Cycling enthusiasts can kick off the Amgen Tour of California in style during the Start at the Top – Lake Tahoe Legends Ride May 14.

The Legends Ride allows participants to ride the Stage 1 course and pedal elbow to elbow with cycling legends and dignitaries, including Bobby Julich, Sky ProCycling Race Coach and 2004 Olympic bronze medalist; and John Howard, who rode on the 1968, 1972 and 1976 Olympic teams, set the world 24-hour cycling distance record of 593 miles and finished second in the Race Across America (1982), which he co-founded. Other legends include Max Jones, Mike Neel, David Brink and Roland Della Santa.

The Legends Ride is produced by TGFT Productions and Bike the West and is fully supported with rest stops, technical support, first aid and support and gear assistance.

Options include a 72-mile roadway route around Lake Tahoe and a 35-mile ride that transfers participants from South Shore to North Lake Tahoe via the Tahoe Queen paddle-wheeler to cycle around East Shore and finish in Stateline. A sightseeing boat cruise is available for non-cyclists.

The event is open to the first 1,000 cyclists who sign-up online by April 30. Registration is $125/person for the 72-mile ride, and $140/person for the Boat Cruise plus 35-mile option, which is expected to sell-out.

The Boys & Girls Club of Lake Tahoe is celebrating its 20th anniversary on April 27 with guest speakers and special observations to honor club supporters from the past 20 years.

The BGCLT opened its doors in 1991 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing youth development programs for the community of South Lake Tahoe. In 1993, the club became a chartered member of the official Boys and Girls Club of America while offering programs for students in grades K-12.

BGCLT promotes the social, educational, health, leadership and character development of children in the area and has been a place for 15,000 kids to learn and grow during the past 20 years.

The 20th anniversary event begins at 5pm at the old Al Tahoe Elementary School in South Lake Tahoe, 1100 Lyons Ave.

Sierra Nevada Brewery Pairing Dinner at TC’s Pub in the Village at Northstar is April 15 at 6pm.

TC’s Pub and Sierra Nevada Brewery will join forces to create a four-course meal paired with some classic and seasonal ales from the Chico based brewery. The menu, prepared by Northstar Resort’s executive banquet chef will be comprised of fresh, seasonal ingredients.

In addition to the food and beer there will be prizes and giveaways throughout the night.

This event is for ages 21 and older.

Tickets are $55/person in advance, which include gratuity. If space is available, tickets will be for sale the evening of the event at the door for $65/person.

For more information, call (530) 562.3866.

Tahoe Valley Elementary School is having a family night March 25 at 6pm.

The move “How to Train Your Dragon” (rated PG)will be shown.

Advanced tickets are $3 at the school office or $5 at that door. It includes one bag of popcorn per person.

Bob Dog Pizza will be selling pizza. Sodas, water and ice cream will also be for sale.

Bring your sleeping bag, blanket or lawn chair.

Parents must accompany children.

This is sponsored by Tahoe Valley Second Grade and Tahoe Valley Parent Club.

April 27 6-7pm: “TRTA Rim to Reno Project” at the Reno REI store.

In an effort to connect the Tahoe Rim Trail to southwest Reno, the TRTA is joining forces with the U.S. Forest Service and the Great Basin Institute to construct 25 miles of single track trail passing through Mt. Rose Wilderness. Join the TRTA and REI for this informative presentation and learn how you can be part of this momentous undertaking.

April 20 6-7pm “Navigating in the Backcountry” at the Reno REI store.

Are you interested in learning the principles of navigation from an experienced teacher? Or are you just a little rusty with your compass skills?

Join REI navigation guru Dave Hess and learn the fundamentals of backcountry navigation and get the skills to keep yourself “found” on the Tahoe Rim Trail this summer.

April 13 6-7pm: “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Hiking and Backpacking the Tahoe Rim Trail” at the Reno REI store.

TRTA volunteer and author of the “Tahoe Rim Trail” guidebook, Tim Hauserman, divulges the secrets of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Learn where to find water on the trail, where to photograph the best wildflowers, how to plan a backpacking trip and what shuttle options are available for day and through-hikers.

Join Tahoe Rim Trail Staff on an interactive tour that will engage your senses and introduce you to this incredible resource in our backyard.

TRTA staff will present the audience with all of the trail use programs, maintenance and construction projects, and volunteer opportunities in 2011.

Meeting is April 6 from 6-7pm at the Reno REI store.

The Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Coordination Committee is hosting a public forum on April 5 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the U.S. Forest Service building, 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe.

Brief presentations will focus on aquatic invasive species prevention and control projects in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including the Tahoe Watercraft Inspection Program, invasive aquatic plant and Asian clam control efforts, and nonnative fish removal.

The evening will conclude with a question and answer period.

Presenters include scientists, research professionals and agency personnel from UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center, TRPA, the U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe RCD and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Douglas County sheriff’s, South Lake Tahoe police and Carson City sheriff’s are offering a free training called Crime Free Multi-Housing Program April 11 from 8am-5pm.

It is being offered to all local multi-family housing, manufactured housing, vacation rental owners, managers, and property management companies.

It will be at Lakeland Village in South Lake Tahoe.

A second training will be April 12 from 8am–5pm at Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Building, Minden.

Preregister by calling (775) 790.6694 or email laketahoecrimefreeprograms@msn.com.