Our region is celebrating National Bike Month in May in style

May is National Bike Month. Started in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling, and our region is celebrating in style—from Lake Tahoe, to Nevada City and Grass Valley, to Lincoln. Examples include:

MAY 8-9 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA IN LAKE TAHOE
The first ever Amgen Tour of California women’s Union Cycliste International stage race will kick off in spectacular fash- ion on May 8. The 74-mile stage starts and ends at the Heavenly Mountain Resort high above South Lake Tahoe.

The counter-clockwise loop around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe provides twisting descents, fast straights and stunning views. On May 9, the women will head into the tall trees of the Tahoe forests for a 25-mile circuit.

MAY 11 AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA NEVADA CITY, GRASS VALLEY, FORESTHILL BRIDGE
With just one climb and elevations of 2,500 feet in Nevada City, which is hosting its third race start, and a more gentle climb of 55 feet in Lodi, this will likely be another sprinter-friendly stage. After a short circuit on the historic Nevada City Bicycle Classic course, the riders head into Grass Valley. From Grass Valley, the peloton will head south on two race favorites: Rattlesnake Road and Dog Bar Road, passing Smith Vineyard & Winery.

The route passes just east of Auburn this year over the Foresthill Bridge, the tallest bridge in California. It is a fast downhill route into Lodi, passing several vineyards that have established it as the “Zinfandel Capital of the World.”

In addition, Nevada City will celebrate Bike Month in May. The town’s popular First Friday Art Walk on May 1 will celebrate bicycling, and merchants will create bicycle-themed window displays. Following the Amgen Tour of California, Nevada City hosts the 55th Annual Nevada City Bicycle Classic on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21.

MAY 16 TOUR DE LINCOLN, LINCOLN
The Tour de Lincoln offers a wonderful spring day of riding the scenic back roads of Lincoln and South Placer County. At the 14th annual event on Saturday, May 16, the Tour offers four courses: The Pleasure Cruise (10 miles), The Rolling Hills (20 miles), The Country Climb (40 miles) and the Metric Century (63 miles). Non-rider activities include McBean Skate Park, McBean Park playground and public golf courses within two miles. For more information, visit TourdeLincoln.org.

(Photo: Barry Walton)