The state’s biggest bicycle race began last Sunday, May 12, in far Southern California and, in fits and starts, it’s working its way to Santa Rosa. It will arrive on Sunday.
Stage 8, the final day, begins in San Francisco at 8:15 am and the peloton pedals over the Golden Gate Bridge to the coastal route on Hwy. 1. From Occidental Rd. it cuts east to Santa Rosa and the finish line.
Competitors are expected to reach Santa Rosa sometime after 11 a.m. this Sunday, and take a couple speed loops around downtown before the race to the finish, probably around noon.
Naturally the local bicycle community is planning a big party to conclude it all There is expected to be an awards ceremony at 11:45 a.m., shortly after the winners have been determined, at the Courthouse Square. The website TourRosa.com has information on the goings-on at the finish, starting at 7:30 a.m.
The Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition will also be providing free Bike Valet service all day. The Bike Valet will be located to the 5th street parking lot that is behind Tex Wasabis.
"At busy events such as the Tour of California it is great to know that there is a secure place you can leave your bike while you join in the festivities," said Aileen Carroll of the SCBC. "In case you're not familiar, a Bike Valet is a lot like a coat check, but for your bike."
SCBC also will throw an After Party at the Trek Store on Mendocino Ave. from 4 – 6 p.m. If you’re serious about the tour, it’s a good place to meet the winners of the Amgen Tour of California.
All of the riders from team Radioshack Leopard Trek and team Bontrager U23 plus Axel Merckx, Andy Schleck, and Jens Voigt will be there to meet fans, sign autographs, and answer questions.
Tickets are $20 for Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition members and $25 for nonmembers. Space is limited. Ticket price includes entry, a free beer, appetizers, and secure bike parking at the event.
Tickets can be purchsed at www.trekstoreafterparty.eventbrite.com and extra tickets can be purchased at the door if available. Proceeds from this event will go to the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, a non-profit working to make Sonoma County the best place to ride a bike.
