1,800 cyclists to bike around the lake in Sunday's Tour de Tahoe

The 13th annual Tour de Tahoe bicycle ride around the lake is on Sunday, September 13. More than 1,800 riders are expected to take on the 4,000 feet of climbing involved in the ride which continues to gain in popularity. Besides recreational riders there will also be teams riding to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

As riders leave the start at 6:45 a.m. they will ride clockwise around the lake. For those that did no pick up their registration packets, or, if you haven't registered yet, there is still time. Stop by the race start o Sunday between 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. in parking Lot C of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, located at Stateline, NV which is the scene of the start and finish.

There will be no road closures so cars and riders need to be aware of those around them.

"In my 25 plus years of directing our events, I have never been in a position to plead with our participants for their safety and the future of our events," said Tour de Tahoe event direction Curtis Wong in an announcement to cyclists. "Caltrans has received numerous comments, complaints and letters about riders not abiding by the Rules of Road and Ride."

Wong stressed to the participants that CalTrans issues the permit to operate the race and the agency has received numerous complaints recently about cyclist behavior during his company's America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride and Tour de Tahoe.

Complaints include not riding as far to the right as practicable; Riding two or more abreast; Not moving to the right to allow following traffic to pass safely; and Not stopping at stop signs or allowing pedestrians to cross at marked cross walks.

Continued dangerous behavior during the races could result in permits not being renewed.