USCA 2009 Sidecar Rally Lake Tahoe

This lovely flyer/poster,
courtesy of Linda Foster,
aka The Barn Lady. THANKS, Linda!

Volunteer "Greeter" and Coffee 'attendant': This would ideally be folks who arrive early; who would welcome attendees, help them with familiarization of the camping and other areas...sort-of a brief orientation...and have some light information on happenings, etc., run the coffee machines, etc.    The Monohan Family (Norbert Monohan is the Nevada USCA Representative) has volunteered to be our "Greeter" and to help with the coffee, etc.
Say HELLO to Norbert and his wife, Linda, and daughter, Lisa when you arrive.   Norbert will be bringing his 26' trailer, with awning. There will be a table set up here, as this will be THE place for the Rally Coffee, and the Rally Registration Desk.

We'll provide two 32 cup pots for coffee and hot water. There should always be hot coffee, hot water, creamer, sugar, hot chocolate mix, tea, etc. Norbert, etc., will keep things running. This is a great job for a few folks to share, taking a short shift or being responsible for the duties for a bit longer.   NO, you do NOT have to stand around the pot all day...nor would we want you to!

Note...we MAY need a table and a canopy (s) to provide sunshade for the registration/raffle/coffee bar area....

***We needed volunteers to share running the Registration 'desk' at this trailer area.....and to sell raffle tickets, etc. We don't really want to have Norbert and family have to be stuck here constantly!...and they are not volunteering for the Registration positions anyway. We anticipate the Rally Registration desk to be here at the Coffee and Welcoming trailer area...and would like a couple or three volunteers to help out here on a rotating part-time basis.
Ron and Shirley Gerhart have already volunteered for this, but we don't want them stuck here for long periods of time!...so, volunteer to help a bit!

PRE-REGISTRATION, LATE REGISTRATION, AND T-SHIRTS

note: pre-registration is not yet available. When it is, we will so post here. Fees, and structure of fees, shown below, are not yet cast in stone, and are only preliminary estimates.

Tom Hansen will do all PRE-Registrations and early T-shirt orders...prior to a CLOSING POSTMARKED DATE of MAY 25th, 2009. NOTE that by PRE-Registrations we mean the USCA Rally Registration....not your Reservation with Camp Richardson. NOTE!!!! There is a deadline of 5/25/2009 for postmarked PRE-Registraion and T-shirts of 5/25/2009. Any received after that postmark will be returned, and you can ONLY Register ON-SITE with the LATE FEE PENALTY! Tom will be accepting ONLY checks and Money Orders....NO PayPal, NO cash!
tfhansen@mywdo.com

Here's a photo of the trailer....we anticipate the coffee table and registration table to be under that awning:

Master of Ceremonies: Helpful if this person knows some or more of the membership; and, especially, has a gift of gab, and a sense of time...keep things moving!!! (We don't REALLY want a dry-humored cynical old curmudgeon like Snowbum to do this, do we?).
xxxxxxxxxxxxx has volunteered to be our MC!

Rally Raffle Guru:
xxxxxxxxxxxxx has volunteered to be our "Raffle Guru" to run the raffles. Perhaps this could be the same person as the Master of Ceremonies..??

Sidecar Games and Prizes: Able to bring props, set up course, referee the contests, keep things moving, and safely too. Prizes, if desired, must be silly, inexpensive, and could be donated (know any places that want to donate?) and/or paid for by rally funds.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx has volunteered to run the Games

Kids Activities: Crafts and games suitable for children of various ages. Perhaps a walk to the beach for water/sand castle play. There are several nature trails suitable for children at the Taylor Creek Stream Profile site. They might enjoy seeing the underwater viewing chamber. There are bicycle rentals for children and adults at Camp Richardson. If no one volunteers, there will be NO kids activities set up formally.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx has volunteered to be our Kids activities leader

The ''..est' List: Someone to create a ballot system and tally the information at the rally. Some suggestions - Oldest rig and riders, Youngest rider, Newest rider, Traveled the farthest distance.....you get the idea. We're looking for superlatives, here! Sorting and tallying the entries might be faster if there was a single color-coded slip of paper for each category. Got an extra category you particularly like?...add it!
Penny has volunteered to be our "..est' Organizer"
Some of the information needed might be on the USCA Rally Registration form.

Rally Tours: We expect to have a few self-guided tours written down for you; as well as having one or more GUIDED tours. You can expect wonderful vista's and GREAT riding conditions. Norbert Monohan has volunteered to lead one or more of the GUIDED tours; and Bob Fleischer may well lead another. Both are long time local residents and know the areas exceptionally well.

Food Service & Helpers: We are still working on catered meals and will seek volunteer help, bussing, helping the caterers, etc..
xxxxxxxxxxxxx and ..........and..........and.............have volunteered to be our "Food Service Helpers"

Exactly what meals we will offer will be determined in the weeks ahead. At the moment, it looks like we will have a substantial catered bar-b-cue for Saturday evening; said dinner WILL BE included in the Rally Fee. We probably will have a local service group, probably the Kiwanii's do a breakfast on site for Friday or Saturday mornings for around $5.00. Probably big muffins and coffee/etc., for Sunday morning.
We have available to us the Picnic Area behind the Hotel, for our meals, IF we decide to have them there. Note, again, that the Saturday evening meal is covered as part of the Registration fee.

***NOTE!!! We do not anticipate having any type of plastic styrofoam cups, ceramic cups, plastic knives, plastic forks, plastic spoons, ETC, at this Rally. Items as needed for specific meals will be supplied by the Caterer's. HOWEVER, we will need mugs and stirrers (?) for coffee/tea/etc. We are working on having the Rally Registration Packet include USCA Logo'd hot/cold mugs.

We MAY need someone to bring a canopy (s) to provide sunshade for the registration/raffle/coffee bar area....to save the USCA the rental fees for such an item. We MAY need a sturdy large folding table there too, for the coffee urns, etc. No, we do NOT expect a sidecar driver to bring these things!

xxxxxxxxxxxxx and xxxxxxxxxx have volunteered to be our "Canopy/table suppliers"

We would welcome suggestions for seminars, entertainment (??), etc.
We are in the planning stage for having seminars. When any are confirmed, they will be announced here.

xxxxxxxxxxxxx has volunteered to be a speaker, or do a seminar, or provide entertainment; and the details are:

RAFFLES:

(1) White Elephant Raffle: A 'White Elephant' item is typically an off-the-wall, often very humorous item, usable for something or other....that someone may want....or; after 'winning', may want to trade for another White Elephant item. We are combining that idea with the idea of very practical items that many may want...such as Memberships. White Elephant items will INCLUDE Vendor and Rally Attendees items. Horse-trading after winning is fun! Lots of good-natured trading tends to go on after these raffles. A White Elephant item should be something that someone would want, for whatever reason!...and be willing to purchase a ticket for! Everyone coming to the Rally is invited to bring a lightly-used or even a new item you never used (?) for this Raffle. The item need not be motorcycle-related. ONE ticket for this raffle will be INCLUDED in the Registration Packet. Additional tickets will be sold during the Rally and before the drawing. Ticket color will be different from the color of the Super Raffle 50/50 tickets. Drawings will be done from time to time after close of Registration, and Winners! will be posted.
***We are accepting White Elephant 'donations' by companies/businesses, ETC., for motorcycle or sidecar related type items, for this White Elephant Raffle!
Chris Dodson, editor of Hack'd, has already donated a year's subscription to her magazine.

(2) Super Raffle 50/50: Tickets for these will be sold at the Rally, and will be a different color ticket than for the White Elephant Raffle. Winning tickets for the Super Raffle will be drawn from one ticket pool. Tickets will be drawn until all prizes are awarded, as you MUST be present to receive any prize.
Prize #1: A Registration for TWO, for EITHER the 2010 or 2011 USCA National Rally.
Prize #2: A year's Membership in the USCA.
After Prize #2 is awarded, there will be a short time interval allowed for sales of last chance tickets....immediately after which the Pool cash amount will be announced, and then will be the final drawing:
Prize #3: 50-50 drawing. 50% of the Super Raffle ticket sales cash pool; 50% goes to a local charity.

The primary site will be Camp Richardson's Eagles Nest Group Campsite area AND the RV Village area of the same Camp Richardson Resort. This complex is located at Lake Tahoe, California, straddling both sides of Hwy 89 (also called Emerald Bay Road), all just 2 miles northwest of the City of South Lake Tahoe. The entire Camp Richardson area is U.S. Forest Service land. The Eagle's Nest Group area consists of 98 camping spots of two sizes. All sites are standard size except for TWO large sites. Campsites have almost new modern bear-proof storage lockers (don't expect to see any bears) and fire-rings. Wood for campfires is available. Camp Richardson has agreed to allow up to 6 persons per site (two tents) in the standard sites. There are TWO oversize (double capacity) camping sites; and these TWO sites are OK for up to 12 persons and 4 tents. The number of rigs that each of the two sizes of camping sites can accommodate for parking is not limited in our Agreement with Camp Richardson.

The Eagle's Nest Group sites and RV Village area (they are next to each other) have plenty of shade from many hundreds of trees. ALL sites are fairly large and the Group Site has its own entrance road where we expect to park the welcoming trailer/tables/coffee/registration. Restrooms with hot water and flush toilets, electricity, and showers (showers are FREE and INCLUDED in camping fee) are scattered throughout the complex. A few tent sites will have electricity available, information is in this article, below. The Camp Richardson complex also has cabins, a hotel, and a restaurant/bar called The Beacon, right on the beach, and is likely to have entertainment, even daytimes.

Weather should be quite moderate and VERY pleasant. Rainfall at Tahoe is low and unlikely although possible, and high temperatures are QUITE UNlikely. Tahoe weather in the summertime is generally considered "delightful". You will not likely have high humidity nor high temperatures:...no mugginess here.

All 98 Eagle's Nest spots and 25 of the RV camping spots have been blocked out...THROUGH April 30, 2009... for USCA Members and guests. A FEW hotel rooms have been blocked out. A "guest" is a very broad term and covers anyone who is not yet an official USCA Member and/or is interested in sidecars and who wishes to stay with us. RV spots have water and electrical OR full hookups. The RV spots are a close walk-able distance to the Eagle's Nest Group Campground. This closeness is true for most 'everything else'. "Everything Else" includes:
(1) Bicycle rental store. Bike trails are paved & off-highway and are immediately adjacent! These are delightful!...and lead to interesting places.
(2) General Store. Serves a limited breakfast and sandwiches and salads for lunch...and is helpful for those 'forgotten' items including wood for campfires, ice, beers, pops, souvenirs.
(3) Ice cream parlor....traditionally serving WAY too large treats!
(4) The Beacon...that restaurant/bar mentioned earlier, often with entertainment right on the beach, at the close-by (again, walk-able) Lakeshore.

It is not much of a walk to the Taylor Creek Forest Service facility with its Stream Profile Chamber (an underground fish viewing area), paved trails in the meadow, amphitheatre with Forest Service programs, etc. Kids LOVE that stream profile chamber...so do adults!

Even closer is the Tallac Historic Site, consisting of several large Old Estates at the lakeshore, where a leisurely walk and possibly a tour are not to be missed (www.tahoeheritage.org).

Only half an hour or so via a leisurely and exceptionally scenic drive is a parking area, from which the photo taking possibilities are marvelous...and you can walk down to Vikingsholm Castle. This is located on famous Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed places in the USA. There is also the Ehrman Mansion to see, and other Lake Tahoe attractions. Tahoe is vastly more than ski slopes, the Lake, and gambling.

Some of you will be arriving via RV, or will have trailers, or otherwise might be bringing bicycles. Be advised that there are paved bicycle trails/paths adjacent to Camp Richardson, and these trails/paths are mostly routed into the tree'd areas, AWAY from the highway...and hence are simply delightful places to ride. If you are NOT bringing a bicycle, there are bikes for rent, right at Camp Richardson!...and also at a place just a bit over a mile south.

South Lake Tahoe, the city, begins about 2 miles south of Camp Richardson; and has the usual stores; and, casino gambling, shows, etc. at the Nevada state line...another 5 miles or so.

For those wishing to arrive before the Rally begins, or, stay later, Camp Richardson will be accommodating. You may wish to stay a week or more! This may be YOUR chance for a REAL vacation experience. You might even consider using a motel and the campground, arriving early...or staying late...or whatever combination you would like.

RESERVATIONS:

All camping and RV reservations MUST BE made directly with Camp Richardson, NOT the USCA!Camp Richardson's number for Reservations and Information is (800) 544-1801. BE SURE to tell the reservation clerk that you are with the USCA Group. This applies to those that are camping in the Eagle's Nest Group Campground; or if you are staying in the RV Village or Camp Richardson's cabins or hotel. Camping fees and RV spot fees for those identifying as being with the USCA Group are 10% off, automatically. 10% discounts are also standard for USCA at the Camp Richardson hotel and cabins. The discounts also apply to "guests", anyone identifying themselves as with the USCA group....not just official USCA Members with membership numbers.
Camp Richardson's reservation desk and phone, (800) 544-1801, is already fully operational. As of early November, there are already reservations being made for the RV and Camping sites.
There is a formal list, which we have, of fees for every site, room, cabin, etc. An overview of discounted fees are: $31.50 per standard camping site per night; twice that for the two oversize camping sites. RV sites: FULL hookups are $40.50 a night; water and electricity sites are $36.00. There are actually water-only tent sites in the RV village at $31.50, but we have not reserved any such sites. If someone wishes to tent-camp next to a friends RV site, then make your reservation for a water-only site, if that is what you wish, in the RV Village, next to your friends RV. One other reason I can think of for tent camping in the RV Village, might be if you have an absolute need for electricity, want it especially close by; or, if the Group Camping area electricity available sites are already reserved by someone else.

***We highly recommend that you reserve a camping or RV site or cabin, etc., with Camp Richardson (or; very especially any motel) EARLY. This is a very popular place in the Summer due to the Lake, woods, etc...not to mention the mild weather. Do NOT take this caution lightly!!

NOTE AGAIN!....These 98 camping sites and 25 RV sites will be blocked out ONLY through April 30th, 2009. After that date, Camp Richardson is free to offer any sites not taken by USCA Members and guests to the public. Reserve early!...this is a VERY popular place!

Information on Eagle's Nest sites electricity (this does not apply to the RV camping area, all of which have electricity):

Site 503 and Site 523 would have electricity with a 50' to 100' cord.
Site 522 and 501 would need 50' cords.
Sites 534-535-536 would need cords from 25' to 100'. A large quantity
    of electrical outlets is near the water spigot symbol between sites 536
    & 565.
Site 586, 588, and maybe 595, would get electricity from the
    RestRooms/Shower facility close-by, with cords of various lengths.
There is a Power pole with outlets located sort-of between sites 530, 529,
    531, 532; and various lengths of power cords would work there.
Site 586 would require a 100 foot cord.
The bathrooms/showers near site 540 have electricity.
Electricity for sites 538-537-540 are not close to the shower building
   electrical outlets.

$$$:
Camp Richardson 2009 USCA rates are: $31.50 per night for camping for standard sized camp spots. Double-size sites 513 and 521 are twice that cost. Up to 6 persons will be allowed at each "tent/motorcycle/sidecar rig" type of camping sites. There is generally room for at least two sidecar rigs. The two double sites will accommodate a larger vehicle as well. The cost of a site could be shared by two sidecar rigs; etc...so make your own arrangements with your buddies and Camp Richardson.

NOTE #1: If you must have electricity at a tent site, you may want to consult the information in this website page for the campsite numbers. At this time I feel that you probably will not need to have a particular site in mind when advance registering and could wait until arriving, and then select your site during a drive-through, using the information provided in this webpage....but, this is up to YOU....and we can NOT guarantee you a spot if you do not pre-register with Camp Richardson. We are NOT 'holding' ANY camping spots, RV spots, cabins, motel rooms, or anything else for late arrivals, friends of ourselves, or anyone else!!!

NOTE: All sites have a campground road leading directly to them and you park right at, well really INTO your site.

Rates for the RV sites: RV sites are $40.50 for full hookups. Water and electricity only, $36.00.

There are a number of Camp Richardson cabins, with various cutesy names, across the street from the Campground, and they generally sleep 2 to 5 persons. There is a Beachside Inn whose 2009 base rate is $154.50 for a King and $163.50 for a double-double.

The Camp Richardson Hotel is $118.50 base rate for a queen bed.

Cabins and Hotel are all across the street from the Campground/RV Village general area. All use the same Camp Richardson Reservation 800 number. There is a 10% County tax added to all total room charges. There is no such tax for camping sites.

NOTE #2: There is WiFi wireless Internet capability, but it is supposedly spotty in the campground area...mostly it should be OK at the hotel area. Not far away there are at least two coffee places, including a Starbucks, with free WiFi. Once I get a laptop computer I will be doing a WiFi survey in advance of the Rally, and reporting on it here.

NOTE #3: Refer to the sketches. In the Eagle's Nest Group Campground, the sites to the left of a rough line of those numbered 565, 596, 597, are on a mild hilly area. Sites to the right of a rough line of those numbered 520, 521, 523, 524, 503, 504, 505 are also raised, somewhat at least, on a mild hill. All campsites have a campfire ring and there were bear-proof lockers, storage and trash containers added in 2008. You are unlikely to see a bear in the campground!

NOTE #4: In the RV Village drawing, note the coding for water only/tent sites; water & Electrical Hookups; and Full Hookups. This coding is done by a change in the symbol for the site number. Electrical outlets in the RV area are standard RV type. Adapters to fit that outlet and convert to standard 120 volt household type outlet are available at most hardware stores or RV stores, ETC.,if you need one. RVers won't need this adapter for their RV itself....but tent campers in the RV Village area might.

NOTE #5: Electrical outlets in the Eagle's Nest Group Campground are standard 3 pin household type, GFI protected.

Arrival and departure:

Campsite/campground Check-in with the Camp Richardson folks, is 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Thursday, June 25, 2009. At this time I know of no reason you cannot access your SITE earlier.
Lodging check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
Departure Checkout for Lodging is no later than 10:00 AM.
Campground Checkout is no later than Noon.

When you arrive at the Rally Site; check in at the Kiosk on the West side of the highway...NOT at the Hotel; unless the Kiosk is not occupied...then there may be a sign on it as to where to check-in.

RALLY check-in is going to be at the 'trailer' at the Group Campground's separate entrance, which is a bit south of the center of the Camp Richardson complex.

The GPS coordinates for the Kiosk and RV village entrance is:
N38°56.049'; W120°02.469'.

The GPS coordinates for the Eagle's Nest Group Campground entrance is:
N38°55.996'; W120°02.276'.

Dogs are NOT generally allowed in the entire Camp Richardson complex. Alternate nearby camping, RV sites, and nearby motels that do allow dogs are available; and information on them....as well as on most everything else, will be available in the coming months; or, already here.

Camp Richardson, with some direct inquiry by Penny, has agreed that SERVICE DOGS ARE ALLOWED.

Dogs...Beaches...and more....:::
There are a number of beaches relatively close to Camp Richardson, besides the Camp Richardson beach itself (which does NOT allow dogs). The beaches that do allow dogs are Fallen Leaf Lake beach; and, Kiva beach (here on leashes). If you drive your sidecar rig, car, or RV, to some beaches, bring your Golden Age Passport, or similar, for a substantial discount on the entrance fee. In general all the public beaches have free entrance to walk-ins or bicyclists. As an example, there is NO fee to enter Kiva Beach on a bike or your feet. Pope Beach, just a short distance south of the Camp Richardson complex, is a nice one for picnics, with tables, etc. Camping or RV places that accept dogs are listed later in this long page.

RALLY MEALS:

We are working on this and will post information when available. We presently are working on some sort of Saturday morning breakfast, perhaps at $5, from the Kiwanii's. We are anticipating a Saturday evening catered meal. Rolls/muffins for Sunday morning.

RALLY MUGS:
We are working on this and will post information when available. At the present time we think these mugs will be part of the Registration Packet...and have the USCA Logo, but not any information identifying them with the 2009 Rally. By doing this, we can hopefully order enough to accommodate all Rally Registrants, whether or not pre-registered...and any left over can be used in later Rallies. We most likely will not provide other types of cups or mugs for coffee, etc.

RALLY T-shirts:

We are working on this and will post information when available. At the present moment we think we can have the T-shirts priced at about $12.00 for those Pre-registering before May 25th and $16.00 after that date; a considerable savings from what Rallyists may be used to paying. We will be UNable to guarantee T-shirt availability on site OR after June 15th.

RALLY PINS: IF these will be made available, they probably will be handled by Joyce Canfield, USCA President. We will post information when we have it.

GENERAL Information:

The Lake Tahoe area: Lake Tahoe, at an elevation of about 6225 feet above sea level, is a natural non-man-made lake, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The Lake has 72 miles of shoreline and a paved 75 mile road going completely around it. The Lake is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide. In one area the Lake is 1645 feet deep. There is enough water in Lake Tahoe to cover the entire State of California to a depth of 14 inches. Lake Tahoe is the Crown Jewel of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. About 2/3 of the Lake is in California, and 1/3 in Nevada. Sacramento is 2 hours away; Carson City about 45 minutes and Reno about 1-1/2 hours. Some amazing scenery as well as a VERY pleasant campground will be just two of your rewards for attending. The Lake Tahoe area offers wonderful mountain roads for motorcyclists and sidecarists...and we will provide information on some of the 'best rides', and places to have a picnic along the way, perhaps by a stream or small lake. If you are the type of person that likes to get away for a few hours from the Rally campground, we will have extensive information for you. There are several non-Indian casinos only a few miles away from the Rally Site.

The expected weather:
Mild, NON-muggy (low humidity), sunshine, and brilliantly blue clear skies are highly likely. Chilly, comfortable, but not cold nights, likely in the fifties. The over-all weather will likely be very pleasurable; with temperatures during the day of seventies to eighties. Lake Tahoe has little rain, perhaps an inch in the entire month of June, and snow, etc., whilst it has occurred in June is highly UNlikely.

Depending on where you are coming from, you MAY be traveling through high desert or other potentially hot areas to get to Lake Tahoe. Be prepared for medium to high desert temperatures, until you climb one of the several mountain passes leading to Lake Tahoe. Suggested routes and details will be provided; or, upon request. Black unvented leather jackets and black helmets are not the best type of riding gear for hot weather. Carry LOTS of extra water and drink plenty of it; OFTEN, even if you are not particularly thirsty. Use one of the popular Cooling Vests, or something similar.

South Lake Tahoe's (City owned) Campground by the Lake. Located just a few miles easterly from the junction of Hy50/Emerald Bay road (aka Hy 89N). (530) 542-542-6096. Dogs are $1. Tents, RV's (full hookups), showers, water, flush toilets...and right across the highway from the Lake and next door to the County Library. This is walking distance to the City's Recreation Complex...which has a full size ice Arena...in case you feel like ice skating (inexpensive, INcluding the skates). There is also a swimming pool, gym, etc., all at this one complex. If you felt REALLY energetic, you could attend Jazzercise class here, use the gym or weights rooms, ETC. www.recreationintahoe.com
Close-by is the City's golf course, which is vastly cheaper to use than other places.

Tahoe Valley Campground. RV's and tents. Pricier than the above City owned campground, but maybe a few miles closer to Camp Richardson. Dogs free. (530)541-2222. We had considered this place at one time for the actual Rally.

The closest ""motel"" to Camp Richardson is the Fireside Lodge; at about 1.2 miles on Emerald Bay Road (also called Hy 89 North). This is a Bed & Breakfast place....the breakfast is of the expanded type. $$$ (expect $165-$185). There are ONLY 9 units. This place is exceedingly popular, and you should book MANY months in advance. You are HIGHLY unlikely to obtain a room if you wait...some are booked a year in advance. All rooms are decent sized and have kitchenettes, dining tables, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, cable TV, VCR's, WiFi (in entire motel area). There is a Gathering Room that is very nice, located next to the office, where the expanded breakfast is served; and coffee, juices, and complimentary wine and cheese in the afternoon. Other amenities include a hot tub, outdoor barbeque, kayaks, float tubes, gazebo, and picnic tables...AND ...FREE bicycles (it is just over a mile to Camp Richardson, and the paved OFF-highway bike path is directly behind this motel). DOGS ARE OK!
They have two units called suites, with two large beds, and the other 7 have the typical queens, and some of those have fold-out beds or otherwise an extra bed. www.tahoefiresidelodge.com 1-800-692-2246. A very nice enthusiastic young couple, Christine & David Latshaw own and run this Lodge. This is NOT your typical motel.

About a half mile farther down this same Emerald Bay road (that makes it 1.7 miles from the Rally campground) are two motels next to each other, owned and run by the same folks. These are the Pine Cone Motel, and the Washoe Motel. The Pine cone has rather small rooms, but is a nice pleasant place. Bigger rooms at the Washoe. GPS coordinates are N38°55.174'; W120°00.786', for the office entrance, which serves both motels. The address is 735 Emerald Bay road, reservations number is (530) 541-0375. www.pineconeacremotel.com
Total of 29 units, all have Fridge and microwave, WiFi, HBO, PETS OK, 2008 prices were; Sunday through Thursday, single queen, $75; double queen $85, with kitchen $95. $ higher on weekends. This is a decent place with a pool, gliders, shaded lawn, picnic tables. The rooms are smallish; but the place seems well-kept-up, and Penny preferred this place to the asphalt/concrete Motel 6 (but the much pricier Fireside was considerably nicer yet). They are considering group rates, as they don't have them yet...and Penny will keep on top of that.

Motel 6 is typical of the cheaper motels and not too far from the Rally. It is just a few miles from Camp Richardson. There is a restaurant next-door, Carrows, that offers a 10% discount to Motel 6 guests. Motel 6 prices will be around $60. Motel 6 has 143 rooms in two stories, at 2375 Lake Tahoe Blvd (better known as Highway 50). It has a heated swimming pool, on-site laundry facility and non-smoking rooms available. Twenty of the rooms have a small refrigerator and microwave oven. A paved bicycle path/system leading eventually to the beaches and via a meandering way, goes to Camp Richardson. This path is directly behind the motel. The manager is willing to set aside a block of rooms for Rally attendees and hold these open until thirty days before the rally. Those wanting to stay at Motel 6 must reserve their rooms individually with a deposit. We would suggest that those wanting to stay at Motel 6 reserve their rooms early to obtain the amenities and floor level they desire. The telephone number for South Lake Tahoe Motel 6 is: 530-542-1400

There are several other motels on this west side of town, and we will report on some of them. We expect some will have cheaper prices, yet be perfectly adequate.

Approaching Camp Richardson....showing the 2 lane 'highway'....and the paved bicycle path. The bicycle path is usually well away from the road, in the tree'd area....but does come close to the road in the Camp Richardson and Beach areas.

This ice cream parlor is WAY too close to our group campground and RV Park, for your waistline! A popular place. The bicycle rental store is next door, and the Beacon Restaurant is a short walk towards the Lake from here.