In 2012, the Town of Truckee took charge to update the Truckee Trails and Bikeways Master Plan and is now moving closer to the completion of the Truckee River Legacy Trail. The master plan provided guidelines to developing over 130 miles of trails and bikeways within the Town. When completed, the Truckee River Legacy Trail will connect Donner Memorial State Park to the Glenshire neighborhood with the majority of the path running parallel to the scenic Truckee River.

August 8 marks the celebration of the completed paved bike path, phase 3B. Picking up where the previous phase 3A left off, phase 3B will connect the Riverview Sports Park to the Glenshire subdivision. To celebrate the finalizing of this phase, the Town of Truckee will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration on August 8 at 4pm. The celebration will involve bike riding, bike decorating contests, booths and loads of community fun.

Naturally, Tahoe Adventure Company could not be more excited about the completion of the Truckee River Legacy Trial paved bike path. For more information on the celebrations and master plan, visit the Town of Truckee site.

The wooden "Thunderbird" yacht is currently being held captive within its granite garage at the historic Thunderbird lodge.

Low water levels on Lake Tahoe and a damaged engine have put the glamorous speedboat out of commission until the 2015 summer season. To get the beauty back out on the water, the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society will be need to raise $250,000 to repair the twin Allison aircraft engines.

Custom built in 1939 for the real estate mogul George Whittell Jr., the "Thunderbird" boasts two 1,100 horse power Allison engines — a type of engine used in WWII fighter planes — under its Honduran mahogany and stainless steel paneling. On the "Thunderbirds" final cruise of summer 2013, the engines started to make unusual noises which then resulted in scored cylinder walls, pitted crankshaft bearings and fragmented piston rings.

The Preservation Society fortunately has two spare Allison engines in storage but will need to be completely disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt before they can be reconfigured and installed into the gleaming boat. The total cost of this endeavor along with paying for the repairs for the damaged engines will total around $250,000. Two generous donations totaling $75,000 have put the repair underway as the Preservation Society hopes to have the yacht back on the water by 2015, when it turns 75.

Our Thunderbird Lodge Kayak Tour running every Tuesday throughout the summer is a great way to help support the Lodge and raise funding. This adventure includes a brief paddle to the Lodge from beautiful Sand Harbor leading into an hour walking tour of the Whittell Estate, before having lunch on the beach and paddling back to Sand Harbor. A $39 donation will be made to the Preservation Society from our Thunderbird Lodge Kayak Tour whish will help support the repairs of the classic "Thunderbird" yacht.

Click here to help make a donation directly to the Lodge, to help get the Thunderbird yacht back out on the waters.

One of the most exciting on-land adventures Tahoe has to offer are the many diverse mountain biking trails. Plan your next family outing with biking tours ranging the scenic Truckee River bike path, to the single track biking trails with views of Lake Tahoe. When getting out there, here are a few tips to remember before hitting the trails and even the brakes.

Relax
One of the most important things to mountain biking is staying relaxed as it is very easy to lock up your elbows and white knuckle it down the trail. The adventure will be far more enjoyable and your body will be more forgiving afterword if you can remember to stay loose and bend your elbows and knees.

Going Up Hill
Notes to remember when peddling up hill is to shift into a lower gear, stay seated to avoid sliding out, lean forward to help weight the front end, and keep peddling as the slower you go through certain sections, the harder you will work.

Going Down Hill
When cycling downhill remember to shift up into a higher gear, stay loose, rise above the seat and keep pedals parallel to the ground with your front foot slightly higher.

Stay Focused
Remaining focused is key while keeping an eye out for rocks, holes, bumps, sticks and any other such obstacles. Additionally, steer with your body and allow your shoulders to guide you through the trail.

With these tips, the most important thing to remember is to have fun and enjoy the ride. Literally. For more information on available mountain biking trails and tours visit our site or give us a call. All tours will be led by our knowledgeable team of guides and can be customized to fit all levels of bikers.

Well, after another mild winter, many trails in the Tahoe Truckee area are clear and mountain biking season is in full swing. Many a local can be seen with a Stand Up Paddleboard, Mountain Bike AND a pair of skis or board on their roof! Spring is a special time in Tahoe and Truckee with 2 and 3 sport days very doable and common. Many of our guests are taking advantage and booking Multisport Adventures with us. Kayak or SUP in the morning and enjoy a guided mountain bike tour or hiking trip in the afternoon. With some moisture arriving this weekend, it looks like one more powder day (at least) may be in our future followed by some great mountain biking conditions after the dirt soaks it up.

If you are not familiar with local trails or are new to mountain biking, one of our knowledgeable guides will be happy to introduce you to the area, provide the gear, and even your lunch! Check out our Guided Mountain Biking and Multisport Adventure offerings here

Feel free to call us too at 530-913-9212.

1. Quick drying layers: "Long Underwear" pants and two or more tops, depending on the weather and time of day. There are a myriad of quick drying fabric blends out there, both natural and synthetic, but they can be broadly identified by the keywords "wicking" and "fast-drying." These fabrics will keep you warm and dry, where your cotton t-shirt absorbs sweat and can leave you in an uncomfortable and possibly dangerous situation as it hinders your body's ability to retain heat.

2. Waterproof outer layers: Especially if the forecast is calling for precipitation, quality waterproof jacket and pants are a godsend. When it comes to waterproof materials, many brands claim it, but few stand up to the true test (Sun-wet Sierra Nevada snow will separate the best from the rest). Although it usually requires a healthy investment, Gore-Tex not only keeps you completely dry but also breathes out moisture created by your body. A shell layer combined with quick dry base layer(s) will do perfectly for rigorous day time activity. Go for an insulated version if you are prone to chill or aren't planning on working up a sweat.

3. Sun protection. Statistics vary but there is no arguing that the sun shines in Tahoe, a LOT. At high elevation, with surrounding snow serving as a skin-searing mirror, sunscreen is a must. Lip balm with sunscreen is crucial as well.

4. Refillable water bottle or a camelback.

5. High energy snacks: Even if you are planning a short snowshoe jaunt, be prepared with pack-friendly snacks like nuts, fruit or the dutiful Clif Bar. Winter activities can be surprisingly taxing because of the extra resistance that snow creates, so bringing along a simple refuel can really save the day.

6. Sturdy waterproof boots: Even if your favorite activity calls for different footwear, getting from here to there in snowy conditions is best done with a good pair of boots. The higher the cuff, the more protection you will get from powdery snow getting into your socks. Insulated boots will keep feet warm even when the car hasn't warmed up yet, and sturdy soles and tread will help maintain a safe footing. If you are planning on doing any snowshoeing, opt for a boot with a grippy shelf-like protrusion at the heel to keep the heel strap from slipping off.

Lake Tahoe is an incredible Winter destination for good reason: The region boasts gorgeous landscapes, a bevy of incredible ski resorts, and towns and activities to suit all tastes. Whether you are a holiday visitor or a weekend warrior you'll want to relish every minute of your time here this winter. Here's how:

• Plan ahead. There is much more to a Tahoe visit than the roof over your head! Make reservations at a great local restaurant, get tickets to a concert or book an activity ahead of time. You'll have some great highlights to look forward to and the legwork will be done by the time you head out. Check out the North Shore Events Calendar for great ideas.

• Drive Safely. Check in with the California Department of Transportation ahead of time for road conditions and chain controls. They have a website, app and phone line. Depending on weather conditions, Tahoe roads can be slippery, slow and at times, impassable. Be sure your vehicle is prepared for the journey with necessary items like tire chains, scraper, shovel, flashlight, and a full tank of gas. Purchase and learn the use of tire chains in advance of your trip to save you time, money and stress on the road. Arriving safely is the most important thing!

• Try a mid-week visit. Reduced rates, peaceful roads and uncrowded recreation will reward those who can get away mid-week. The vibe is still plenty boisterous for those looking for nightlife, with live music and mid-week happy hour deals that draw a fun crowd.

• Don't drink and drive! Tahoe Area Regional Transit offers a free Night Rider bus serving North Lake Tahoe and Truckee. Taxi services are also available.

• Try something new! Get away into the peaceful forest on a Sunset Snowshoe Tour. See a standup comedy show. Plan a special appetizer for your traveling companions. The sky is the limit!

As we batten down the hatches for the winter season and prepare for another fun season at our favorite Lake Tahoe ski resorts, it's easy to forget about one of wintertime's greatest activities: snowshoeing. Although it is often overshadowed by its high-octane compatriots, snowshoeing is a vastly popular sport, with roughly 5.5 million participants in the U.S., according to Snowshoes.com. Yet a crowd of people is the last thing one finds when out in the woods for a snowshoe excursion, and such is the glory of the sport. Here are the other reasons to love it:

• Snowshoeing is an incredible workout, burning 400-1000 calories an hour. A quick, high intensity jaunt before or after work is a great cure for the winter fitness lull.

• No pricey pass necessary! Find a snow-covered park or golf course or head out on your favorite trail. Be observant of posted signs and private property.

• Equipment is relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Shoes and poles can often be purchased as a package. Talk to your retailer about what types of terrain you will be tackling.

• Snowshoeing presents few safety hazards compared to its winter counterparts. Be careful of your footing, prepare properly, and be knowledgeable of avalanche hazards before heading into the backcountry.

• As a low-impact activity that is easy on joints, snowshoeing is truly a lifelong sport.

• Fido can come along!

• Snowshoeing can be great social time with friends and family, or provide welcome solitude during the hectic holiday season.

• Being outdoors provides numerous health and psychological benefits, and is a great way to enjoy your natural surroundings.

• Anyone can do it: if you can walk, you can snowshoe!

Incorporate Lake Tahoe history, knowledgeable instruction and navigation, equipment and a delicious lunch into your snowshoe experience with a professionally guided snowshoe tour. Sunset, Full Moon and Star Gazing Tours offer a unique setting for Lake Tahoe exploration as well as an opportunity to learn more about the skies above.

Living and traveling in the Lake Tahoe region provides an enormous benefit: outdoor recreation. With a diverse, impeccably maintained network of land and water trails, Lake Tahoe invites us to take advantage of its beauty. In our pure enjoyment of these stunning surroundings, however, it is easy to lose sight of the great impact that our feet, boats and bike tires have on these fantastic recreational passageways. Scores of volunteers from organizations such as the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, The League to Save Lake Tahoe, and the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation take on projects every year that make it possible for us to use these great resources. Erosion, invasive species, pollution, human impacts and a host of other issues constantly threaten these outdoor areas that we hold so dear, but with careful attention and dedication we can keep these places open for the enjoyment of the community and its visitors. Although most open-ground maintenance projects are closed for the season, this weekend presents one of the best opportunities to get involved: Truckee River Day. The Truckee River Watershed Council is hosting the event on Sunday, October 20th, and you can register online for a variety of projects. The Donner Lake Boat Ramp Cleanup and Planting is great for people of all ages, or work up a sweat with Martis Wildlife Area Trail Maintenance. Get outdoors with your family and friends, put your body to work and make a positive impact our spectacular environment.

We are entering prime leaf-peeping season! The end of September through the month of October is the best time to enjoy the fall foliage in Lake Tahoe. Golden aspens earn their name this time of year, when their amber leaves make a striking contrast with the rich green of neighboring pine and fir trees. For a scenic drive, take Highway 89 from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe, following the Truckee River Canyon upstream to the lake and continuing south along the stunning West Shore. Pulling over at Emerald Bay is a must, where you can take in the contrast of turquoise water, green conifers, and vibrant foliage. Or, take a trip to Spooner Lake on Nevada's East Shore, where lakeside Aspen groves make a peaceful setting.

Curious about what really causes the leaves to change colors? Blake Engelhardt, botanist with the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, told Lake Tahoe News: "During the summer growing season, the leaves are constantly producing chlorophyll which gives them their green color. In the fall, longer nights trigger the formation of the abscission layer. This is essentially a thickened layer of cells at the base of the leaf where it attaches to the stem that blocks the transport of water and sugar into the leaf. Thin deciduous leaves won't survive the freezing temperatures of winter, so there's no reason to keep feeding them. Once chlorophyll synthesis stops, the green quickly disappears and other more persistent pigments become visible yellows, reds, purples. If the growing season is particularly dry, the abscission layer can form sooner and the leaves may turn color earlier or drop before a very brilliant display." Foliage season is difficult to predict in terms of length, as unexpected frosts cause leaves to drop quickly, so don't wait to get out there to enjoy it! To get a deeper look in the ecology and history of Lake Tahoe, join us for a guided hiking adventure. Hiking is a great way to get outside during these crisp fall days, and of course it maximizes your view of the gorgeous regional landscape!

Labor Day has come and gone, the Lake is quiet and Autumn is in the air. Although thoughts may be looking forward to Winter, this is the best time of year for locals to get a great deal on paddle gear. Understanding that a kayak or stand up paddleboard is a significant investment, we are offering great deals on our rental fleet to get lake-lovers out on the water. Give us a call and come check out our used inventory at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. We carry Ocean Kayaks, including the stable yet maneuverable Malibu Two, Malibu Two XL, Scrambler 11 and Scrambler XT Angler editions. We have a variety of SUPs available as well, including the BIC Sport Ace Tec 11'6, which is a stable, durable board that all skill levels can enjoy. SUPs range from $600-$700 and kayaks from $100-$550. All kayaks are sold with a back band seat, and paddles are also affordable, ranging from $40-$60. We will be open on weekends at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area and during the week by appointment. Learn more here.