Wet 'n' Dirty
Photo: Teton Gravity Research

TGR premières “Deeper”
Teton Gravity Research, in partnership with Jeremy Jones, presents the most progressive big mountain snowboarding film to date, "Deeper,” making its world premiere on Sept. 10 at the Truckee River Amphitheater.
Follow Jones and other top freeriders as they travel to the world's snowboarding meccas and venture past the boundaries of helicopters, snowmobiles and lifts to explore an untouched realm. Hang on tight as Jones faces the biggest challenges he has ever encountered in snowboarding. All-night hikes, sleeping on peaks, camping 65 miles from civilization, 20-below temperatures, 10-day storms and 20-mile days bring the adventure back into riding. “Deeper” puts the viewer in the athletes' boots, from the trials to the tribulations, to mind-boggling breakthroughs in the sport of snowboarding.

"The ‘Deeper’ crew put cameras in places and in conditions you could never imagine. It is the ultimate first-hand experience and the most insane riding I have ever seen,” says TGR co-founder Steve Jones.
The movie features Jones along with Travis Rice, Xavier De Le Rue, Josh Dirksen, Ryland Bell, Jonaven Moore, Forrest Shearer, Johan Olofsson, Lucas Debari and Tom Burt.

The premiere is from 6 to 8 p.m. in Truckee with tickets $15 for adults and free for children under 8 with the purchase of a ticket. Attendees will receive a 2 for 1 ticket from Alpine Meadows, as well. Tickets are available at FiftyFifty Brewing, online or at the door (cash only). Visit www.tetongravity.com for more information or to see film clips. Win two tickets to the show by entering The Weekly’s raffle by filing out our reader survey at www.TheTahoeWeekly.com.

Locals compete in Freeskiing champs
Squaw Valley USA skiers Robin McElroy and Connery Lundin competed in the first stop of the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour, which kicked off in El Colorado, Chile, held Aug. 17 to 21 with athletes from 11 countries. McElroy placed 5th in the women’s competition, while Lundin placed 17th in the men’s competition. The next stop is in Canada in January 2011. For details, visit www.freeskiingworldtour.com.

Weather hampers Tahoe crossing
Weather conditions forced Ken Harmon of Danville to halt his attempt to swim Lake Tahoe twice on Aug. 23. Harmon was attempting to make the second double crossing of Lake Tahoe when he had to stop his swim. Jamie Patrick made the first double crossing of Lake Tahoe in August, making the 44-mile crossing in 25 hours and 25 minutes, setting a world record.

Harmon, and his Best Buddy, Karen Gaffney, started the swim together at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Beach in Incline Village on Aug. 23 at 5:22 p.m. Harmon was making the crossing to raise awareness and funds for the Best Buddies/Karen Gaffney Foundation.

After seven hours of nonstop swimming in an uphill battle against the rough water and windy conditions, Harmon made the decision to halt the swim. The decision was made for the safety of the swimmer and pacers as the conditions began to worsen. For more information, visit www.swimfar.org or www.bestbuddies.org/tahoechallenge.

Clemmons Cove considered
The U.S. Board of Geographic Names will consider naming a cove on Lake Tahoe after Samuel Clemens – Clemens Cove – at its Sept. 14 meeting at Thunderbird Lodge.

Clemens, who wrote under the pseudonym Mark Twain, visited Lake Tahoe and wrote about his adventures – including starting a forest fire – in his book “Roughing It.” The book did not specify the location of his campsite on a flat-topped rock, but historians believe it was near Incline Village. Although, a second site near Tahoe Vista is believed to be the correct location, by others.

Glow Ball tourney
The Truckee Ski Team is hosting a fundraising Glow Ball Tournament on Sept. 10 at Ponderosa Golf Course. Dinner is at 6 p.m., followed by a golf tournament at 7:45 p.m. with glowing golf balls. For details, call (530) 582-7720 or visit the Facebook page for Truckee Ski Team.

Back-country camps
Tahoe Rim Trail Association is hosting a back-country camp from Sept. 4 to 6 for volunteers to enjoy the outdoors while working on the trail.

Scrumptious food will be provided by volunteer cooks, but in order to offset this cost, there is a minimal fee for participants. Families are welcome, and children’s camping equipment is available upon request.
Volunteers must bring their own camping equipment and work clothes. The Tahoe Rim Trail Association will provide hard hats and all trail tools. Visit the Web site for a list of items. Volunteer cooks also are needed.

The cost is $35 per person. Visit www.tahoerimtrail.org or call (775) 298-0232 for details or to register.

Murphy leads U.S. in ski cross
Morganne Murphy of Truckee led the USA on Aug. 29 finishing fifth in the FIS Junior World Freestyle Championships ski cross in Cardrona, New Zealand.

A crash in the semi-finals was all that kept Murphy out of the finals. She didn't let it happen again, winning the small finals to take fifth.

"I was bummed about the run," she said. "I crashed in the semi finals which put me in the small finals. But, I made the best pass of my life and am so stoked about finishing fifth.”

Tour de Tahoe
The 8th annual Tour De Tahoe-Bike Big Blue features a 72-mile ride around Lake Tahoe on Sept. 12. As well, there will be a sightseeing boat cruise and 35-mile Fun Ride. Advance registration is open through Sept. 3, with registration onsite only on Sept. 11 at Tahoe Sports Ltd. in the Village Shopping Center in South Lake Tahoe. For details or entry, visit www.bikethewest.com.

Northstar tennis open
Northstar hosts a Tennis Open from Sept. 10 to 12 with 12 divisions open to tennis players of all ability levels. Event categories include singles, doubles, open singles, open doubles, mixed doubles and century doubles (any combination of players adding up to 100 years-of-age). Entry fees are $35 per person or $45 per team for doubles. Open class is $39 per person or $55 per team.

All entry fees include guaranteed two matches, T-shirt and a players' lunch on Saturday. Winners in the open divisions receive cash prizes and/or lodging packages. Entries are limited to two events per player. For more information, call (530) 562-0321 or visit www.northstarattahoe.com.

Great Tahoe Flume Race
The Reno Wheelmen host the Great Tahoe Flume Race on Sept. 12 on the Flume Trail at Spooner Lake to benefit Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park Backcountry Patrol.

The course is 18 miles with 3,100’ of climbing starting and finishing at Spooner Lake. This is the final race of the Nevada Cup series. Registration is limited and closes Sept. 4. Entry is $40 per person or $30 for juniors, a 2010 USA Cycling Mountain Bike Racing License is required. A one-day race license is available for $10. Registration fee includes a T-shirt, raffle, barbecue lunch and live music from Last Stand. For details or to register, visit www.renowheelmen.org.

Women’s paddleboarding
Tahoe Paddle & Oar is hosting Women’s Stand-Up Paddleboarding every Wednesday and Saturday through Sept. 11 from 8 to 10 a.m. in Kings Beach. The paddleboarding clinics are for women, instructed by women, to experience the latest in equipment, paddling techniques, fitness and fun. All equipment is provided. The cost is $30 per session. For more information, call (530) 546-3279. To register, visit www.activitytickets.com.

SUP for farm animals
Tahoe resident John Merryfield is organizing the second annual fundraising paddleboard, Stand Up for Farm Animals, to bring awareness to the plight of farm animals and to raise money for Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization by stand up paddle boarding around the lake. Last year, Merryfield raised $3,050.

Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to stop cruel practices of the food animal industry through research, investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness, youth education and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary’s shelters provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals.

Merryfield and friends will set off on their 72-mile journey at 8 a.m. on Sept. 10 from Kings Beach. He encourages paddlers to join him for all or part of the paddle. He can be reached at (530) 583-6190. Donations can be made by visiting www.firstgiving.com/johnmerryfield. Visit farmsanctuary.org or call (607) 583-2225 to learn more about Farm Sanctuary.

Pick-up hockey games
Squaw Valley USA is hosting pick-up hockey games every Sunday through Sept. 19 at the Olympic Ice Pavilion. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Cable Car. There is no general skating during the games. Entry is $20 per person. For details, call (530) 583-6985 or visit www.squaw.com.

Mountain bike race series
Northstar’s Super D Mountain Bike Race holds its final race of the series on Sept. 17 with an endurance downhill race. Full suspension mountain bikes are recommended.

The Two-Cross Mountain Bike Race concludes on Sept. 18 featuring a gated gravity competition where two competitors race together on a course featuring bermed corners, jumps and other technical trail features. Following a qualification round, riders' race against each other in an elimination heat. There will be an after-party on the Day Lodge Deck; races start at noon.

The fifth and final race in the Downhill Mountain Bike Race series is on Sept. 19. There are 20 divisions for men, women and juniors with beginner through open classes. Races start at noon with an after-party on the Day Lodge Deck afterwards. For more information or to register, visit www.northstarattahoe.com.

LUNA Chix rides
LUNA Chix hosts a group mountain bike ride from the Sawtooth Trailhead on Sept. 14 and 28. Plan for two hours over single track starting at 5:45 p.m. For details, e-mail tahoelunachix@gmail.com or visit www.teamlunachix.com.

Rock climbing clinics, series
Alpine Skills International is offering a Tuesday night Top Roping series from 4:30 to 6 p.m. every Tuesday. Climbers can gain coaching tips from experienced and certified ASI instructors at moderate climbs in the Donner Summit area. The clinics are $29 for drop-ins or $89 for a series of four.

As well, ASI offers clinics on topics including Intro to Rock Climbing, learn to follow multi-pitch, rock anchoring, Learn to Lead, self rescue, sport and face climbing, crack climbing, direct aid and big wall techniques. Upcoming clinics include Intro to Rock Climbing on Sept. 11; The Next Move on Sept. 12; Learn to Follow Multi-Pitch and Rock Anchoring on Sept. 11; Learn to Lead on Sept. 12; Climber’s Self Rescue on Sept. 12; and Direct Aid & Big Wall Technique on Sept. 11. For more information and a schedule, visit www.alpineskills.com.

Lodge-to-Lodge kayak tour
Experience a multi-day kayak adventure along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail with Tahoe Adventure Company from Sept. 23 to 26. The multi-day kayak and stay package along the West, North and East shores of Lake Tahoe features early morning guided paddles spotting local wildlife and learning the unique natural and human history of this special region. By afternoon, arrive at the lakefront hotel for a hot shower, warm meal and relaxation. The best hotels have been chosen for your comfort and include Sunnyside Lodge, Mourelatos Lakeshore Resort, and the Hyatt Regency. After checking in, you can choose to benefit from a massage, a walk along the beach, skipping stones or simply relaxing by the pool or on the water's edge. For details, call (530) 913-9212 or visit www.tahoeadventurecomapny.com.

Ride Across California
Big Brothers/Big Sisters hosts the Ride Across California from Fort Bragg to Truckee from Sept. 25 to 26. Hardy Bullock is riding 300 miles across California, from the ocean in Fort Bragg to the mountains in Truckee, in an effort to raise support and awareness of our valuable mentoring programs. For details, visit www.bbbs.org.

Tahoe Sierra Century Ride
The Tahoe Sierra Century Ride returns for its eighth year on Sept. 25. Known for its scenic routes and challenging hill climbs with 60- and 100-mile routes, the Tahoe Sierra Century is a fundraiser for the music programs at North Tahoe Middle and High schools.

The ride starts and finishes in the Village at Squaw Valley and riders can chose from 30-, 60- or 100-mile rides. The event includes rest stops along the routes, lunch and an after-ride dinner, with live music from the middle and high school bands. For more information or to register, visit www.tahoesierracentury.com.

Truckee Trails work
Good Dirty Fun is Truckee Trails Foundation's program to help maintain dirt trails in the Truckee Area. Volunteers are needed to keep the trails safe and secure. Volunteer any Wednesday through Sept. 29 from 4 p.m. until dusk. After work, the party continues at Cottonwood (happy hour all evening for the day's trail workers). On Saturdays, work from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. through Oct. 23. For more information, visit http://gooddirtyfun.org or call (530) 587-8214.

Lake Tahoe Marathon Week
Coined “A Sunday run you’ll never forget,” the Lake Tahoe Marathon will bring upwards of 3,000 racers to Lake Tahoe from Sept. 22 to 26 to run the 26.2 miles down the West Shore, along with a host of other events.

In addition to the event’s popular marathon on Sept. 26, runners and walkers choose from the Tahoe Triple, three marathons in three consecutive days; 20-Mile Power Walk and Run; 72- Miler; 3-Day Triathlon; Marathon Relays for two and five-person teams; Half Marathon; 10K; 5K; 35- or 72-Mile Bike Races; kayaking and swimming events; a la carte marathons; free Kids Fun Run; Race Directors Fun Run; and Speed Golf.

New this year is the Tahoe Double Dare, two laps around the lake in opposite directions; half-mile, one-mile and 2.5-mile swim distances and the Triple or a la carte Marathons, with different finishers medals for each of the three different marathons. For more information or to register, call (530) 544-7095 or visit www.laketahoemarathon.com.

Naish SUP Championships
Naish hosts the SUP Championships summer race series with weekly races in cities across North America. Locally, Adrift Tahoe in Kings Beach hosts the weekly series every Thursday at 6 p.m. in Kings Beach. Sign-up starts at 5 p.m.

Entry fees are $5, $10 for board rental (reserve in advance) and $10 for dinner at Jason’s after the race, which includes a hamburger or salad bar and beer. The Championship Race is Sept. 27 with the grand prize a Naish Glide 12’ board. For details and restrictions, call (888) 676-7702 or visit www.standuppaddletahoe.com.

Underground Running Series
The Truckee Underground Running Series is a series at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of the month through September. The series meets on the first Tuesday at the Legacy Trail and the third Tuesday at the Martis Wildlife Preserve. The cost is $30 for unlimited runs or $5 per run. For details, e-mail info@truckeerunningclub.com or visit the Truckee Running Club page on Facebook.

TRT trail building
Tahoe Rim Trail Association is hosting trailing building workdays Tuesdays and Saturdays through mid-October. For more information or to register, call Amanda at (775) 298-0239 or visit www.tahoerimtrail.org.

SUP weekly events
Adrift Tahoe in Kings Beach hosts a Big Wednesday Series for Standup Paddleboarders every week at 8 a.m. from Incline Beach. As well, they host the Women on Water series every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. For details, visit (888) 676-7702.

Waddle Ranch trail building
The Tahoe Donner Land Trust is looking for volunteers to help build new trails at Waddle Ranch Preserve. Volunteers are needed to help with trail construction, maintenance, installation of signage and construction of the picnic area at Waddle Ranch Preserve. Trail building dates are Sept. 11 and Oct. 9. Dates are subject to cancellation due to weather and participation. To sign-up, call John Svahn at (530) 582-4711 or e-mail john@tdlandtrust.org.

Fall Paddle Day
The Lake Tahoe Water Trail Committee hosts a Fall Paddle Day on Oct. 9 at Zephyr Cove Lodge from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Paddle from Zephyr Cove Lodge with researchers at the forefront of protecting Lake Tahoe from aquatic invasive species. Then, enjoy lunch with a beach barbecue.

The cost is $30 per person or $50 per couple and includes lunch. Water trail members are $25 per person and $45 per couple. Kayak rentals are available on site. Advance registration is required and begins online on Sept. 9 at www.laketahoewatertrail.org.

Cycling team offers group rides
Looking to add some motivational juju to your Hump Day? Elijah Bleu’s Community Cycling Team has just the thing: informal Wednesday evening group road rides to get folks spinning toward an active weekend.

The free weekly Wednesday rides meet at Truckee’s Elijah Bleu’s House of Coffee and Good Eats beginning at 5 p.m. Organizer Hardy Bullock, says if attendance is high the group will break into groups based on ability.

The newly formed Elijah Bleu’s cycling team is inclusive in nature. The competitive portion of the team includes accomplished athletes ranging from Ironman to adventure athlete and ultra distance cycling competitor. However, there is an important non-competitive aspect of the team, as well. The team is dedicated to providing community support through direct fundraising events and promoting the sport of cycling for anyone who wants to get out and ride.

For more information about Elijah Bleu’s cycling team, contact Hardy Bullock at hardy@ltol.com or John Evans at john@denaliusa.com. Elijah Bleu’s is located at 10115 Donner Pass Road. For more information, visit www.elijahbleus.com or call (530) 582-1040.