In preparation for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California that will be in the Tahoe area May 15-16, North Lake Tahoe trail crews have been working long days to clear snow from the region’s many paved bike trails.

Spectators can now gather on the miles of paved trails to cheer on the Tour’s professional cyclists as they race for the coveted yellow jersey during Stage 1, which includes a lap-and-a-half around the lake starting on the South Shore and finishing at Northstar-at-Tahoe May 15. Stage 2 takes off at the Village at Squaw Valley and onto Highway 89 before heading to Truckee May 16.

North Lake Tahoe is also hosting the Tahoe 10-Day Countdown, kicking off May 5, prior to Stage 1 and Stage 2 with a number of community-oriented events planned in the region’s commercial core districts that are now reachable via the paved bike paths.

All of North Lake Tahoe’s paved bike trails are recreational-rider friendly and some favorites include the route along the Truckee River from Tahoe City to Squaw Valley, the West Shore from Tahoe City to Sugar Pine Point State Park and Lakeshore Drive in Incline Village with its awe-inspiring Tahoe mansions.

Although the paved bike trails are accessible, the trails officially open May 27. Riders and walkers are advised to be aware of any missing signage and asphalt repairs, as well as freezing conditions at night that can make trails slick in the early morning.