Northstar opens new bike trails

Muscle-powered biking is a fine addiction, and a healthy one at that. If the heat ever eases we'll be out doing the town on wheels - two, that is. Meanwhile, among one of the more elaborate biking venues around is Northstar, which is well on its way to becoming a mega-resort.

Here's an update on the 'star:Northstar Resort's mountain bike park has opened and is offering two new trails, five new trail segments, skills development areas and increased lift access with the addition of the Tahoe Zephyr Express.

This season's new trails and trail segments include:

Coaster - A new, intermediate trail that runs top to bottom off of the Tahoe Zephyr Express lift, Coaster consists of fire road sections that connect smooth single track.

Gypsy - This new expert trail consists of manicured berms, tabletop jumps, step downs, rock drops and log rides that create a smooth flow and run top to bottom. Access to Gypsy starts down the Coaster trail.

Playground - A short, sweet expert trail, the Playground was built for riders who love to catch some air. The Playground is unique to Northstar Resort in that it splits into two lines that ride side-by-side each other. One line has a row of tabletop jumps while the other boasts a series of doubles.

Big Trees & Little Trees - With never ending rollers that give riders a weightless feeling every few seconds, this is Northstar's longest log ride.

Over Under - This expert trail contains the only feature of its kind at Northstar. The trail features a planed log over the top of the main trail.

Overpass - Replaces a section of the Crossover trail that required riders to descend and immediately climb another hill. Overpass provides riders with the option of a flat single track vs. a hilly fire road.

Northstar Resort's mountain bike park is open daily. Helmets are required for all riders, and can be rented along with bikes and other equipment at the resort. Lift tickets are $39. See Northstarattahoe.com or call (530) 562-2268.

RIM TRAIL HIKING

Enjoy the Tahoe Rim Trail Monday on a guided hike with Tim Hauserman, a TRT certified hiking guide. The hike will leave from Tamarack trailhead to Lake Aloha and back. Expect views of 12 alpine lakes in the Desolation Wilderness area, as well as an array of wildflowers.

The hike will be 12 miles and strenuous, so being in good hiking shape is recommended. Contact Hauserman at (530) 581-8872 or thauserman@telis.org.

KITES FLY AT SQUAW

Giant flying animals, smiling faces, kids' kite-making workshops, and music are all part of the action at Squaw Valley's Soaring Kite & Music Festival Saturday. The festival is free with a Cable Car ticket.

This mountaintop kite festival brings members of regional and national kite organizations to High Camp at 8,200 feet to launch dozens of elaborate kite creations. Considered the nation's highest altitude organized kiting festival, the festival also includes a kite-making workshop for kids and professional kite flying demonstrations.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the kite-making workshops are from noon and 2 p.m. Visitos are invited to bring their own kites. Call (530) 583-6985.

• Contact Sam Bauman at 881-1236 or Sbauman@nevadaappeal.com