posted on December 5, 2016
Turo member James L. is a native of Reno, NV. As an avid outdoorsman, he has always appreciated Reno’s proximity to Lake Tahoe and Mt. Rose because he’s just steps away from a wilderness adventure. “In the warmer months, there’s mountain biking, paddle boarding, or rock climbing. In the winter there’s skiing and snowboarding, and in warmer weather there are some good spots for whitewater rafting. Lots of fun to be had,” James exclaims.
Recently, he’s seen a kind of renaissance blossoming in downtown Reno, and he’s pleased that locals and visitors alike now have access to refined creature comforts as well as rugged adventures. “For a long time all people associated with the city was the show Reno 911, that kind of thing, or else the casinos,” he says. But Reno has quickly become a town, where you can just as easily try your hand at Blackjack as you can grab an açaí bowl for breakfast right after you hit a yoga class. “There’s a younger feel these days,” James adds. This could be in part due to the slick new Reno Riverwalk District, packed with public art, local businesses, spots to enjoy food and drink, and run or walk your dog — all with a view of the Truckee River.
James loves sharing Reno tips with his guests who rent his 2007 BMW X5, and he takes his role as a host very seriously, providing far more than just a car. “I function like a full-time travel concierge. I’m available for my renters 24/7 and I’ll show you the more interesting places to eat or the best way to float down the river.” Which might explain why his X5 gets so much love from travelers.
James first discovered Turo from friends who work at Facebook and rent cars on Turo for group trips out of town. “They used to use Zipcar, but there was less hassle with Turo.” A gearhead and BMW enthusiast (he owns four including an M3 and a 550) James sees his X5 as the perfect vehicle for visitors to get the most out of the area.
So as we head into ski season, James is getting his SUV ready for travelers who want to hit the mountains. James knows first-hand how important small details can be on an outdoors trip. He gets new tires every year to make sure they’re sturdy and appropriate for the season. There are also LED fog lights installed for extra visibility on those dead-of-winter dark nights, and a rack for skis and snowboards. “It can be difficult to fit everyone, plus their luggage and gear into a rental car,” he says. As for which mountains to hit, his local favorite is Mt. Rose. “The baseline is a little over 8,000 ft. so it’s the highest in Tahoe, and you can get a season pass for under $600.”
People come from all over to visit Tahoe and rent James’ BMW X5, so he’s happy to deliver their outfitted mountain vehicle to the airport for free. The next time you head out to Tahoe, get to know the new Reno and let James take your ski trip to the next level.
Kamala Puligandla
Kamala Puligandla is a writer, editor, and bon vivant in LA. She is the author of two books, Zigzags and You Can Vibe Me On My Femmephone, and is always on the look-out for strange stories, excellent eats, and relaxing locales.
