If the Mayans were right, their calendar was flawless, no cavemen scholar in 5,000 years falsely interpreted the message, and the world’s longest game of Telephone is still passing along the original message, the end of the world is 100 days away. As Scooby Doo would say… Zoinks!

Regardless if the calendar is fact or myth, take this opportunity, excuse if you will, to live the rest of this year as if the Mayans’ message stands true. Our challenge to you: Live Your Passions.

Here are 101 things to do in these next 100 days, exploring passions of all sorts, should you find yourself in Reno Tahoe USA:

It could be you aren’t making it out to the playa this year, or perhaps you want to take a peep at the current weather conditions in Black Rock City, perchance you’re an avid people watcher, or maybe its 2:30, you’re in need a distraction, and cat videos are getting old (psh, unlikely). Doesn’t really matter what you’re situation is. This video stream is awesome! Watch Burning Man live.

Direct from Black Rock City:

Free live streaming by Ustream

Big thanks to the hard-working Burning Man technology team for making it happen.

Top artists know where to find a good time, Reno Tahoe USA.

Dierks Bentley
Friday, August 31

Big Time Rush
Thursday, September 20

Crosby, Stills & Nash
Saturday, September 22

Mac Miller
Wednesday, September 26

Train
Thursday, September 27

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Saturday, September 29

Carrie Underwood
Friday, October 12

Eric Church
Sunday, November 11

The Who
Saturday, February 2

Dock hopping on the new North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle will get you on the lake and to your favorite restaurants, shopping, bike trails, museums, parks, farmers markets and other recreational activities in minutes. The vessel carries 12 passengers, the crew and up to eight bikes.

Try a vacation from your car – take public transit or ride your bike to one of the four beautiful docks. There will be TART and Night Rider services available for you to combine with the water shuttle experience to avoid parking and traffic hassles. Make it an experience while in North Lake Tahoe.

The pilot program includes a “paperless” reservation program, so please book ahead at www.NorthLakeTahoeWaterShuttle.com today. Service will begin August 3 through the end of September. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8:19 p.m. through August 26 and then the schedule will run through from 8 a.m. to 6:46 p.m. to coincide with daylight changes.

The Shuttle provides service to: West Shore Café, Tahoe City Marina, GarWoods Grill & Pier and the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area.  Rates start at $10 for adults, $7 for children up to 12 years old

Ticketing kiosks are available at some of the participating docks; seats are limited, so book ahead.

This taxi on water is a custom built Centurion 30’ vessel, with state-of-the-art design; manufactured and operated by Fine Line Industries.

The Reno-Tahoe Open kicks off July 30 – August 5, and this years’ tournament is drawing in some big names in the golf game! Here’s a quick peek at some of the players you can look forward to seeing on the beautiful links at Montrêux.

PADRAIG HARRINGTON – Three time major champion winner, including two British Open titles, and a six-time Ryder Cup member.

SCOTT PIERCY -winner of the 2011 Reno Tahoe Open, he has had two top-ten finishes so far this year and has already surpassed last year’s total earnings.

ROCCO MEDIATE – 6 time PGA tour winner; a fan favorite most noted for forcing Tiger Woods into a playoff at the 2008 US Open.

BOO WEEKLEY – 2 time PGA tour winner and has already had two top 10 finishes this year.

CHRIS DIMARCO – 3 time PGA winner and is currently playing some of his best golf in 10 years.

RICH BEEM – PGA Championship winner and 16-year PGA TOUR veteran has had two top-25 finishes on the PGA TOUR so far in 2012. He returns to the Reno Tahoe Open for the 10th time.

SHAUN MICHEEL – Returns to the Reno Tahoe Open for the 8th time. He was the 2003 PGA Championship winner and one of only two golfers to have ever recorded a double eagle on a par 5 at a US Open.

TODD HAMILTON – This Texas resident was the winner of the 2004 British Open and 2004 Honda Classic and was named “Rookie of the Year” in 2004.

JOHN DALY – Has won 5 times on the PGA TOUR and a fan favorite. Known for his astoundingly long drives and outrageous golf attire, this will be his 6th appearance at the Reno Tahoe Open.

DAVID DUVAL – A 13-time winner on the PGA TOUR, including the British Open.  He was a former World No. 1 player on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

LEE JANZEN – Two-time US Open winner and The Players Championship winner has played on 2 Ryder Cups teams and the President’s Cup team.

MIKE WEIR – This Canadian has had an impressive 8 wins on the PGA TOUR, including a Masters victory, and has played in 5 President’s Cup teams.

JUSTIN LEONARD – winner of the 1997 British Open, he’s a 12-time winner on the PGA Tour.  He’s ranked 10th in total career earnings with more than $31.5 million.

STUART APPLEBY – An Australian who was named 2010 PGA Tour Comeback Player of the Year, has 9 career wins.  At the 210 Greenbrier Classic, he became only the 5th player in tour history to shoot a 59.

STEWART CINK – 2009 British Open champion with 6 career victories on the tour. He’s spent 40 weeks inside the top 10 in the Official World Gold Rankings since turning pro in 1995.

Be sure to visit RenoTahoeOpen.com on July 28 for a complete list of scheduled competitors and to purchase your tickets.

Three of motocross’ most celebrated and daring athletes are coming to Reno Tahoe! They’re trading in their 250cc dirt bikes for 900 horsepower trucks at the Toyota Silver State Showdown by Fox Shox, on August 25-26. Don’t miss your chance to watch Brian Deegan, Jeremy McGrath and Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg  go head to head (or should we say door to door) in high-flying, off-road action.

Brian Deegan

Beginning his career at the age of 17, Brian Deegan is the most decorated freestyle motocross rider in the sport’s history with an impressive 13 X Games medals. In addition to dominating the sport, he also holds the distinction of being the only rider to compete in every X Games, and was the first rider to land a 360 on a motorcycle, or as he call it, the “Mulitia Twist.” Branching out into new territory, Deegan set his sights on racing short course trucks, which will be his vehicle of choice at the brand new Wild West Motorsports Park in Reno Tahoe this August. So far he has won both Lucas Oil Pro 2 Unlimited and Pro Lite Unlimited Championships, was Lucas Oil Rookie of the Year in Pro 2 Unlimited, and the 2011 Lucas Oil Driver of the Year.

Jeremy McGrath

Crowned as the “King of Supercross,” Jeremy McGrath is a legend on two wheels. He won an unprecedented 72 Motocross main events and seven Supercross championships between 1993 and 2000; ushering in what would be known as the “McGrath Era.” Along with all of his championships, McGrath was also featured in his own line of video games, and in 2003 he was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. While he might be done racing Supercross, he’s taking his love of racing to the world of off-road trucks as a member of the Monster Energy Team.

Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg

You’d be hard pressed to find another dirt bike rider with as much natural talent as Jeremy Stenberg – better known as Twitch. Riding since the age of two, Twitch has become one of the most recognizable figures in the world of freestyle motocross, boasting 8 X Games medals. Those victories have come with a price though. Along with an X Games gold medal in 2011, he left with a shattered right heel, crushed vertebra and a broken tibia after a jump went wrong during the Speed and Style competition. But it’s going to take more than a few broken bones to slow this guy down as he jumps in the driver seat of his short course truck. He’s already conquered the SuperLite class during the 2010 Lucas Oil Off Road series, which earned him the Rookie of the Year award, and now he’s ready to thrown down with Deegan and McGrath in the Pro 2 Unlimited Series at the Toyota Silver State Showdown!

Tickets are available at www.lucasoiloffroad.com. Prices range from $10 – $30 for a single day pass, and $15 – $50 for a weekend pass.

As the date of the 14^th annual Reno-Tahoe Open approaches, July 30 – August 5, read all about the event, who’s playing, discounts, and how to get involved in the favorite stop of the PGA TOUR by its members!

To start, how about a coupon:

DISCOUNTED TICKETS!

Receive a $5 discount on general admission tickets, valid for any day of the tournament. The regular price of the general admission tickets is $20, but you will receive them for just $15.

Now that’s settled, here is a list of who you will see out on the green. These are the committed players as of today.

MAJOR TOUR PLAYERS:

RICH BEEM – PGA Championship winner and 16-year PGA TOUR veteran has had two top-25 finishes on the PGA TOUR so far in 2012. Returns to the Reno Tahoe Open for the 10th time.

SHAUN MICHEEL – Returns to the Reno Tahoe Open for the 8th time. He was the 2003 PGA Championship winner and one of only two golfers to have ever recorded a double eagle on a par 5 at a US Open.

TODD HAMILTON – This Texas resident was the winner of the 2004 British Open and 2004 Honda Classic and was named “Rookie of the Year” in 2004.

JOHN DALY – Has won 5 times on the PGA TOUR and a fan favorite. Known for his astoundingly long drives and outrageous golf attire, this will be his 6th appearance at the Reno Tahoe Open.

DAVID DUVAL – A 13-time winner on the PGA TOUR, including the British Open. He was a former World No. 1 player on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR).

LEE JANZEN – Two-time US Open winner and The Players Championship winner has played on 2 Ryder Cups teams and the President’s Cup team.

MIKE WEIR – This Canadian has had an impressive 8 wins on the PGA TOUR, including a Masters victory, and has played in 5 President’s Cup teams.

Give a little, get a little… Reno-Tahoe Open needs some VOLUNTEERS.

Gain a true “inside the ropes” experience behind a PGA TOUR event!  The RTO cannot operate without an amazing force of volunteers and they could use help for a variety of positions throughout the event (July 30-August 5).  If you can’t volunteer, you can always forwarding this opportunity to friends, family or organizations that you are affiliated with… just sayin’.

Reasons to Volunteer

• Help your community (the RTO Foundation has donated $2.2 million to nonprofits and schools to-date)!
  • Take pride in the success of this special event that receives 18 hours of GOLF channel coverage for our destination!
  • Volunteers will be able to play a round of golf for FREE at Dayton Valley Golf Club on Mondays during the month of August.  Just show your Volunteer identification badge!
  • Experience a PGA TOUR event behind the ropes!
  • It’s fun!

What is Expected

• You do not have to commit to working every day of the event and depending on the committee that you serve, the average workday is just 4 to 6 hours long.  There are some assignments that may require longer days.
• Typically, volunteers work three or more shifts, but the RTO is very flexible in working with your schedule and are delighted to have your assistance in any capacity you are able to provide.

• Volunteers pay $55 to cover the cost of their uniform and receive a shirt, hat, a meal with each shift worked and two season passes to the Reno-Tahoe Open! The package is valued at over $200.
• Must be at least 16 years of age by July 30, 2012.

How to Sign Up

For more information or to sign up, call 775.322.3900 or visit http://www.renotahoeopen.com/index.php/volunteer/

About the Reno-Tahoe Open

In its 14^th year, the Reno-Tahoe Open is one of just 47 PGA TOUR events worldwide, and now the only event on the PGA TOUR calendar with a Modified Stableford scoring format.   For 2012, David Duval, John Daly, Lee Janzen, Mike Weir, Rich Beem, Shaun Micheel and British Open winner Todd Hamilton have already committed to play in this year’s event and more major tour players are expected!

Pyrotechnics, carnivals, barbeques and more. Reno Tahoe USA is pulling out all the stops this Fourth of July to celebrate America’s 236 years of independence. Here’s what’s going on:

Star Spangled Sparks at the Marina

The Sparks Marina is kicking off Independence Day with pancakes, hot air balloons and the most talented entertainers in town!

• 6:00 a.m. – Wake up early and start your Fourth of July off with a FREE tethered hot air balloon ride (ends at 8:00 AM) and a $3 all-you-can eat pancake breakfast.
• 8:00 a.m. – Get your heart pumping with a Fun Run/Walk around the Marina. Be sure to preregister by calling 353-2385.
• 9:00 a.m. –  Cheer on the Model Dairy milk carton parade of boats and boat races
• 11:00 a.m. – Watch Reno Tahoe’s rising stars compete in the Sparks’ Got Talent Competition.

Star Spangled Sparks Fireworks at Victorian Square

After the festivities at the Marina wrap up, the fun continues on Victorian Square in downtown Sparks with family activities, live entertainment and the regions longest display of pyrotechnics. Join the thousands that gather each Fourth of July and revel in the spectacular show as fireworks are set off from the rooftops of John Ascuga’s Nugget. The excitement starts at 4 p.m. and the fireworks launch at 9:45 p.m.

Red, White and Tahoe Blue

Watching colorful explosions in the sky is pretty exciting, but watching those colors reflect off the tranquil surface of Lake Tahoe takes the Independence Day tradition to a whole new level. Join the sixth annual Red, White and Tahoe Blue celebration in Incline Village and Crystal Bay where you and your family will enjoy a parade and carnival, military demonstrations, an ice cream social, and beer and wine tastings – all leading up to the breathtaking fireworks finale over the lake.

Fourth of July BBQ & Fireworks

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe invites you to grab some mouthwatering BBQ on their soft green grass before watching the fireworks light up the night sky. $75/adults and $35/children gets you BBQ buffet access, two drink coupons, and a front row seat to the remarkable fireworks show!

Reno Aces

Celebrate America’s birthday with America’s favorite pastime. Watch the Reno Aces take on the Las Vegas 51s on July 3 at 6:35 p.m. After the game, stick around for the Ace’s largest fireworks show of the season!

For a complete list of Independence Day activities, visit the Reno Tahoe USA events calendar.

Hiking season has arrived and Reno Tahoe is home to one of the most pristine trails in the world – the Tahoe Rim Trail. And there’s no better way to explore the wonders of the 165-mile route than to join the Tahoe Rim Trail Association on a FREE guided tour. With hikes ranging from 2 miles to 16-mile overnight excursions, there’s something for everybody, no matter your experience. Discover this fun and easy way to exercise, socialize and visit beautiful vistas overlooking Lake Tahoe.

Thursday, June 28 & Saturday, July 21 – Deuter and Tahoe Mountain Sports Pack Testing Trek (6.5 miles) – Are you in the market for a new pack? Deuter and Tahoe Mountain Sports are sponsoring this fun gear-testing trek. Demo packs of all shapes and sizes; from small, light hydration haulers to daypacks and expedition size packs. Travel from the Mt. Rose trailhead to Galena Falls where the wildflowers are in full bloom and enjoy a sponsored snack, pack fitting discussion and photo opportunities before returning to the trailhead. All participants will receive a cool piece of gear from Deuter and Tahoe Mountain Sports!

Friday, July 6 – Van Sickle Family Friday Hike (2.2 miles) – The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS) and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association are sponsoring this fun, family friendly interpretive hike each Friday in July. Participants will enjoy interesting facts about the history, flora and fauna of Van Sickle State Park and Tahoe. This is the perfect hike for families.

Additional hikes are scheduled for:

• July 13
• July 20
• July 27

Friday, July 6 – Tahoe Mountain Sports Leave No Trace Sunset Family Hike (3 miles) – Tahoe Mountain Sports, the Leave No Trace Center for Ethics and the Tahoe Rim Trail Association are teaming up for a fun and educational hike that will include interactive Leave No Trace activities, night hike games and prizes for the entire family. Tahoe Mountain Sports will also provide a variety of headlamps to demo. Bring your dinner for a sunset picnic on a ridge overlooking lovely Lake Tahoe!

Tuesday, July 17 – Hawley Grade History Hike (6 miles) – Journey into the past and explore a portion of the original trans-Sierra emigrant route and Pony Express trail through the Sierra.  Learn a little of the history of the early settlers as you hike from the Tahoe Valley floor near Meyers and climb to the junction with the Tahoe Rim Trail just past Echo Pass.

Saturday, July 21 – Big Meadow to Echo Summit Backpack (about 8 miles/day) – Complete a beautiful segment of the Tahoe Rim Trail on this overnight backpack trip led by experienced guides. Beginning at Big Meadow trailhead, this hike will follow a scenic journey through wildflower covered meadows and past the shady shores of Round Lake. Participants will enjoy an overnight camp at picture perfect Showers Lake. Hikers must be in very good physical shape and able to carry a backpack weighing 25-35lbs plus some group supplies.

Monday, July 30 – PCT Travels the TRT (7 miles) – The Tahoe Rim Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail share more than 20 miles in Desolation Wilderness. Hike the rocky terrain of both trails to Lake Aloha from the Upper Echo Lake, where you will ride a water taxi. Lake Aloha has a unique landscape with windblown trees and small flat, rock islands. Enjoy snacks and lunch on the rocky shores of Lake Aloha before returning to the Echo Chalet. Fees: $20 cash for water taxi/person, as well as cash for ice cream and a cold drink at Echo Chalet after the hike.

Be sure to register in advance for these summer hikes. Online registration is now required for all TRTA programs and can be completed on the TRTA website at www.tahoerimtrail.org. For more information call 775-298-0012 or email Jaime at jaimes@tahoerimtrail.org.

For more summer adventures on the endless trails in Reno Tahoe, check out our hiking page.

Stretch out and carb up because June is packed with every type of competitive race you could hope for. From foam, mud, mountain bikes, stand up paddleboards and a kid’s dash, to a record setting water slide, you’ll find it all in Reno Tahoe USA.

5K Foam Fest

June 9, at Rancho San Rafael Park – 9:00 AM

One of the craziest races sweeping across the nation, the 5K Foam Fest takes fun runs to a whole new level. Trudge through mud pits, conquer gigantic inflatable obstacles, ascend towering cargo nets, and of course, frolic in tons of foam. From the experienced runner to the first-timer, everyone will finish the race with a smile – and a free beer!

Run Amuck

June 16, Downtown Reno – 2:00 PM

Get down and dirty in downtown Reno for the 5^th annual Run Amuck competition. Pull together a team, and tackle the 2.5 miles of pure madness; including, a 60-foot-long mud pit, and up to 10 additional obstacles throughout the course. Not wild enough? For the first time ever, the race will include a 175-foot-long, three story tall inflatable water slide. That’s the largest inflatable water slide in the world! So grab your teammates and get ready for one of the most popular runs in Reno Tahoe. And don’t forget the costumes as they are STRONGLY encouraged.

Adventure Spots Week

Lake Tahoe

Experience what happens when sporting and community events collide for a thrilling ten days in Lake Tahoe. During the day, take on one of the many competitions; including, trail running, triathlon, mountain biking, swimming and stand up paddle boarding. And once the sun drops behind the Sierra Mountains, relax and enjoy live concerts, a wine walk and much more. Here are the competitions to look forward to:

June 15 – Lake Tahoe Mountain Bike Race

June 17 -  Burton Creek Trail Run, Tahoe Waterman Challenge (Paddleboard race), Thunderbird Run

June 23 – XTERRA Tahoe City, XTERRA Tahoe City Sprint, XTERRA Tahoe City Duathlon

June 24 – Run To Squaw

Northstar Bike/ Hike Park Opening Day

June 15-17, Northstar California – 10:00 AM

Lace up your hiking boots or grab your helmet and get ready for an exciting season at the largest lift-served mountain biking and hiking park in the Reno Tahoe area. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just want to take in the spectacular views, the park offers something for everyone.

Dash for Dads

June 17, Sparks Marina – 7:00 AM

This Father’s Day, join the Builders Association Charity at the Spark Marina for the inaugural Dash for Dads and help raise awareness of prostate cancer. The day’s events include a 5K race, 2 mile walk and Kids Dash – all promoting healthy lifestyles for all ages with a special focus on dads.

For more information on runs, walks, bike rides and other summer adventures, visit our events calendar.