Updated April 1, 2024
Formerly known as Truckee Dirt Fondo, Truckee Tahoe Gravel, produced by premier event operator Bike Monkey, is a wild mixed-terrain adventure ride into the gravel and dirt roads of the majestic Tahoe National Forest. Picked as one of our best gravel cycling events in California, there are two competitive options and a third shorter route designed for beginners or those looking for a lighter challenge. There is a great lineup of activities throughout the weekend, making it a well-rounded experience for all participants. The original 2023 event date was June 10th; however, it had to be pushed back to July 1st due to a stubborn snowpack.
The long route has been extended this year to include more miles and elevation gain, in total it is 76 miles and 6,800 feet of climbing. The medium route spans 55 miles with 4,200 feet of elevation gain. The shortest route is a non-timed course of 19 miles and 1,200 elevation feet. Truckee Tahoe Gravel is one of Bike Monkey’s more traditional gravel races with a slight twist. The official race commences promptly at 8:00 am on race day. Still, a remote finish line is nestled deep within the serene boundaries of Tahoe National Forest, near the sparkling waters of Boca Reservoir. Participants on the long route reach this shared finish line at mile 67, while those on the medium route get there at mile 46, granting them an earlier arrival. Once you’ve crossed that finish line and recorded your finish time, there’s a leisurely 8-mile journey back to the festival grounds where you initially started. Consider it a race with a built-in cool-down. The event will recognize the top three men and women for each age group. There are six age groups for the long and medium courses: U20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+.
The race options are fully supported with up to three well-stocked aid stations for hydration and food. There are on-bike marshals, SAG, and moto support along the routes. The shortest ride is free and recommended for beginner riders with a mix of dirt and pavement who want to experience light climbing. It is open to children, but parents must supervise them. Registrants can order Biemme Kit men’s and women’s jerseys and bike accessories through the Bike Monkey store. Bikes best suited for the three routes are mixed-terrain gravel bikes with Panaracer Gravel King Tubeless tires that are 38c or bigger. People also ride hardtail mountain bikes.
Truckee, CA, is a great place to visit for cyclists and those supporting the riders. It is situated in the picturesque heart of California’s northern Sierra Nevada. Truckee is a genuine mountain town. Whether you’re a gravel grinder, a mountain biker, a dedicated road rider, or a family-friendly cruiser, there’s terrain to suit every type of rider in Truckee. Additionally, visitors will relish the town’s convenient proximity to Lake Tahoe, a mere 15-minute drive from its northern shores. Truckee’s Historic Downtown adds to its charm, boasting a delightful assortment of shops, restaurants, breweries, and bars like Trokay, Old Town Tap, and The Hoppy Duck. These dining options are close to hotels like Cedar House or a short driving distance to Lake Tahoe’s Ritz-Carlton. Not all campgrounds are open yet, but a few are in Truckee Ranger District; Granite Flat, Lakeside, and Boca Campground. Some of the area’s favorite natural areas are Tahoe National Forest, or Donner Memorial State Park.
Bike Monkey, a premier road and gravel cycling event producer in Northern California, produces the event. Sister events include Fish Rock, Heart of Gold, Wente, Truckee Dirt Fondo, Hammer Road Rally, Stetina’s Pay Dirt, and Rebecca’s Private Idaho. Bike Monkey events are supported with SAG vehicles, well-stocked feed stations, and a post-ride festival.
