The Amgen Tour of California, America’s largest cycling event, takes off from Nevada City on May 16 for an eight-day event through California, visiting both Santa Rosa and San Francisco, before ending in Thousand Oaks on May 23. With natural beauty rivaling that of the tour of our friends in France, what better place to have a cycling event?

The Tour first started in February 2006, and has since grown in popularity. Last year I accidently caught a bit of the Tour as it came through Santa Rosa. Even in the mist and rain, both diehard and casual fans alike were spirited and supportive. It was awesome! Amongst the reasons for the strong support, Santa Rosa resident and three-time Tour of California winner, Levi Leipheimer. That and, of course, all the local Sonoma County cycling enthusiasts.

This year Santa Rosa is the Stage 2 Finish on the Davis to Santa Rosa route, on May 17. This stage of the Tour will cover 109.5 miles starting at 11 AM with an estimated arrival time in Santa Rosa during the 3 o’clock hour. As a finish city, Santa Rosa will also host a free Lifestyle Festival with family-friendly activities, demonstrations and cycling displays. Festivities start at 11 AM in Courthouse Square with Happy Hour and further celebrations continuing through the evening on Fourth Street.

This is the fifth consecutive year Santa Rosa has been a part of the Tour of California and the routes change each year; last weekend about 550 participants got a sneak peak at the 2010 route as part of a fundraiser led by 11-time Tour de France rider George Hincapie.

Check out these links for more information about the 2010 Tour of California:

Official Tour of California website
City of Santa Rosa Tour website
Stage 2 – Davis to Santa Rosa
Tour of California on Twitter


Posted by:Jennifer Masterson