Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Tour of California

Since they were riding only several miles from my house, I had to get out and see the race. There were three out in front, and then 30 seconds later, the huge peloton. They were coasting up to a left turn, and it sounded and looked very much like a swarm of human bees. Lance was hidden somewhere in the group, no way to identify him -- just like a queen bee in a swarm.



From wagga's camera:




And it was all done in about a minute!

Here's a video posted by a friend who watched them pass just outside of Oakhurst:
http://sharing.theflip.com/session/933f32c1fab7e4ce0b24190dd4569f7a/video/3193318

Love the long line of support cars behind the peloton! Nice!

And not one of them was a TOF.

They finish Sunday in the town next to me, after going over Palomar Mtn., lots of elevation changes on the last day.

I never heard of this race before? Is this the first one? Might be interesting to watch them climb a good hill.

It's not new but has been going on for a couple of years. They ride right by my house on Sat at about 12:00. I think they finish at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Stage 8: Rancho Bernardo to Escondido

ROUTE DETAILS
Day: Sun, Feb 22
Start: Rancho Bernardo
Finish: Escondido
Start Time: 12:00 noon
Miles: 96.8
KM: 155.8
End ETA: 3:34-4:43 PM



For the second consecutive year, the final stage will be a challenging point-to-point excursion that might produce a change in the overall leadership. In addition to two sprints, the peloton will face four King of the Mountains climbs that could force the KOM jersey to change hands as well. Amgen sponsors Stage 8, which includes the mammoth climb of Palomar Mountain, the highest point ever reached at the Amgen Tour of California at 5,123 feet. The ascent unfolds over 11.7 miles and 21 switchbacks at an average gradient of 7%. There is one last climb after Palomar Mountain on which two-time defending champion Levi Leipheimer expects a bevy of frantic last gasp attacks to ensue in pursuit of the yellow jersey. It will be a thrilling fight to the finish as winning the final stage of a major race is a highly coveted honor.

Stop in the "LooK" bicycle booth and say hi to my son Chris.... The "Look" booth is located at the finish line area.

Paul