E-Newsletter June 2009
share stickerShare the Road Sticker
A new sticker promoting sharing the road between motorists and cyclists has been produced and will be available at bike shops throughout the basin.  Be sure to get yours and display it prominently and proudly. 
 
logo2010 Date Change
Bike2Work, School, Play Week
Organizers of Bike2Work, School, Play Week and Challenge have decided to move next year's event to May 31 - June 4 with a bike festival on Saturday, June 5.  The decision came about as a result of a three month survey of bike shops, retailers, organizers, sponsors, and participants from this year's event.
 
All those surveyed were in favor of the date change with the following key considerations:  more bike shops open, improved chances for warmer temps, extends organizational lead time for all, and the addition of the Festival to carry the Week's momentum and success into a celebration with; music, awards, exhibits, demonstrations, parade, activities, and food/beverages -- a party.  Details for Festival exhibitors and ways to be a part of next year's campaign and party will be forthcoming. 
logoTeam North
Coalition North members met to identify short and long-term goals for North Tahoe.  High on the short list is to improve signage, on and off the streets, and begin taking the necessary steps to become nationally designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community.  Pictured here are Shelley, Tracy, Ty and Larry took the photo.
 
The action team will be meeting the second Thursday of every month at 5:00 pm in Tahoe City.  To particiapte and for more information contact Shelley at willpedalforfood@hotmail.com.  
logoNORTHSTAR Mountain Bike Park Open 
Open Season
Fri-Sun:  June 12- - June 28
Thurs - Sun:  July 2 - September 7
Fri - Sun:  September 11 - October 18 
 
Featuring more than 100 miles of trails and the most extensive lift-accessed trail network in the Western U.S.  Features terrain for all skill levels - from gravity lines and jumps to a family-friendly trail.  For more info visit:  www.NorthstarAtTahoe.com.
 
logoCoalition Puts Mark on City Streets!
A new collaboration between the Coalition and the City of South Lake Tahoe began this month with the painting of bike emblems on City streets.  Facility Team Captain, Shay Boutillier and Ty Polastri, received City training on safety, preparation, and the painting of stencils on bike routes.
 
This collaboration is one immediate way to assist cyclists in navigating through town and increasing awareness among motorists that cyclists are sharing the road.  The Coalition hopes to expand its painting project to other Tahoe communities and will maintain them annually. 
Bike Racks Coming to Town! 
The City of South Lake Tahoe earmarked $25,000 in the 2009 general budget for the purchase of bike racks to be installed throughout the city. A bid process is being used to select the best purchase price from a local manufacturer.  Racks will be installed at City properties and will also be made available to local businesses who are interested.  The racks will be free to qualifying businesses who will be responsible for installation and maintenance. 
 
Businesses interested in bike racks may connect Ty Polastri at BikeTahoe@aol.com, 775.586.9566, for more information. 
 
Kudos go to the City of South Lake Tahoe for its commitment to help improve the City's economic vitality and bicycle friendliness.
 
logoMayor Meets & Greets Thousands
Mayor Jerry Birdwell, City of South Lake Tahoe, welcomed 3,500 cyclists on Sunday, June 7, as part of the 18th annual America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride.  At the ride's starting line, Mayor Birdwell was seen with a Cheshire Cat-like smile walking through the crowd asking riders where they were from and personally welcoming them to South Lake Tahoe.  He was also in pursuit of locating the Dallas Texas team for a little nostalgia.  Thank you Mayor.
 
logoDaggett Trail Ground Breaking
On Saturday, June 6, 150 volunteers showed up ready to get dirty building the Daggett Trail connector at the upcoming Van Sickle Bi-State Park.  This multi-use trail for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians will connect the Tahoe Rim Trail near Heavenly's Boulder lift with the new park in Stateline.  Pictured here are volunteers strengthening the trail.
 
BMXgirlsSouth Lake Tahoe BMX Season Begins
Practices - Tuesday evenings 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Races - Thursday evenings 5:30 pm
Cost for practice is $1.00 per rider.  Race fee is $10 per rider.
 
For more information, contact director Lauren Thomaselli at Freeridefamily@yahoo.com.  
 

New Trail Maps Available 

The Lake Tahoe Bike Trail Map has been updated with new trails, printed on recycled paper, and can be found at local visitor centers, parks & rec. depts, and bike shops.
 
50,000 maps are available for FREE thanks to local companies and agencies.  When you have the opportunity please thank the following for their support of the Map:  Nevada Commission on Tourism, City of South Lake Tahoe Parks & Rec., Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, Nevada Bicycle Advisory Board, BlueGo, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization, Design Workshop, EDAW/AECOM, ENTERSPORT LLC, BikeTheWest, and Alta Alpina Cycling Club.
Hey Tahoe Bike Buddies:
 
As you can see by the contents above there is a lot going on in Tahoe and I can tell you more is on the way.  Stay tuned with the news and be sure to forward this E-Newsletter to friends and family members who you believe are interested in our community's future and cycling.
 
Wear Helmet. Be Safe and Enjoy the Ride!
  
Keepin' it rollin',
 

Ty Polastri
President 
Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition