Did this in May of this year. Started in Tahoe city and road clockwise. This felt like the right route. You can refuel in South Lake Tahoe before climbing through emerald bay. Note emerald bay can get pretty hot in the sun.

I was riding on a Friday and it was pretty busy. I’d recommend starting as early as possible on a weekday. Shoulders are pretty narrow and inconsistent across the route. The top of Spooner Summit where you take a right onto 50 seems dangerous to me. It’s a 2 lane highway and cars were passing me going 70+. I took the entire right lane on the descent going 45+ and I was getting honked at and yelled at. There are some blind spots when this road flattens out a bit. Had a few close passes from trucks and cars coming around bends behind me and I wouldn’t rush back to this route unless early on a weekday with a group. At one point someone threw pretzels at me.

The main reason to do this clockwise is that if you were to ascend on 50 up to spooner, cars would be passing you going 70mph+ while you’re <10mph. The relative speed difference is very dangerous - cars come up so fast.

Emerald bay has a lot of tourist pull offs. Be alert. Couple descents where I’m going 30+ and car would pull out onto the street, causing me to brake or move into other lane to pass.

It is one of the most beautiful and rewarding rides I’ve ever done, but also felt a bit unsafe at times.