Biking in Northern Nevada

One thing Nevada doesn't lack is wide open spaces. There are many places to ride whether you prefer pavement or dirt. More info for Reno area rides are available from www.VisitRenoTahoe.com. Here are some off-road favorites:

	Dog Valley Road Moderate to difficult off road. A burly uphill of about 3 miles. The road splits at the top with three options. From Reno head west on I-80 to Verdi exit 5. Follow the highway. Turn right on Dog Valley Road. Parking is available on the right at the end of the pavement.
	Garson Road Moderate to difficult off road. A consistent uphill of 7.5 miles to the radio tower and a little further to the top of the mountain. From Reno head west on I-80 to Verdi, take the Boomtown exit. Head over the freeway. Take the first right, go past the fire station and through the gate. Park on the left, past the gate.
	Truckee River via Quilici Ranch Road Easy off road that follows the Truckee river for 3 miles. Difficult off road splits off main road about 1/2 mile from the trailhead. This road heads up the mountain about 2 miles to a boy scout camp. The steep and rocky road then continues up to the top of Mt. Rose. From Reno head west on I-80 to Verdi, take exit 3. Turn left at stop sign, turn left after crossing the railroad tracks onto Quilici Ranch Road. Park at the end of the road.
	Moon Rocks Easy off road in high desert terrain. Road heads west for 30 miles to the Nevada-California border. From Reno head east on I-80 to the Pyramid highway exit. Follow this past Spanish Springs. Turn left onto Winnemuca Ranch Road. Turn left onto the dirt road heading up to the moon rocks. Parking is available by the rocks.
	Incandescent Rock The area offers a trail through some spectacular scenery. It's a short hike, about 2 or 3 miles, ending at a desert waterfall. Depending upon the time of the year the water may be falling or it may show just as a stain on the face of the rock. The Incandescent Rock Preservation Area is located about 22 miles north of Reno off of Highway 445. Turn left onto Grass Valley Road. Before you get to the Flying Club gate turn right and go for another mile. Then, turn onto the dirt track on the right and follow that up the hill. Go a short distance and turn left. Less than a mile down the road is a gate off to the right. This is the entrance to Incandescent Rock.