SIERRA GRAVEL CAMP
Looking for a multi-day adventure linking together some world-class gravel, long stretches of remote fireroads, ribbons of quiet tarmac and snippets of singletrack? Look no further! You have found the Holy Grail of gravel touring. Dirt Gypsy Adventures has designed a self-propelled mixed terrain experience for the curious rider that lives in all of us.
Explore the raw and unrefined beauty within Northern California’s Tahoe and Plumas National Forests on five adventure-rich days. Popping in and out of small towns and pedaling to remote peaks, you'll weave your way from Lake Tahoe to Graeagle and Quincy before returning back to Truckee , sampling the best all-road riding along the way. With choice lodging, locally-sourced meals and a rockin' team of guides to show you the way, our Sierra Gravel Camp adventure is a unique experience from behind the bars of your bike. So come travel on gravel and discover a new way to ride.
OVERVIEW
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START & END LOCATION: TRUCKEE, CA
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TRIP LENGTH: 5 DAYS
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LODGING: HOTELS
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INTENSITY INDEX (click for details):
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AEROBIC - BLUE/BLACK , TECHNICAL - BLUE/BLACK, OVERALL - BLUE/BLACK
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GROUP SIZE: 5 - 12
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$2,850 PER PERSON (JUNE & AUGUST DATES)
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$2,950 PER PERON (JULY DATES)
Dates
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June 23 - 27, 2024
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July 14 - 18, 2024
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August 18 - 22, 2024
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Contact us for a private trip if you have other dates in mind
Individual Departure Color Key (above listed dates will be colored as follows)
Black= Date confirmed, no sign ups. TOUR OPEN = seats booked, minimum not yet met. TOUR ON! = tour is a go, minimum has been met. SOLD OUT = tour is full, rider maximum met
Itinerary
DAY ONE
Arrive by 11am today to get things started on the right foot. Our team will assist with bike setup before lunch and then you'll embark on a warm up ride to acquaint yourself with the altitude and your fellow adventurers. Today’s shakedown ride will give a brief glimpse into the high sierra solitude we’ll immerse ourselves in over the week. After our ride from Truckee to the shores of Lake Tahoe, take time back at the hotel before tonight’s farm to table, family style welcome dinner. Refuel, relax and review the logistics for the days ahead while sharing some laughs with your fellow riders.
ride details: from 26 - 36 miles & 2000'-2900' climbing
DAY TWO
Today’s two-states tour is sure to plant a smile on your face and leave a bit of dust on your brow. Riding from base camp, you’ll cycle the Tahoe Pyramid Trail out along the Truckee River and into neighboring Nevada. From here, singetrack becomes fireroad and you’ll climb past abandoned mines into Dog Valley with alpine peaks fighting for your attention. A rewarding descent will bring you to the watershed zone, meaning there are a few swimming holes to cool down in for those needing a refresh. Back in Truckee you’ll have time to explore town and savor the small town charm before another proper feast to top off the tank before tomorrow’s epic.
ride details: from 33 - 62 miles & 3100'-6000' climbing
DAY THREE
Get ready for the longest stage of our camp as we set out for our next hotel in the mighty Lakes Basin region. We’ll ride out to the remote confines of Sardine Valley along historic Henness Pass Road, where there is a wealth of history your guides will fill you in on. The scenery won’t disappoint as we roam over to Kyburz Flat and Webber Lake – a stunning spot worth removing the helmet at to enjoy some lunch. A proper climb awaits you this afternoon en route to Yuba Pass and Haskell Peak, or take a ride in the van and recoup. Today's route concludes at the Inn at Nakoma, a tucked away gem in the heart of the Lost Sierra. Hot tub, anyone? Thought so. Tonight is spent sharing tales of the day over a locally sourced dinner prepared especially for our group.
ride details: from 39 - 75 miles & 3100'-6200' climbing
DAY FOUR
Let’s make today count! Awake and stretch out during our group’s well-timed private yoga session – your body will thank you. Once kitted up, you'll spend the remainder of the morning turning out miles and enjoying the impressive surroundings of the Plumas National Forest. Smith Peak, Genese & Taylorsville are just a few of the gems along the way. Our highpoint and highlight of today's route is Mount Hough, where the adventurous can opt for 9 miles of fast & smooth singletrack bliss descending into Quincy. Aprés is done right this afternoon with a stop off at our favorite watering hole, the Brewing Lair. Enjoy a casual beer tasting before landing back at the Inn at Nakoma to unwind by the pool and soak up the tranquility that resonates from within the property. Dinner tonight will feature more delicious food that's certain to hit the spot after today's sizable effort. Raise a toast to the miles you've put behind you thus far and to those you'll conquer on tomorrow's final route.
ride details: from 47 - 72 miles & 3300'-7100' climbing
DAY FIVE
You’ve ridden some considerable distances, immersed yourself in nature, have eaten like royalty, and refined the art of harvesting the perfect farmer’s tan. Bravo! It's time to pack your bags this morning as we set off on our final leg of this gravel camp and return to Truckee. There’s two rides on offer today, allowing you to either take it easy or drain the battery. A spin up to Mills Peak high above Mohawk Valley or a longer point to point that delivers you back into Truckee. We love to round out this camp with a plunge in the cool waters of Donner Lake while unwinding over a cold one. Hugs, high fives and then it's time to bid your camp mates and guides farewell.
ride details: from 38 - 63 miles & 3700'-5100' climbing
Lodging
Gravity Haus, Truckee & Inn at Nakoma, Clio -
2 nights of double occupancy lodging at each property (single rooms available)
Pricing
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$2,850 per person (+ $460 single room supplement)
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$2,950 per person (+ $540 single room supplement)
Details
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Seasons
o For private departures, the above sample itinerary can be generally by offered June - October, when the weather is most ideal for riding and the snowpack has melted out in the region. Contact us to arrange a private or customized Sierra Gravel Camp around your preferred dates
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Inclusions
o Guided & fully-supported rides
o Professional expertise and regional knowledge of 2 guides
o 4-nights accommodations
o Ground transportation during the trip in our air-conditioned passenger van
o 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners
o Daily ride nutrition (bars, gels, powders, fruits & snacks)
o Post ride beers
o Mechanical support of your bicycle throughout the duration of the tour
o Bike box storage (for those bringing their personal bike)
o Park entry fees and permits
o Pre- and post-tour transport from/to Truckee
o Dirt Gypsy Adventures t-shirt, socks and cycling cap
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Exclusions
o Bicycle rental (carbon gravel bikes can be added for an additional $200)
o Airfare
o Travel costs to/from trip start
o Pre/post trip lodging
o Travel insurance
o Personal purchases
o Passport / travel Visa requirements
o Alcoholic beverages with meals
o Guide gratuities
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Getting Here
o Trip begins and ends in Truckee at a central location
o Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is the closest airport with frequent flights serving areas across the nation
o Pre and post tour lodging available at a variety of hotels throughout Reno & Tahoe
o You will receive a comprehensive tour itinerary and trip planner with additional details after booking your tour and paying your deposit
o Our staff is happy to provide additional travel suggestions to maximize enjoyment on your visit to North Lake Tahoe