News
ENLARGE
LAKE TAHOE — As you whip around the switchback turns of Highway 89, the fine-tuned engine humming, the curves of the body gleaming in late morning sun, Lake Tahoe slips into view from over the ridge. With the top back, the warm air is filled with sweet smells: sugar pine, cedar, lupine.
At the top, tiny Cascade Lake on one side and effervescent Emerald Bay on the other, the view is endless. You almost pull over, but there's too much dreamy scenery along the road ahead.
“It's the most beautiful place in the world to drive your car,” said Tom Argo, a South Lake Tahoe classic car enthusiast, who helps organize several of the South Shore car shows. “In the 75 miles around the lake you get a cruise that people pay a lot of money to vacation in.”
With eight car shows around Tahoe and hundreds of classics cruising between Sacramento and Reno for shows, Lake Tahoe is a fine location to let the wind whip over your hood and the whitewalls sink into some turns. Then, when the cruising is over, why not pull into a parking lot with dozens of other auto enthusiasts and kick back with a cold one?
“You can't ask for anything better on an August night than hanging out with your buddies and your cars with the public all around,” says Bruce Benham, a local old truck buff.
But it's not all sun, convertibles and car shows up here. The winters can be tough for car owners, says Benham. Some take that time to hide away in their garage, tinkering on new projects or tuning old ones. Others put the covers on and wait for the snow to melt.
Come Memorial Day, shining bodies wheel out of their dark hiding places. Argo pulls out his bright red 1952 Chevrolet convertible for a drive around the lake, a cruise he does at least once a year. Old friends check out the winter's work and as the touring classics roll into town, new friends are made.
“The locals are kind of a host group of people,” Argo said. “It's a fun way to welcome people into town.”
At the top, tiny Cascade Lake on one side and effervescent Emerald Bay on the other, the view is endless. You almost pull over, but there's too much dreamy scenery along the road ahead.
“It's the most beautiful place in the world to drive your car,” said Tom Argo, a South Lake Tahoe classic car enthusiast, who helps organize several of the South Shore car shows. “In the 75 miles around the lake you get a cruise that people pay a lot of money to vacation in.”
With eight car shows around Tahoe and hundreds of classics cruising between Sacramento and Reno for shows, Lake Tahoe is a fine location to let the wind whip over your hood and the whitewalls sink into some turns. Then, when the cruising is over, why not pull into a parking lot with dozens of other auto enthusiasts and kick back with a cold one?
“You can't ask for anything better on an August night than hanging out with your buddies and your cars with the public all around,” says Bruce Benham, a local old truck buff.
But it's not all sun, convertibles and car shows up here. The winters can be tough for car owners, says Benham. Some take that time to hide away in their garage, tinkering on new projects or tuning old ones. Others put the covers on and wait for the snow to melt.
Come Memorial Day, shining bodies wheel out of their dark hiding places. Argo pulls out his bright red 1952 Chevrolet convertible for a drive around the lake, a cruise he does at least once a year. Old friends check out the winter's work and as the touring classics roll into town, new friends are made.
“The locals are kind of a host group of people,” Argo said. “It's a fun way to welcome people into town.”
Summer 2011 Car Shows
Cool Car Cruise
When: Every Friday May 20 - Oct. 7 Where: South Shore, in front of Heavenly Gondola What: Join the locals as they cruise South Lake Tahoe. Anyone and any car that's cool is welcome! Cost: Free for everyone Rod Run & Bike Bash for Cash When: June 3-5 Where: North Shore, Tahoe Biltmore What: A car, truck and motorcycle show with cash prizes for 25 different classes, poker run and slot tournament. Winners go on next year's event t-shirt and are featured guests. Watch out for the 1950s contest! Cost: $40/car, free to public Tahoe Rolling Chrome & Tahoe Thunder When: July 1-3 Where: South Shore, Heavenly Gondola What: One of the best attended Tahoe motorcycle shows, this mid-summer happening is also open to cars and trucks. A people's choice award leaves one lucky entrant with a fist full of cash. Cost: $40/car, one-day $25 judging package also available, free to public Hot Tahoe Cruisin' Where: South Shore, North Shore When: Aug. 5-6 (South Shore), Aug. 12-14 (North Shore) What: Aimed at catching the traffic to and from Hot August Nights, this two-weekend, two-show event is open to all cars, trucks and motorcycles and features a cruise to Emerald Bay. Cost: $40/car, free to public South Lake Tahoe Experience Where: South Lake Tahoe, Montbleu When: Aug. 7-9 What: An extension of Reno's Hot August Nights, this event is in its second year running. Expect hundreds of beautiful classics from around the country. Cost: $50/car, free to public Heavenly Days Where: South Shore, Heavenly Village When: Sept. 3-5 What: A family car show featuring a sidewalk sale, poker run and prize drawings. Cost: $40/car, free to public Cool September Days Where: North Shore, TBA When: Sept. 16-18 What: In its 26th year, this car, truck and motorcycle show is one of the largest in the basin. The event features slow drags, slot contests and thousands of dollars in prize money. Cost: $55/car, free to public Tahoe Classic Show Where: South Shore, Heavenly Village When: Oct. 7-9 What: The last show of the season winds down the cruising season for Tahoe locals. A 1941 Chevy pickup with a motorcycle in the back will be raffled off to benefit the Good Samaritans Safe Ride program. Cost: $40/car, free to public |
