Route Slips For The Reno/Tahoe Area

Here are some of our favorite bike rides in the Reno/Tahoe area.  You will find a short description of each ride followed by a link to the printable route sheet.  (Disclaimer Following)...The Procrastinating Pedalers do not guarantee the conditions of each route and the rider who uses one of these route sheets is informed that they are riding on public roads with the inherent dangers of such activity and it is their responsibility to obey all traffic laws, observe obstacles and hazards and ride in a safe manner.  The Procrastinating Pedalers have done their best to determine the accuracy of each route sheet but roads can be closed due to construction, detours, etc... 

Climbing Elevations

How much climbing is there really?

This table lists many of the common climbs in the Reno area and lets you know how many feet of elevation is in the climb you're contemplating (or did).

Diamonds Are A Riders Best Friend

Flat, Double Diamond Loop

7 miles
Max Grade:  1% 

Ideal for beginning riders, or add this ride onto the Galena loop ride for additional mileage.  This ride starts at the Starbuck’s on Damonte Ranch Pkwy & Old Virginia.  

 Tues/Thurs Route #1

    Tuesday/Thursday Ride  Route #1

    16 miles

    Flat/Rolly terrain

    Max Grade:   6%  

Loop route through Southwest Reno.  A sampling of streets taken on this route include: Thomas Creek, Foothill, Broili, Zolezzi, Double R and Double Diamond Parkway, Wilber May, Technology Way, Amston, Celeste, Longley/Huffaker, Viewcrest.

Verdi Loop

Verdi Route
20 miles
Flat/rolly w/a few shallow climbs
Max grade 6% (very short)

A venerable classic in Reno that goes West to Verdi and back from Reno with no traffic lights.  A great ride for all levels of cyclists.  Climbs are easy with the exception of two short, steep sections (unless you choose the optional steep hill climb route, then you get more steep climbs).  Starts and finishes from Roy Gomm School (Map)

Southwest Reno Wedgie

Southwest Reno Route
29 miles
Flat/rolly w/a few short climbs
Max grade 6%

Hopefully the only wedgie achieved on this ride is when you turn onto Wedge Street!  This is another version of a Southwest Reno Ride and is suitable for all levels of riders.  Starts and finishes from Roy Gomm School (Map)

Galena Loop

Southwest Reno Residential 

31 miles
Flat/rolly w/a few short climbs
Max grade 6%

This Ride Starts at the Roy Gomm Elementary School (Map) in West Reno and meanders through the residential southwest of Reno almost to the Galena High School.  Good ride for strong beginners and above.

Geiger Gagger Loop

Virginia City Route (Long hill climb)

36 miles
Elevation Gain: 3000 ft. +
Max grade: 7%

Ride up, up, up Geiger grade to Virginia City for another one of our classic rides.  Best when it's not too hot or when there aren't a lot of tourist going to see historic Virginia City during the summer.  Go early in the A.M. in summer months.  Ride starts at Starbuck's in Galena and is suitable for intermediates and above.

Tahoe - Donner Climb

Tahoe-Donner Route
36 miles + 2050 ft elevation gain
Flat with/very steep hills
Max Grade: 16 %

This ride starts mellow enough from the Squaw Valley Lodge parking lot but before it is done you may be wishing for a chair lift as you climb up to the Tahoe - Donner Ski area.

 North Valleys Loop

 North Valleys Loop
38 miles
Flat/Rolly w/some moderate hills
Max Grade: 6 %

Roll up, down, and around the North Valleys of Golden Valley, Sun Valley, and Spanish Springs. Starts and finishes from Roy Gomm School (Map)

   Portola - Calpine Loop

  Portola - Calpine Loop

  39 miles
Flat/Rolly w/1 moderate climb
             Max Grade: 7% 
 

Portola is the start and finish of this moderate ride in the Sierra mountains.  Afterwards, consider visiting the train museum in Portola.             
 

Woodford's Loops

 Woodford’s & Markleeville
43 miles + 54 mile option
Flat/Rolly + 1 long (shallow) climb
Max grade 4% - option 7%

One of the prettiest and nicest rides in the area, it is always a popular ride with our club.  Starts and finishes in the town of Genoa.  Suitable for Intermediates and above.  Starts in the town of Genoa with a choice of 43 or the optional 54 mile route.

Antelope & Red Rock Valleys

 Red Rock & Antelope Valley
41 miles
Max Grade: 9 %

Start and finish in Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno and skirt a couple of our high desert lakes along the way.  This ride is a loop with an out and back section to the end of Antelope Valley Roads pavement thrown in for good measure.  You can also combine this route with part of the North Valleys Loop ride and get an even longer ride out of it.

Red Rock

 Red Rock Route
50 miles- out & back
Flat/rolly w/a few moderate climbs
Max grade 7%

Simple out and back ride normally features very little traffic (especially mid-week) so although there isn't a shoulder on this road it is a favorite with local riders.  Ideal for all levels of riders since beginners can just turn around at any time to reduce the mileage to their abilities.

Gold Lake Loop I

Gold Lake Loop
53 miles
Flat/Rolly + 3 long climbs
Max grade 7%

Beautiful ride up and down Sierra mountains is recommended for strong riders that like to climb.  Ride starts and finishes in Sierraville.

Gold Lake Loop II

 Gold Lake Loop (Version II)
45 miles w/61 mile option
Flat/Rolly + 3 long climbs
Max grade 7%

Similar to the Gold Lake Loop I but with an option to make it longer by going to Portola.  Starts and finishes at the junction of Highways 89, 49 and A23.

New Route!

Reno Perimeter

Reno Perimeter
58 miles
Flat/rolly/hilly
Max grade 10%
Great ride for when you're feeling loopy!   Starts at Roy Gomm School in the western part of the basin and then proceeds to take you up, down and all around the edge of the entire Truckee Meadows

Beckwourth-Sierra Valley Loop

 Beckwourth - Sierra Valley Loop
44 miles/ 52 mile option
Flat with a very short climb
Max grade 4%

Incredibly scenic valley in the Sierra mountains is ideal for really nice summer treat with practically no hills.  This version of a Sierra Valley loop starts and finishes in Beckwourth.

Sierra Valley Loop

 Sierra Valley Loop
53 miles/ 70 mile option
Flat (option has moderate climb)
Max grade 6%

A summertime favorite!  Flat option is about as flat as we can get around here and the scenery of surrounding mountains and ranches is great.  Frenchman Lake option has some climbing up to the lake with a fun twisty, turning descent back.  Suitable for intermediates and above or very fit beginning cyclists. Starts/Finishes in Sierraville.

 Truckee Meadows Metric

 Truckee Meadows Metric Century

63 miles – Elev Gain 2000 ft
Max Grade:  9% (short)

This metric century route includes Golden Valley , Sun Valley, Los Altos Pkwy, Hidden Valley, Double Diamond, Holcomb, Thomas Creek, Windy Hill, Manzanita and Verdi.  This is a challenging, hilly course suitable for advanced and strong intermediate riders on road bikes. This ride and the longer Truckee Meadows Century started life as "The 7/11 Century" and the "Tour de Mini Mart" because they are completely supported by convenience stores along the route.

6 Mile Canyon Tour

 6 Mile Canyon Tour

57 miles

2 major climbs + 1 mod. climb

Elevation gain – 4800 ft+

Max Grade:  15%

Serious mountain goat ride for very fit intermediates or advanced riders.  Expect not only to have a great climb up Geiger grade to Virginia City but to experience the cycling torture fest of Six Mile Canyon on your way back.  Good handling skills are needed on the twisty downhill descents.  As far as traffic goes, see Geiger Gagger ride above for advice on traffic.

New in Oct!

Truckee Meadows Century

Truckee Meadows Century
100 miles – Elev Gain 3200 ft
Max Grade:  9 %

This 100 miler goes everywhere the above Truckee Meadows Metric goes plus it adds on adds Red Rock, Stead and Hungry Valley. This is a  challenging, hilly course suitable for advanced and strong intermediate riders on road bikes. This ride started life as "The 7/11 Century" and the "Tour de Mini Mart" because it is completely supported by convenience stores along the route.