Bones to Blue 2017

UPDATE (Race Recap): The 2017 event saw 10 group-start participants, and only one DNF. First place was taken by Kurt Sandiforth (Grass Valley, CA) with a finish time of 38 hours, 15 minutes, Kurt currently holds the fastest male finish time. Isaac Chilton (Georgetown, CA) followed closely behind with a finish time of 38 hours, 45 minutes. There was a significant gap between the two fastest riders with Joe Dengler (Truckee, CA) placing third at 53 hours, 45 minutes. The current fastest single speed and women’s record was set by Alice Drobna (Bend, OR) with a finish time of 66 hours, 18 minutes. For a detailed summary of the event, check out the race organizer’s, Forest Baker, write up.

Beginning and ending in Truckee, CA, this bikepacking route consists of 2 loops – a smaller loop above Truckee (Bones) and then a big loop around Lake Tahoe (Blue). The route is mostly well-maintained, single-track with some fire roads. There is a 20-mile stretch of road riding along the scenic west shore of Lake Tahoe.

The “Bones” Loop goes through the areas that the Donner Party spent their tragic winter of 1846/47. Participants will pass through the Donner Party sites at the beginning and the end of the loop. They will also descend down Donner Pass, a very important pass for pioneers making their way into California in the 1800’s.

The “Blue” loop (around Lake Tahoe) uses all of the bike-legal sections of the famous Tahoe Rim Trail. The views are stunning. While there is a lot of climbing, the trail is very rideable.

For a very similar route guide, check out Cass’ recent Tahoe Twirl.

Follow the race below…