We went down to CA for the tour two years ago and are planning to go down again in February. We saw a start, a finish, the time trial and were out on the course a couple of days. I would tell you to opt for the individual time trial if you had a whole day. Out on the course they just whiz by. The speed is impressive but you don't see much. The big crowds are at the finish line. The start of one of the stages is a good place to see the riders when they sign in and get autographs if you want. It also gives you an opportunity to get a good close look at the bikes. If you work it right you might be able to see a finish one day and a start the next. Have fun.

Kathy