Reno/Virginia City/Carson City Loop

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Reno, NV, US

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Route Overview

Rick Madden

Staying the course throughout the Reno-Tahoe area

55 mi.

3,907 ft.

History, scenery and challenges all rolled into one of the best climbs in Northern Nevada

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Route Details

Climbing Geiger Grade out of Reno isn’t just one the locals favorite climbs, it’s a journey back into Nevada history. Beyond the summit you will experience Virginia City, home of the Comstock Lode Mine. Almost seven million tons of ore was extracted from the mine deep beneath Virginia City and the adjacent towns of Silver City and Gold Hill over a period of 15 years. Over 25,000 residents descended on the area in its heyday. Today 4,000 residents, many leaning toward the quirky, remain in the area.

This @slice[challenging ride climbs almost 2,400’](d,4718.84,17638.93) to the @photo[Geiger summit](759353) before descending in to Virginia City. Watch out for the @photo[wild horses](759354)! Take a few minutes to experience this authentic town. Many residents dress in @photo[period clothing](759351) and remain in character when conversing with you. Miners, lawmen, merchants and even a few “women of ill repute” roam the town, all obviously having a bit of fun. Plenty of @poi[food](1064008) is available here after the long climb.

What goes up must come down, and we use the sparsely traveled truck route for a in-the-drops @slice[ripping decent](d,25367.68,33641.51)! The road quality is good and the grade very shallow for some of the best  downhill carving in the area.

Carson City is the next populated area, with more food and refreshment opportunities. It's a little off route, but @poi[Paul Schat's Bakery](947350) is an outstanding place for lunch. After crossing town you will climb up Combs Canyon and descend into the Washoe Valley. A quick left turn onto the beautiful @slice[Franktown Rd](d,59490.04,66405.81) you will soon pass the @photo[boyhood home](759349) of a famous American cyclist. I’ll give you a hint; he won the Tour de France. Pretty easy, right?

On the north end of Washoe Valley you will be riding on what is arguably the widest bike path in the country. Highway 395 was, until recently, the only direct route from Reno to Carson City. That changed with the construction of the new Interstate 580. What was once a somewhat heavily traveled road is almost devoid of cars, and when one does come by they have plenty of room to pass. Now I’m not making any guarantees, but most times you will have a generous tailwind on this six mile stretch of road.

The route ends at a plaza that has plenty of @poi[eating opportunities](947356). Overall, it’s a challenging but rewarding route that can easily be expanded to cover more miles. Heck, check out the route over Highway 50 to Lake Tahoe and return over Mt. Rose Highway, cresting at almost 9,000’! They refer to it as the “Lemond Loop” around these parts…85 miles with 8,500’ of climbing. But that’s a ride for another day…

## If you go...
Keep in mind that Virginia City is a tourist destination and that drivers are sometimes busy looking at the scenery. Get an early start if you are climbing Geiger Grade in the summer tourist season.

Mountain weather can be unpredictable. Be prepared with extra layers in case the weather turns on you!

Reno/Virginia City/Carson City Loop

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Rick Madden

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Truckee to Cisco Grove via Donner Pass

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