Tour of California Bike Racing at an all time HIGH

Today starts the sixth annual Tour of California --- and it has definitely started with a few snags. First of all is the weather, the start has been delayed until 1:00 because of severe thunder storms. Oh I do hope it does not discourage the chance of the event coming back next year. This year the race seems to favor climbers. Throughout the 7 days we will see how they react to the many extremes.  It starts at high altitude on the Nevada border, and includes one uphill finish midway through and ventures into the San Gabriel Mountains

Sunday, May 15

Stage 1: South Lake Tahoe to North Lake Tahoe, 118.7 miles

A lap and a half around beautiful Lake Tahoe, could be the most complicated and not just the weather but also the low temperatures and snow storm. They will climb 3 mountain passes that include 700 vertical feet of ride. (7,150 foot altitude)

Monday, May 16

Stage 2: North Lake Tahoe/Squaw Valley to Sacramento, 133.2 miles

Headwinds are likely to be part of the battering the riders will absorb as they go from 7,000 feet to sea level. An early climb up Donner Pass will be followed by a long descent to pancake-flat roads in the last 40 miles, capped by circuits in downtown Sacramento

Tuesday, May 17

Stage 3: Auburn to Modesto, 121.9 miles

The course begins with a descent and continues over gently rolling-flat terrain. It'll be the closest thing to a rest day for the overall contenders and will finish with a sprint at the end in Modesto.

Wednesday, May 18

Stage 4: Livermore to San Jose, 81.8 miles

This is where I begin my journey of the race. This leg will take riders through sets of up hills climbs two of which are legendary. They end with an uphill finish (3.5 miles at an average 10 percent gradient) on the challenging climb up Sierra Road outside San Jose. I’ll be at the finish line to see who takes the finish!

Thursday, May 19

Stage 5: Seaside to Paso Robles, 135.1 miles

Seaside has been a great start in years past. This coastal town near Monterey really rolls out the red carpet. Part of this course had to be moved inland because of major rock slides and mudslides that damaged sections of Highway 1. Having worked this day in past when headwinds were severe I am sure the riders will not miss the coastal winds. I will be in my old hometown of Paso Robles to enjoy the evening celebrating with friend’s downtown Paso Robles.

Friday, May 20


Stage 6: Solvang time trial, 15 miles

One of my favorite towns in California and a stage I have worked for 5 years running is Solvang. Every year the Tour of California time trial takes place in this beautiful “Danish” themed town. The race venue is a stunning and scenic loop through the wine country. I’ve followed the riders on the route in years past in a media car and it has some incredible scenery. From there I head home, and prepare for the next weeks “TOUR” Powwow International Travel Trade show in San Francisco.

Saturday, May 21

Stage 7: Claremont to Mt. Baldy, 74.9 miles

The race continues to Claremont and weave it’s way to Mt. Baldy. It's not quite as steep as other parts of the race, and the weather more varied with part of the race in the woods, and part in the blazing sun. There are tons of people by the side of the road cheering the men on.

Sunday, May 22

Stage 8: Santa Clarita to Thousand Oaks, 82.3 miles

Wish I could see the finish. It is always the most exciting leg of this race. This day with mostly flat terrain heading into canyon roads and then on to urban Thousand Oaks with circuits should make a great finish.

Team Type 1 Diabetes is my favorite team, the truly a strong and centered bunch of young men.

Try to catch some of the race at www.tourofcalifornia.com