Best spots in North Lake Tahoe/Truckee/Nor Cal!

[Kind Herb]

Aloha Silverfish,

Just found this site and thought I would contribute some of my favorite longboard spots.

First up is Alpine Meadows in Lake Tahoe. This is my home turf, where I first learned to carve and slide. Both on my snowboard and longboard. One of the best runs you will find anywhere! It is a closed neighborhood, meaning no through traffic, top to bottom runs 3-3.5 miles depending on the route you take, and best part about it is that we have trained the residents and locals well as you can easily catch multiple rides to the top by hitchhiking.

The main road was repaved a couple of years ago and is still in good shape despite the best efforts of the snow plows to ruin it. Don't be surprised to see people skating this road anytime during the summer.

Specs:
length:3-3.5 miles
vert: 800-900'
difficulty: Double blue square. There are speed checks and drive way runouts, but at the same time it's all pavement with some cars, dogs, and the occasional bear. I kid you not!

Next is Silverleaf street on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. It is a street in the Talmont neighborhood for which my longboard (Talmont 52") is named. Super smooth and mellow run with great views of Lake Tahoe. Shorter run, great for beginners and learning.

Specs:
length:1-1.5 miles
vert: 200-300'
difficulty: Green circle/blue square.

Last but not least is Old Highway 40 in Truckee!

This road represents the epitome of longboarding! Mountain canyon/valley with some of the best views you will see anywhere! Donner lake and the Sierras! This road is also the most sketchiest roads I have ever skated. Steep sections, combined with cars, and cliff walls that drop down hundreds of feet. This run is not for the feint at heart nor the novice. A tralier car is required, as traffic can get hairball at times. If you are a competent skater, you will not have a problem on this run, granted you avoid the cars and cliffs.

Specs:
length:4-5 miles
vert: 1000+'
difficulty: Double Black diamond

Not close to Tahoe, but one of the best roads to skate anywhere, is Mt. Shasta road. This road runs 10+ miles on the main section 13+ if you skate it all the way into town. Vert is 3000'+. Make sure you have some great shoes! You can bomb it or carve it all the way down. I have hitchiked to the top many times, and have not had any problems. Although having a trailer car is nice. Every longboarder should try and skate this road at some point in their life. It is truly a lifechanging experience!

Specs:
length:10+ miles
vert: 3000+'
difficulty: Double Blue square/Black diamond

There are a bunch of smaller spots, but those are the main ones worth checking out if you are ever in the area. Good luck, and happy sliding!

[n_lee123]

Alpine Meadows road is heaven. I haven't mustered the courage to take Old 40 yet.

[sacpunkkid]

Ah man, I might be working in the woods behind Soda Springs this summer. I've always dreamt of riding the old 40, especially after seeing the Tahoe Longboards video where they rode it. But the bridge has some gnarly gaps between it and the road....

[Allroads]

Years ago we skated Ward Canyon (backside of Alpine Meadows). In '76 it was freshly paved. Is it still skatable?