Lately, several people have shared their bikepacking routes that include the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT) on social media. I hope others will take those ideas and either bike or hike these routes or a portion of them, and maybe try one night camping under the stars. These routes can be found on various sites.  One popular site for routes is Ridewithgps.com. It’s a great route planner for hiking or biking. Look for routes created under “Bikepacking Northern Nevada” for some great ideas. 

Bikepacking can be done with camping gear in tow or a credit card! There are benefits to both, and the choice depends on the type of bike needed, the remoteness of the area, elevation gain/loss, budget, gear, and the people you are riding with.  

In the Spring, I take a bikepacking trip with a group of women.  It is always a credit card trip, but we often travel using panniers from one hotel to another over 4-5 days.  There's been discussion about riding some gravel and camping!  We shall see.

Another great source for routes is bikepacking.com.  I can spend hours and travel virtually from my armchair. A local cyclist, Kurstin Graham, posts on this website.  Anytime you talk with anyone in the Reno area about bikepacking, his name comes up. He has many followers, and his adventures look amazing. He promotes local routes. Check his postings and blogs for ideas.

Adventure Cycling Association offers some great tours.  They offer support and self-supported rides, as well as inn-to-inn trips. I did their self-supported route, the GAP and C&O Canal. We carried our camping gear and the group's cooking equipment. Their routes are well documented and well researched. You can also purchase their maps to plan your own trips. I used their maps for several bikepacking adventures along the California coast. 

For me, it has opened up the opportunity to cycle through places I would not have seen otherwise. It’s a great mix of my favorite activities: cycling, hiking my bike up a hill, and sleeping under the stars! All with a 360-degree view from a bike. 

No matter if your adventure includes the TPT or not, try something new.  Maybe it’s the trail section of TPT from Wadsworth to Pyramid Lake or up Peavine Mountain. The Tahoe-Reno has so many opportunities to explore, whether you are biking or hiking. This may include an overnight or not. I hope you discovered some new trails to explore as you plan your next outdoor adventure. As our website states, “Be Bold. Be Adventurous.”