Updated April 1, 2024
The Tahoe Trail is a premier endurance mountain bike race in the scenic and high-altitude Sierra Nevada mountains. This is a Leadville Race Series event and qualifier for the famed Leadville Trail 100 MTB. Straddling the borders of Nevada and California, the Sierra Nevada is a mountain biker’s dream. The Tahoe Trail 100 offers athletes a 2-loop, 50-kilometer course filled with beautiful views of Lake Tahoe. Rocky summits and breathtaking pine forests are found in every direction from the host location of Northstar California Resort. It’s no surprise that we consider this to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Northwest / Southwest.
Riders can either go solo and complete the 50k loop or go bigger and do a solo two-lap, 100k mountain bike ride. The other option is to do a relay and partner up with someone to do a 50k lap each. One lap of the course is 31.2 miles and gains a sizable 4,491 feet in elevation. Lap two has a 500’ less gain as you do not have to return to the start gate. Something important to keep in mind is that this course is at altitude! The lowest point is over 6,100 feet, so it is important to be prepared for the lack of oxygen if you are training at sea level. Arriving a few days before to increase some red blood cell numbers is a big Strambecco recommendation! The official 2023 Athlete Guide provides all of the event details you might need.
Northstar, the host venue, offers a unique blend of laid-back vibes and luxurious accommodations. From an array of shopping options and golfing opportunities to exciting star tours and family-friendly activities, Northstar ensures a delightful and leisurely experience for everyone. Notably, it proudly houses the largest lift-served bike park on the West Coast, catering to biking enthusiasts of all skill levels, so be sure to bring the whole family.
As mentioned, the Tahoe Trail is a Leadville Qualifier!! For those who are unaware of the Leadville Trail 100 MTB, it is one of the most famous and grueling mountain bike races in the world. To race in Leadville, you need to qualify, and the Tahoe Trail is one of those qualifiers. To get a spot and a right-to-race Leadville, riders must finish two laps of the course in less than 8 hours and 15 minutes. If you have no interest in Leadville, that is not a problem, as the Tahoe Trail is a completely independent race, and you can have a fun time racing without any intention of wanting to race in Leadville.
The Tahoe Trail is produced by the excellent event organizer Life Time Events. They are one of the big players in the mountain bike/gravel/ cycling space and run some of the top events in the country, such as Unbound Gravel, Sea Otter Classic, Wilmington Whiteface, and more. In addition, the Tahoe Trail is part of the Leadville Race Series. These races are all long-length endurance mountain bike events, which are each amazing in their own right and are Leadville qualifiers – events include:
- Wilmington Whiteface
- Lutsen 99er
- Silver Rush 50 MTB
- Leadville Stage Race
- Barn Burner
- Austin Rattler
- Leadville 100
The Tahoe Trail is an excellent endurance mountain bike race on some premiere trails in Northstar, California. By all means a top event in the country and highly recommended by the Strambecco editors. Happy pedaling!
