The excitement at Inside-Sonoma world headquarters is building: Once again, Santa Rosa will be the finish line for Stage 2 of the Amgen Tour of California (www.amgentourofcalifornia.com), on May 17.
The race has been moved from February to May (May 16-23) this year. Organizers hope to avoid some of the rainy and, in some cases, snowy pitfalls that has hampered the race the last five years.
We’re excited, because fog and rain interferes as we try to spy, er see, the riders training before the race. In year’s past we’ve stood along the final lap as riders came screaming by so close that putting out your arm would have taken down the entire peloton. (I didn’t do it, it’s not my fault.)
We’ve stalked teammates Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer (three-time Tour of California champion) as they trained and conditioned here. (We really thought the 1992 Lincoln Town Car would blend in a little better.) We’ve backed up our obsession with ink – writing about them no less than nine times (inside-sonoma.com/?s=amgen).
Tour organizers know a good thing when they see it. Santa Rosa – and Sonoma County – is known as one of the top cycling destinations in the world. Levi makes his home here, Team BMC is headquartered here and, over the years, several elite pro-cycling teams have held training camps here. Where else can you cycle along vineyards, through the redwoods, or overlooking the Pacific Ocean?
To top it off, Santa Rosa’s thriving downtown is home to shops, restaurants and pubs, giving spectators a chance to enjoy the Lifestyle Festival (from noon to 4:30 p.m.) while waiting for the anticipated finish.
Check out the amazing Stage 2 route video at www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages/stage2.html. As anyone who lives here will attest, Oakville – Trinity Grade alone is worth the price of admission.
Can’t wait for your cycling fix? Take part in the Breakaway Ride on Sunday, April 25 (www.breakawayride.com). The ride gives cycling enthusiasts a chance to ride on the actual 2010 Tour of California Stage 2 route. Four-time Amgen Tour of California competitor George Hincapie will be attending this event. There are three distances to accommodate various skills and fitness levels. Alas, a 100-yard sprint is not one of the distances, which means I’m out this year.
So, plan on joining us in May as we celebrate all things cycling and our hometown guy, Levi. We may even break out the 501s to wear in his honor.
