It was beautiful weather for the Fourth of July weekend. A lot of people are still celebrating today, observing Monday as a holiday as part of the three day weekend. The temperatures will cool just a little this week rom the warm highs we had over the weekend, and we may see some moisture work it's way into the forecast by the end of the week, leading to a chance of showers and thunderstorms over the higher terrain. Nothing to worry about or spoil your plans, just our typical summer mountain weather. We haven't had a lot of typical weather this year, so enjoy it.
Saturday was the beginning of the epic event the Tour de France. In my opinion, it is the toughest athletic event in the world. Cyclists cover approximately 3600 km, or 2200 miles, in three weeks. The amont of climbing is comparable to climbing three Mount Everests. There are team tactics that make it as complicated as a chess game and dangerous descents that have caused injuries from broken bones and backs to death. Add to that the element of the weather, from scorching heat to rain and fog, and you have one of the greatest challenges any athlete can face. If you've never watched it, you owe it to yourself to take a look. May people watch it for the scenery alone, using it as a rolling travel guide to plan their French vacation. Hopefully you get Versus, because it's broadcast every day on that channel. If not, you'll have to settle for the network recap on the weekend.
There's other exciting cycling news for our Lake Tahoe and Squaw Valley area. There are rumors that the 2011 Amgen Tour of California may be coming to the Lake Tahoe area next year for its first two stages. Andy Chapman, director of tourism for the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, said a route has already been laid out that will start on Lake Tahoe's South Shore and then take riders around the lake for one and a half laps to the the finish line at either Northstar-at-Tahoe or Squaw Valley USA. Stage two would start at whichever resort was not selected as the finishing destination. This would be the first time the Tour of California climbed into the high mountains of the northern Sierras, made possible when they moved the race from February to May. If this comes to pass, it means that Olympic Valley and Squaw Valley USA will receive a lot of visitors and press in much the same way that Nevada City did in this years Tour of California. This is not a done deal, but looks very promising. You can read more about it at sierrasun.com.
That's next year but what to do this week? On Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the Resort at Squaw Creek, Squaw Valley, the Squaw Valley Institute is presenting "Solar Energy: Sense or Non-Cent$?". It will explore the present status of solar energy, the future prospects for solar energy in the world of conventional and renewable energy sources, the cost of solar energy and how it can competitute with other energy sources, and how solar energy relates to energy independence, public policy and environmental considerations. This is a very interesting program because it is the beginning of a new proposed series in which local Institute Members (who are not experts on the given topic) will study their subject in depth and develop a comprehensive report. This program will be a summary of what they've learned. Team presenters are locals Bob Moore, Art King and Don Priest. Get all the details at squawvalleyinstitute.org
After you watch the in the morning, get out on your bike and pretend you're Lance Armstrong climbing L'Alpe d'Huez, even if you never make it out of the parking lot. Watching others at the top of their sport can be great inspiration for the rest of us. Have a great week!
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