Trail Outlook: Winter Preview

• The rain and wind are expected to roll in this afternoon (Tuesday) and as temps drop, snow on the valley floor Wednesday morning with highs only coming just above freezing and leaving plenty of ice in shaded areas. Depending on how much water actually gets to the ground trails could be nicely damped all the way to peanut butter hell under snow. Thursday is expected to stay cold but clear with Friday and Saturday warming somewhat. Best days to be out will be Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning. High elevation trails such as Mahogany Forest may wet/ice out for the week. South valley trails higher than Callahan Ranch/Galena High School elevation are likely to hold ice and snow into the weekend increasing with elevation and shade coverage.

• Temporary Trail Closure: Tahoe Pyramid Trail between Floriston and Hirschdale is closed for repair work. There are no alternate routes other than driving the highway so plan for out and back trips if you want to use the adjacent portions of the trail. For more details and current trail warnings, check the official Tahoe Pyramid trail website linked here. (11/01 note: TPT has announced that this closure is “Until Further Notice” and they are hoping for reopening this section “sometime in November.”)

• Trail Damage Warning: Whites Creek had some serious flooding in the early August round of downpours. Major trail damage along much of the lower section of trail as well as some of the upper section. The local trail managers are all aware of the damage and would appreciate users seeking alternate routes until they are able to get repairs done. Due to the extensive nature of the current damage, that may not be this year. If you are planning on doing the Dry Pond loop, be careful or consider an out and back on the Thomas Creek side.

This Week’s Events

• Tuesday, November 01:

• 5:15 pm

  • (Last Ride of the Year)Tuesday Night Ride Group (TNRG) are riding Peavine from the East Keystone (Keystone Canyon) trailhead. If you are new to TNRG rides, there is no mass start so bring a friend or introduce yourself to who ever is around when you set off. Ride as long as you like. Most TNRG rides will have an after ride social at the start point so if you want to join in, pay attention to the flow of riders heading back. Check their Facebook Group Page for the most current updates. These rides will start back up March 12 when we spring the clocks forward again.

• 5:30 pm

  • RAR Reno are hosting a potluck and team meeting for their AIDS LifeCycle ride. This is open to team riders, friends, and supporters. More details available by following @rar.reno on Instagram.

• 5:45 pm

  • Silver State Striders are running from Huffaker school through Bartley Ranch park. This is a very welcoming group for all skill levels. This run features options for both 5 and 7ish mile loops and headlights are recommended. Check their Facebook Group Page for more details. You can also find their training schedule on their website at this link.

• Wednesday, November 02:

  • 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

    • (Cancelled Due to Weather) Trail Karma Opportunity: Biggest Little Trail Stewards are doing pre-winter maintenance work on midmountain Peavine trails. They are meeting at the Horizon Hills trailhead and carpooling up to the worksite. More information and to RSVP on their Facebook Event page linked here.

  • 4:30 pm

    • (Cancelled Due to Weather) (Last Ride of the Year) Reno Wheelmen’s weekly Verdi road ride starts and end at the Truckee Meadows Parks Foundation building (50 Cowan Drive, 89509) in Idlewild Park between the train ride and the softball fields. Follow their facebook page for the most up to date information. There is a one time waiver to be signed so give yourself enough time before the 5pm roll out to set up and sign in. This is an out and back with social pace on the out and choose your own adventure pace on the way back. Lights, including rear red, and reflective attire suggested as well as be prepared to service your own flats should that happen. Weather may cancel this ride. They have promised an update on their social media by noon on Wednesday if there is a cancellation.

  • 5:00 PM

    • (Cancelled Due to Weather) RAR Reno are leading a moderate skill mountain bike ride from the Keystone Canyon Trailhead. This ride is for femme, trans, and non-binary identifying RAR members only. Bring your helmet and lights. More details available by following @rar.reno on Instagram.

  • 7:45 pm

    • Bike Night Reno will be rolling out a huge group of riders of all kinds from the Space Whale in Downtown. As their name suggests, this is a night ride so lights are required. Whether it’s a simple headlamp and taillight or full on burner bike light-splosion is entirely up to you. Expect it to be cold and possibly wet so dress appropriately. This is a mostly flat road ride friendly to all wheeled contraptions at an extremely social pace. For more information, follow @bikenightreno on instagram.

• Thursday, November 03:

  • 5:45 pm

    • Silver State Striders are running from Horseman’s Park out and back on the Steamboat Ditch trail. This is a very welcoming group for all skill levels. This run can be whatever length you want and a headlamp is recommended if you plan on being out for more than an hour. Check their Facebook Group Page for more details. You can also find their training schedule on their website at this link.

• Friday, November 04:

  • 8:00 am

    • Radical Adventure Riders (RAR) Reno and Northern Nevada Bikepacking are teaming up to bring you Coffee Outside. This week’s morning cup of micro-adventure on bikes will meet at Ivan Sack Park. More information about joining can be found by following @coffeeoutsidereno on Instagram.

• Saturday, November 05:

  • 8:00 am

    • Silver State Striders are not organizing an official long run this weekend but are encouraging members to self organize. Check their Facebook Group Page for member organized runs. You can also find their training schedule on their website at this link.

• Sunday, November 06:

  • 12:00 PM

    • RAR Reno are leading a beginner friendly gravel ride in Truckee. This will be a very welcoming no-drop social pace for about 14 miles. This ride is for femme, trans, and non-binary identifying RAR members only. More details available by following @rar.reno on Instagram.

That’s what’s on my radar at the moment. If you know of something I missed or is coming soon, send me an email  and it might get listed. See you outside!