Thursday, June 6:  Truckee, California to Sparks, Nevada
Distance:  67 miles
Total time:  6 hours 42 minutes
Riding time:  5 hours 39 minutes

Today was a ride of four segments.  A thirty mile mostly flat ride, much of it along the beautiful Truckee River; a grueling 10 mile climb, with no respite - 10 uphill miles; then a crazy 17 mile descent, some of it so steep I was braking the whole time;  this took us up to the pass at 8,991 feet; then a 10 mile flat finish to the hotel.

I rode with a great group that seems to be going at the same pace every day:  Doug from Petaluma, CA; Michael from Columbus, OH; Jamie from Bath, Maine; and Dave from Walnut Creek, CA.  It's nice to ride in a group and enjoy the experience together.

We entered Nevada at the 26 mile mark.  I don't recall seeing a "Welcome to Nevada" sign, but the first casino meant that we'd crossed the line.

The scenery on this ride was spectacular.  I've never been in the Sierras before, and had never seen Lake Tahoe.  This is what it looked like:

Here's the proud proof of climbing Mt. Rose:

So at least until the Rockies, the really tough climbs are behind us.  But tomorrow we have our first long day - 92 miles.  That's 15 miles further than I've ever ridden, so let's see how that goes.