Day 4: Auburn to Truckee

Today's ride was incredible. 72 miles and over 8000 feet of climbing. It was 55 miles up hill. That's a lot. But it went great. Beautiful day. Gorgeous country side.

We started out at 5:15 AM loading luggage and then off to Dennys for the Grand Slam ... Great pre-ride food. I'm becoming partial to eggs and pancakes - stay away from the pig. Then road out and started climbing within 5 miles. We were in rolling hills through woodland - parts were pretty steep 10+% grade but most were gradual climbs of around 6% grades. Tree lined roads reminded me of some of Washingtons big trees, huge ferns and wildflowers.

We wound through woods for the first 30 miles and then got on Interstate 80 East. Now riding your bike on the interstate is clearly not ideal. But it was the only route. We were on it for around 18 miles. You don't realize how loud cars and trucks are till they are whizzing by you at 80mph. Feel pretty vulnerable out there. Lots of incentive to climb (cause it was all uphill) as fast as possible.

We had a little excitement, and had to get off the highway and re-group due to construction. The Forman walked us through the site, but it took almost an hour to get enough riders collected there to be sent through. Then more interstate. I amused myself by making a movie which I'll attempt to post on what it's like to be an idiot and ride your bike on the interstate.

Now there is not much to look at on the interstate other than glimpses of whatever views are peeking through and observe the garbage and debris. What I want to know is what's up with all the plastic bottle full of pee by the side of the road. WHO DOES THAT?! Nasty. If you do it - quit!

So we survived teh interstate and headed up for the best part of the day. The last climb was up Donner Pass Road, and it wound through beautiful woods and lakes and near sub alpine forests and wildflowers all the way to the top of the pass 7200 feet. Gorgeous. Heaven. Worth the climbing. Spectacular views, and just a great feeling to have accomplished that climb and be rewarded with that beauty.

Then the Decent. Even better views of Donner Lake, the valley and the snowcapped mountains. And going down is fun. Especially going down steep curvy mountain passes (in a safe and controlled manner of course).

A long 12 miles to the hotel by the lake and through old town Truckee. One thing is with the riding you are tired and may or may not have energy to be a tourist ... cest la vie.

Tomorrow we go around the top end of Lake Tahoe - familiar territory - and over Rose Pass (not Spooner) to Sparks Nevada.