Monday, April 30, 2007

Ride Up To Lake Tahoe - The Kingsbury Grade

Google Earth view of my ride up the Kingsbury Grade from Carson Valley to Lake Tahoe.
2600 feet climb was difficult to do at an elevation I'm not used to riding. My heart rate was in the 85-95% of max range.
Began my ride at the start of Jack's Valley road and Highway 395 in the Carson Valley, about 30 miles south of Reno. The mountains in the background are the ones I need to climb to get to Lake Tahoe.
The original pass (Daggett Pass) over the Sierra Range was built in the 1860's. The toll for a wagon and four horses was $17.50. That's $409.30 toll fee in today's dollar. Of course now we only have an SUV, no horses. The current Kingsbury Grade takes a different route.

The beginning of the climb up to Tahoe. Only 11 miles, but 2600 vertical feet.
Stopped to catch my breath, and view my progress. Only 1500 more vertical feet to climb. The road is at a continuous 7% grade, no flat sections to rest.
Finally, after 1 hour 30 minutes of continuous climbing, I reached the Daggett Summit.
First view of Lake Tahoe and reward of a nice downhill to the Stateline casinos.