Thrill Seeking in Northern Nevada

Usually when I tell someone who's not from Northern Nevada that this is the place I call home, he or she has some follow-up questions. What’s there to do besides gambling? It’s the desert, right — is it hot all the time? How far is Las Vegas?

As I’m sure many locals know, giving an out-of-towner the full rundown of Northern Nevada requires some serious explaining and certainly some showing. We live in a place that’s dense with history, culture and personality — and that has a trick or two up its sleeve. This place is full of secrets and surprises, so here’s one for locals and visitors alike: Northern Nevada has quite the profound extreme sports scene.

I too was taken aback when I first stumbled upon this information, but it’s true. This scenic corner of the world is home to some dedicated extreme sports enthusiasts and athletes. And I’m not talking about the people who jump from helicopters onto ski slopes — that’s a conversation for a different time of year. Summertime brings out the thrill seekers for a set of exciting extreme sports and activities that are central to Northern Nevada’s outdoors.

Roller Derby

The can’t-miss event of the weekend is on Saturday: a Roller Derby Bout at Marv Teixera Pavilion. For those unfamiliar, roller derby is a predominately all-female, high-energy contact sport that happens to be quite popular in Carson City, Reno and Lake Tahoe. This bout has Carson City’s own Carson Victory Rollers facing off against the Port City Roller Girls as well as Carson Junior Victory Rollers vs. California Mayhem. That’s not all — stick around for a halftime show from the Wheel House, a DJ, a beer garden by Sassafras and beer from Shoe Tree Brewery. Doors open at 3 p.m., and tickets are $15 at the door, $10 in advance.

Skydiving

Next I’m calling all adrenaline junkies out to Carson Valley for Skydive Lake Tahoe. You watched the intensity of roller derby, so why not experience some intensity for yourself? Skydive Lake Tahoe, near the Minden Airport, will drop you in a freefall out of a biplane for an experience unlike anything else. I’ve never been skydiving myself, but this is the first place I'll go when (if?) I ever go! And that’s all for the chance to see Lake Tahoe, the expanse of Carson Valley and the Sierra Nevada Mountains beyond from 12,000 feet up. How’s that for thrill?

Mountain Biking

Here’s another idea. Load up your mountain bike up (or invest in a custom one from one of Carson City’s excellent bike shops) and make the short drive up to Spooner Lake for the beginning of the Lake Tahoe Flume Trail. The Flume is 14 miles of trail at nearly 8,000 feet — a popular, dangerous, adrenaline-pumping ride for experienced mountain bikers. You’re pedaling on narrow dirt paths uphill and alongside cliffs and drop-offs. It’s something fierce, but the reward is immeasurable. You get pristine views of the surrounding mountains, Marlette Lake and North Lake Tahoe. There are shuttles that will drop you off and pick you up, and single-day mountain bike rentals are available as well.

Off Roading

To keep excitement up and risk down, this weekend’s also a perfect time to check out Carson Valley’s OHV areas. Take your ATV or dirt bike out of storage (if you haven’t already) and hit up Mount Siegel, south of Gardnerville. It’s an open area of trails, sand washes, small hills and jumps for any off-highway vehicle and any rider, new or experienced. You get to choose your own adventure here; if you want speed, altitude and just to let yourself loose on these trails, you’ve found your spot.

Fuel Up

But, you may ask, what do you eat when you’re traversing harsh terrain or simply enjoying the natural wonders of the area? You’ll want to keep your energy up, so go for some healthy, yet delicious foods from LA Bakery. One of Carson City’s best stops for vegetarian and vegan options, LA Bakery whips up some great, light, picnic-packable meals to take with you on your adventures. Order a Gyro Pita Wrap or an All-Veggie Plate with falafel and homemade hummus to go. It’ll hit the spot when you get hungry.

I know — it’s a lot of adventure to pack into one weekend. Anyone who bikes the Flume Trail one day and goes skydiving the next is a true thrill seeker, but that might be a little too extreme. Nonetheless these great, high-energy Northern Nevada experiences aren’t limited to this weekend, so keep them in mind this summer when you want to spend the day outside, testing your own limits. And next time you find yourself explaining this area to an unknowing friend, don’t leave out our sense of thrilling adventure.

For other weekend events and activities of all sorts, tame to extreme, check out our Daytime, Nightlife and Community pages.