winter ski rates. One Day Park Passes are $23 for adults and $12 for children 12 and under. Two Day Park Passes are $40 for adults and $20 for children. Trail Access Passes include unlimited trail use and one ride on either the Gondola or bike shuttle and are $12 for adults and $6 for children.