Imagine riding on the TPT through the canyon with world renowned cycling champions. For me, that ride was a combination of excitement, adrenaline and awe.

The ride took place on August 15, 2018, arranged by Olympic ski speed champion Franz Weber. It was held shortly after the last section in the canyon was finished. Franz has been an advocate and supporter of the TPT since Janet Philips came up with the concept. He has unbelievable connections to athletes and celebrities throughout the world through the elite adventure trips he leads. A local of Reno, Franz has brought international attention to the TPT as well as contributing and raising significant funding.

Riders included Franz, Andy Schleck (Tour de France Champion), Jan Ullrich (German professional bicycle racer), Levi Leipheimer (US National Champion, Olympic medalist, Craig Chaquico (multi-platinum guitarist composer), JT Holmes (action sports legend), Klaus Heidegger (Austrian ski racer), and more than a dozen locals including Wendy Damonte and of course, Janet Phillips.

I had the honor of helping lead the ride, stopping the group at key points to share  knowledge of the various routes through canyon used prior to, and through the development of, the TPT route now used. Most impressive to me was this group riding up the steep rocky hill just east of the Fleish Bridge. They rode up that hill like it was nothing while I walked up, as usual. There were a couple of ebike riders, probably the smart move when riding with such an accomplished group of cyclists

The picture shows the entire group, but it wasn’t posed and it’s hard to see who is who. Without a doubt, it’s one of the largest, if not the largest, group-led ride through the canyon. Thanks for all you do for the TPT, Franz!

~ Chris Askin,TPT Board Chair

After participating in the “Ride the Rez” event on October 4th, I returned to visit the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Museum and Visitor Center. If you have never been there, I highly recommend a visit. The exhibits were educational and the building itself is a work of architectural art. I was struck by the area's history, which dates back thousands of years when the Paiute people first inhabited the Pyramid Lake Region though not formally recognized by the US government until 1859.  One exhibit featured a timeline highlighting significant events throughout their history, which was quite informative. 

Another exhibit highlighted the importance of the Lahontan cutthroat trout to their survival. In 1943, Lahontan trout were nearly extinct. They found a strain elsewhere and repopulated the Lahontan cutthroat trout at Pyramid Lake in 2006. They are saltwater fish that require fresh water to spawn, which occurs in the Truckee River up to Derby Dam. The tribe is currently seeking approval for a fish ladder so the trout can spawn farther upstream. Nick Cortez, a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, spoke to the participants of the “Ride the Rez” event, mentioning that they are always looking for volunteers to help during spawning season at the fish hatchery! Reach out to the tribe to volunteer before the spawn, typically every Thursday in April each year. Pyramid Lake Fisheries Hatcheries - Pyramid Lake Fisheries 

The museum celebrates Sarah Winnemucca, who was born in 1844, the same year John C. Fremont arrived in the area. Sarah’s grandfather was Chief Truckee. He had the foresight to encourage Sarah to learn English to help her communicate with non-natives. By age 14, she had also learned Spanish, Shoshone, and Washoe languages. 

The museum features beautiful exhibits of beadwork, basket weaving, and other cultural items, all made or donated locally. Take time to read the story of the Stone Mother, or White Shell Woman, passed down for centuries. The museum offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about the Pyramid Lake Paiute people, also known as Cui-ui Ticutta; which translates to Cui-ui eaters. The Cui-ui is a large sucker fish endemic to Pyramid Lake. 

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through the winter.  

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

On Sunday, October 4th, about 34 cyclists rode gravel and mountain bikes from Nixon to Wadsworth along the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail (TPT). It was wonderful to see so many cyclists come out and, of course, to have a great time together. The weather cooperated beautifully, with plenty of sunshine—perfect conditions for a great ride on this section of the TPT.

We had many new riders join us, along with cyclists who have ridden this event before and continue to enjoy coming back each year. In fact, four riders who completed this section at this event have now traveled the entire 93 miles of completed TPT. Chad and Guy Quiggle and Brian and Jenifer Root have earned their certificates and stickers. Congratulations on this impressive accomplishment!

This year, we were fortunate to have two special guests, Nick Cortez, a Tribal Council member, and Maureen Williams. They shared some of their history and spoke about the importance of the Truckee River to their way of life. A special thank-you to Marie Norell for helping make this part of the ride possible.

Another special guest was Irchaad Hossen, a young cyclist from France. He is staying with Warmshowers hosts Brian and Jenifer Root and is traveling from Deadhorse, Alaska, all the way to Argentina. We hope to connect with him again and hear more about his incredible journey.

Our route included paved and dirt roads, along with some singletrack, all set against a beautiful desert landscape. This is a truly unique section of the TPT. The desert terminus of the Truckee River contrasts sharply with Tahoe, the river’s source and the beginning of the TPT.

That contrast is part of what makes the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail so unique. As you travel along the Truckee River, you can watch the landscape and vegetation change—from the forests of Tahoe, following the river through the Sierra, to Pyramid Lake, an oasis in the desert.

The section of trail on the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe's lands is so very Nevada. The mountains have their own distinctive colors and character. The landscape is filled with sage, varying shades of brown and yellow, and deep blues. Add in the dramatic cloud formations that often stretch across the sky, and the scenery can be striking.

Biking on the Reservation has its challenging stretches, but the scenery is worth every bit of effort you put into the ride. We hope you’ll take the opportunity to explore this special portion of the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail and experience for yourself what makes it so remarkable.

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

Years of sun, rain, and snow have left the wooden installations throughout the canyon between Hirschdale and the Fleish Bridge dry and weathered. It’s time to give them a little love! A fresh coat of stain will protect these railings and benches for seasons to come, and we need your help to get it done.

Join us on Saturday October 24th & Sunday October 25th, from 10 AM to 12 PM. Details on exact parking and meeting spots will be provided to those who sign-up; we will be working in various locations along the trail from ~2.5 miles west of Floriston, to ~2.5 miles east of Floriston.

We will provide the stain, brushes, light snacks, and plenty of guidance. You’ll need to bring water, old clothes (or Halloween costumes!), sturdy closed-toe shoes, work gloves, and sun protection. 

No experience is necessary. We'll walk you through everything, and the work is simple: brushing or rolling stain onto the wood with the grain. Whether you can stay for the full session or just an hour, every pair of hands makes a difference! It's also a great chance to meet fellow trail lovers, enjoy some fresh air, and take pride in a project you can point to every time you walk or ride by.

Please note that the work depends on the weather, so if rain is in the forecast, we'll reschedule and send out an update.

Ready to pitch in? Sign up by clicking the button below. We'd love to see you there!

~ Catherine Escamilla, TPT Programs Coordinator

Your photos tell a story. Share those stories and help us to see the trail as you see it, through your unique perspective. Let your creative side take hold through the lens of your camera.

This year’s photo contest has an open format. The categories we’ve used in the past—landscapes, people biking or hiking, and flora and fauna—can give you some ideas, but this year, we want to see the Tahoe-Pyramid Trail and the Truckee River through your lens. Capture the unique beauty, character, and experiences that make the TPT special.

Your photos may be used for social media, brochures, flyers, and other printed materials, so think about the images that make you stop, look, and want to experience the trail for yourself. 

Take a hike with a friend and share the experience. I find that looking back at a photo can really stir up a memory, bringing you right back to that moment.  And when friends are in the photo, it makes the memory personal. Capture your hiking or biking friends enjoying a moment on the trail. That’s what we want to feel when we see your photos.

We have four distinct seasons here, so don’t limit yourself to photos you’ve taken recently. Look through your collection from rides, hikes, and adventures on the TPT throughout the year—or even from past years. You may already have the perfect photo that captures the feeling of the trail.

When you have a few photos you’d like to submit, make sure we receive them by November 29th. Winners will be announced at the end of December. Prizes will be awarded shortly afterward.. 

Ready to share your TPT story? Use the link below to submit your photos:

~ Mary Beth Roselli, Past Chair of the TPT Board

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