2008 Tour de Cali Route

[Zen]

Zen, there's no way a stage race could cover the entire state in only 7 days.

Sure it could, if they rode really, really fast!

[BikeMomma]

BTW, any news on road closures? I'd love to ride up the other side of Hamilton and watch the racers climbing but I don't want to do it if there's a bazillion cars driving up, too.

Lorrie, the folks from Merced/Atwater are talking about riding up from the Del Puerto side early before the race. I'll extend the invitation now for you to join us, even though we don't have solid plans yet. Let me know if you're interested and I'll keep you posted.

Anyone else is welcome, and the invitation to bunk at my house is still open, as well -- if you can take my three kids, dog, and hubby. lol I live about 35 minutes south of Modesto -- less if you drive fast -- but the room & grub are free of charge.

To add to Zen's initial link, here's all the route maps: 2008 Amgen route maps

~Kim (BikeMomma)

[Lifesgreat]

I can hardly wait for the TofC! I grew up in Modesto and am planning on visiting family during that time . A bonus: the almond blossoms should be out, giving me hope for Spring!

[maillotpois]

This is a pretty cool write up on the Hamilton stage:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2008...ia_stage3nov07

[mixie]

After more than 60 miles from Santa Clarita to Pasadena, with the mountains and the Rose Bowl serving as the backdrop, the peloton will complete the stage and the race, with six five-mile laps on a tough circuit around the Rose Bow

Im super excited about this! I live near the Rose Bowl and ride there all the time. I can't believe theyre going to be ending the race somewhere I ride weekly!

[smilingcat]

Well SD and Orange County is getting left out... Maybe because its republican strong hold?? okay okay no politics.

Seriously, there are beautiful places to ride in Orange County and in San Diego. Carlsbad to Downtown SD with finish in Balboa park would be grand. Ride the coast from Carlsbad into Leucadia, Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach, Del Mar the infamous Torrey Pine Grade (fun uphill) then down into La Jolla cove then up to Balboa park for a circuit finish.

Lots of people. Del Mar is the home training ground for many pro Tri's.

The course from seaside to SantaBarbra is not going to be fun. Not too many people except in Carmel and Montrey area. then its desolate till Santa Barbra. I'm not fond of hwy 1 from Carmel to Hearst Castle. Wayy too many blind hairpin turns on steep grade up/down. Very technical.. but where to watch?

smilingcat.

[Zen]

I'm not fond of hwy 1 from Carmel to Hearst Castle. Wayy too many blind hairpin turns on steep grade up/down. Very technical.. but where to watch?

smilingcat.

I've driven that section of road in a Triumph TR5. That was fun but I can't imagine riding a bike there. Scary.