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October 2025
News From the Trail

From the Chair

Twenty Years of Trail Work

Exactly twenty years ago, Dick Benoit and Bill Von Phul were out at the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation scouting the route for a trail from Wadsworth north to the lake.  They concluded that about three miles of trail would need to be built.  Today, twenty years later, we’re holding the annual “Ride the Rez” event on Sunday, October 12th, and there’s still time to join us.  One way is about 22 miles with mixed trail surface, so gravel or mountain bikes are needed.  It’s about a 2-3 hour ride and Bill Von Phul is graciously providing transport for bikes at the end.  To sign up, all you need to do is send an email to info@tptrail.org with the title “Ride the Rez”.


Twenty years ago, the TPT was also celebrating completion of our first construction project, the Mogul-Verdi Bike Link.  A section that will be receiving attention shortly as the heavily used section is in need of maintenance.  Funding for that bike link was $289,000, coming from public and private sources, with a $100,000 grant from Nevada State Parks as the single largest gift.  There were also many professional services that donated some or all of their work.


That same year Attorney Debbie Shosteck of the McDonald Carano Wilson law firm was recognized with the prestigious Golden Pinecone Award for her work in helping set up the legal framework for the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail as well as helping us navigate early legal questions.


The vision of the TPT has been well supported by members of the community through gifts and volunteer leadership from our founding.  We are grateful for the many donors and volunteers, long-time and new,  who work to achieve our vision of completing and improving the trail.  We do have the need for a volunteer or two who works in the accounting profession and we would welcome you to let us know if you’re interested.  If so, please email me at caskin@tptrail.org. 


Thanks again!

~ Chris Askin, Chair of the TPT Board

 
 

Tailwind Stories

For The Love of a Dog

 

If you have been reading this column over the past years,  you know I had a dog, Cosmo.  He passed away this winter.  He had a darn good life and was happy up until the day he wasn’t.  He traveled almost every mile on the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT) with me; he was a great hiking dog and is truly missed.  Many of my friends are surprised that we are still dogless, but my reply has been, “One will fall into our lap, and we will know it’s the right time.” 


I met up with Philip and John, friends of mine, for lunch. I had explained my logic to them many months ago, when I would have another dog. A few weeks ago, I met up again with them for lunch. The first thing Philip said was, “Are you still waiting for that dog to fall on your lap?” and I knew I was in trouble.  His daughter, Georgia, had just returned from Kosovo and had adopted a dog she named Rosie, which had been living on the streets there.  They were now looking for a home for her. Georgia already has a house full of dogs. I told Philip to tell me more!! 


She is a few years old and a beauty.  Well, it was love at first sight, at least on my end!  She had also stolen the heart of Georgia, who brought her back, so I am playing the role of the fairy godmother and taking care of her a few days a week. Her parents are also involved with taking care of Rosie.  We all just fell in love with her.  Look at those eyes in the picture!   


She has some health issues that we are working on with a team of veterinarians. I am confident that these issues will be resolved in the months to come, and we will be out on the TPT in the winter with Rosie, healthy and happy! You never know where life will lead you, but hopefully, you have a faithful dog by your side! 

~Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

 
 

Am I on the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail?

 

I’ve worked at many of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT) booth events over the past few years. When I ask people if they have ever hiked, biked, or walked any part of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail, many say no!  They think it’s the trail in the canyon off I-80, between Truckee and Verdi or they have no idea where it is.  My next question is whether they have ever walked along the Truckee River.  The answer is inevitably yes if they live in the area.  It’s fun to share with them - they have been on the TPT, and they just didn’t know it.  Our Trail is a compilation of existing trails, roads, pathways, and connectors that we’ve built, such as in the canyon, which comprises 93 miles of completed trail.  


One of the most popular sections of the TPT, outside of Reno, is the Truckee River Bike Trail. This section was voted the Best Bicycle Ride Path/Destination in the Reno News and Review September Edition, 2025. It is approximately a five mile path from Tahoe City to Olympic Valley.  It is a gorgeous stretch along the Truckee.  You have many opportunities to go down to the River and watch the rafters as they float by.  This section can become quite busy during the summer, so take your time and enjoy the experience.  As many of you know, driving to Tahoe City can be hard in the summer.  Park at Olympic Valley Ski Resort and bike this section of the TPT into Tahoe City for a fun day.


Lake Tahoe, the beginning of the TPT, was voted Best Place to Swim, and Pyramid Lake, where the TPT ends, was voted 3rd place. In between, you have the entire Truckee River with, again, 93 miles of trail on the TPT.  


Along the forests of Lake Tahoe, with dirt roads and trails, paved bike paths, and road shoulders that lead you to the desert, you will find the TPT.  You may know these sections by other names, such as the Legacy Trail, Truckee River Bike Path, Truckee River Bike Trail, the Rez, or the McCarran Ranch Preserve; they are all part of the TPT.  You may have been on several sections, and you may not have been aware.  


Since you’ve already hiked/biked part of the TPT, consider joining our 93 Mile Club.  This is for people who have traveled the completed section of the TPT.  You may already be on your way.  For more details, read our August 2025 Newsletter.  Click on the link below:

August Newsletter

We ask that you send a picture and tell us a little bit about your adventure.  Please email me at mbroselli@tptrail.org.  

~Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

 
 

Ride the Rez

photo by Nikki Hussein

October 12th is the annual Ride the Rez.  This ride has been ongoing for many years, and many of you return to participate year after year.  It's an amazing ride through the Pyramid Lake Paiute Reservation, a very unique part of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT).  

 

It’s a beautiful time with the cottonwood trees turning color and the Truckee River flowing into Pyramid Lake.  It’s the end of the River and nearing the end of our riding season.  A perfect combo!  


Please sign up so we can plan accordingly.  There is a shuttle for approximately 20 bikes.  Please let us know if you need to use the shuttle.  Otherwise, you can do an out-and-back route and make a full day of it.  It typically takes 2-3 hours to do the ride, one way. It’s approximately 16 miles from Nixon Store to Wadsworth.  If you ride all the way to the lake, the distance comes out to be closer to 22 miles.  Randy and Amy Collins will be our guides.  


This is an intermediate-level ride.  Helmets are required, and the best bike is a mountain bike.  Gravel bikes can work but tires should be fairly wide.  There will be some sandy areas. 


Sign up at info@tptrail.org and let us know if you need to take the shuttle.  

Ride starts at 9:30 AM  at the Nixon Store. 


Please make sure you have your permit before arriving at the Nixon Store.  You will need to purchase a day permit online (click below) or at the Sutcliffe Ranger Station. 

~Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

 
 

Annual Photo Contest

 

With our phones serving as our cameras, taking pictures is incredibly easy. There are very few days when I don’t take a shot of something.  It may be simply a view outside my deck, a gathering of friends, a dog photo, or, when outside, the many views that are around us in the beautiful Sierras. I love to reflect on things that bring me joy, and photos are a way to bring back those memories.

  

We have held a photo contest for the past two years and have received a great response from many of you.  This year, we are receiving very few responses. I know you have been out there on the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT).  WHERE ARE THOSE AMAZING SHOTS?   


We need your photos; otherwise, there will be no photo contest. It’s that simple.  We use these photos on our social media, printed materials, and presentations throughout the year. It’s great to be able to give credit to our photographers and have a variety of new images each year to use.

 

Here are the categories:

  • Flora/Fauna

  • Landscape

  • Hiking

  • Biking

These are broad categories.  Please submit up to 2 entries in any or all categories.  We’ve made it easy to submit photos using the following link:

Submit Photos!

The deadline is October 31st, so don’t delay.

~Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

 
 
 

Thank you to our

3rd Quarter 2025 Century Circle ($100+) Donors!

 

  • Jeff Askins

  • John Bales & Maureen Cronin

  • Allen & Linda Biaggi Family Trust

  • Dr. Stephen Bloomfield

  • John Coen

  • Harriet Cummings

  • Dan Dooley

  • Bonnie Eschenbauch

  • Allen K. Forbes

  • Rick Goebel/North American Embroidery

  • Dr. John & Shelly Gray

  • Lauren Greenwood

  • Joanne Hildahl

  • Mark Johnson

  • Michael Josselyn

  • James Kroger

  • Dave & Patty Larson

  • Sam Limerick & Gayle Haraguchi

  • Stanley & Susan McPartland

  • Marie Norell & Bob Harvey

  • OLLI Outdoors

  • Julia Parker & Steven Grzebiniak

  • Carol Perry

  • Mike Raudenbush

  • Charlotte Riley

  • Nathan & Paula Robison

  • Warren Ronsheimer

  • Roth Torgan Charitable Fund

  • Mary Beth Roselli & Andrew Hill

  • Jeff & Karen Ross

  • Nick & Debra Rossi

  • Len Savage & Amy Altick

  • Mark Sorensen

  • William Spaller

  • Christina Thayer

  • Bill von Phul & Lynda Knepper

  • Margaret & Jim Wallace

  • Linda Willits

  • Mark & Lori Wray

  • Jerry & Jan Zebrack

 
 
 

~ Photo by Addy Garibay

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Tahoe-Pyramid Trail is a 501(c)3 Non-profit Organization. Trail building, maintenance, and access is the result of many collaborations and partnerships with private landowners, private donors, utilities, state and local government agencies, other non-profit organizations, local businesses, community leaders, as well as a small army of dedicated volunteers, all of whom are valued trail partners and whose supporting efforts are critical to continued trail health.

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Tahoe-Pyramid Trail, 4790 Caughlin Parkway, Box 138, Reno, NV 89509, United States

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