21 replies to this topic

[chris v]

It's coming. Looks like they have released maps of the first couple stages... stage 1 is going to be exciting, and it comes very close to Folsom.

Stage 1 route map

[bordercolliefan]

Can't wait!!!!!!! Hubby knows the route well and will pick out the best viewing spots (hopefully an uphill, where they will be forced to slow down a little).

I hope we get a good group of riders. With the event moved to May, we will (hopefully) get better weather than years past, but some of the European riders may be occupied with races in Europe.

[bordercolliefan]

I would like to figure out where the riders are staying the night before the stage. We went to a stage in Palo Alto once, ended up at the same hotel as many riders were staying at, and got to talk to Paolo Bettini, George Hincapie, and Levi Leipheimer.

If anyone gets inside info (or some good speculation), please share!

I don't think Nevada City has too many hotels. Maybe they'll stay in Auburn or Sac or Roseville?

[Devdave]

Levi's take on the first two stages...

[eVader]

That's a great route with good hills and switchbacks. The Auburn to EDH segment should be pretty good as they climb out of the American River canyons.

[BIG PAKO]

That's a great route with good hills and switchbacks. The Auburn to EDH segment should be pretty good as they climb out of the American River canyons.

I agree, Salmon Falls Rd. has some sweet twists & turns.

[old soldier]

watching one of those bike races reminds me in the old days when my pals and I would wait for a train to come by. we would put pennies on the track and they would flatten.

we would wait for a long time and then the train would whoosh by in a few seconds, sort of like the bike race coming by.

a lot of waithing for one whoosh, but at least with the train gig you could find your flattened penny

[BIG PAKO]

watching one of those bike races reminds me in the old days when my pals and I would wait for a train to come by. we would put pennies on the track and they would flatten.

we would wait for a long time and then the train would whoosh by in a few seconds, sort of like the bike race coming by.

a lot of waithing for one whoosh, but at least with the train gig you could find your flattened penny

Old Soldier,

Stick your foot out as they pass by... ...I guarantee something will get flattened.

[brown]

Stage 2 looks great....Oakville grade is steeeep! I was riding up that climb one time in early 1992, when the Motorola team had training camp in Sonoma. I was struggling up it, and a group of 4 Motorola riders (Phil Anderson, Steve Bauer, Andy Hampsten, Frankie Andreu) flew by me, just chatting amongst themselves, with seemingly no effort. Good times.

[curiousity]

It's coming. Looks like they have released maps of the first couple stages... stage 1 is going to be exciting, and it comes very close to Folsom.

Stage 1 route map

wow, 4 hours to go 100 miles, I would be lucky if I could do that route in 10 hours.
I think I'll resort to watching it on TV, if I bother to watch it all.

[BIG PAKO]

wow, 4 hours to go 100 miles, I would be lucky if I could do that route in 10 hours.
I think I'll resort to watching it on TV, if I bother to watch it all.

I did a variation of that route last year, basically it was Folsom to Nevada City & back, using those same roads, 107 miles total... ...it took me 6 Hours 52 Minutes, by myself & I'm a chubby MF.

[eVader]

Just a week and a half away til the Tour comes through NV City, Auburn, EDH and finishes in Sac. Anyone have their vantage point picked yet? Will it be on White Rock, more upstream along Salmon Falls Rd or deeper in the twisty canyons on 49?

I am still looking for the best downhill/uphill section to watch then come down the hill from across the canyon then watch them up close in the climb.

[Dave Burrell]

Just a week and a half away til the Tour comes through NV City, Auburn, EDH and finishes in Sac. Anyone have their vantage point picked yet? Will it be on White Rock, more upstream along Salmon Falls Rd or deeper in the twisty canyons on 49?

I am still looking for the best downhill/uphill section to watch then come down the hill from across the canyon then watch them up close in the climb.

I was talking with Richard @ BSB last night and his new patio area at Relish Burger is going to be a great vantage point to watch the riders go by there in EDH.

[eVader]

I was talking with Richard @ BSB last night and his new patio area at Relish Burger is going to be a great vantage point to watch the riders go by there in EDH.

Oh so true! I noticed as I drove by there the patio was OPEN....thinking a nice beer around sunset there with the wife would be a perfect ending to the week.

[eVader]

KCRA has a good AmgenTour page covering places to eat, places to watch, parking etc - http://www.kcra.com/...079/detail.html

In addition to Chris v's map above, Amgen TOC has posted estimated times at key sections http://www.amgentour.../log-stage1.pdf