Amgen, who's going and where?

[Trek420]

Stage 1; any suggestions, advice tips for the best place to snap pictures? Spazzdog has never seen Sonoma County. Going to the TT sounds good but so does finding the perfect scenic spot.

[gnat23]

Stage 1; any suggestions, advice tips for the best place to snap pictures? Spazzdog has never seen Sonoma County. Going to the TT sounds good but so does finding the perfect scenic spot.

If the weather is OK, there's a group I'm riding with from Vacaville up to the first KOM, the one on 128 just west of Winters. The other KOMs that day *might* be easier to drive closer to, but just know that they often close off the roads to traffic really early.
http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com...stage1-map.pdf

KOMs are great, especially the ones later in the day, as the boys will be spread out, going slower, and have that gritty determination look on the face. Sprint points are typically not much, as the whole thing is over in 30 seconds. ITTs are fun, 'cause you can watch 'em one at a time.

and BikeMomma, thanks so much for the offer, but I'm ok on crashspace in Merced (I will take any restaurant recommendations for the evening tho)! Haven't decided where I'm gunna end up watching that day yet. And if this SNOW thing continues (they required chains on Palomar a few days ago!) then I may hunker down at a finish line coffee shop until the boys arrive.

-- gnat!

[bikerHen]

DH and I are going to be hanging out at the start of the stage in Merced. But we're heading north and the rider are going south so that's all we get to see. Still better than nothing. I have a question for you Amgen veterans. Would it be impossible to get around and drool at the teams if we had our bikes with us? Our hotel is a couple of miles from the start and I would rather ride my bike there than drive the car. bikerHen

[Aggie_Ama]

If I remember properly from last year the stages had bike valet. We went to two (Prologue and Santa Rosa) but I think they all had something?

[jobob]

I have a question for you Amgen veterans. Would it be impossible to get around and drool at the teams if we had our bikes with us? Our hotel is a couple of miles from the start and I would rather ride my bike there than drive the car. bikerHen

I bet BikeMomma would know the answer to that!

But the Amgen start / finishes I've been to (granted, not all that many) all have had secure bike parking. It's definitely the way to go.

[BikeMomma]

I bet BikeMomma would know the answer to that!

But the Amgen start / finishes I've been to (granted, not all that many) all have had secure bike parking. It's definitely the way to go.

Why yes - yes I do!

Gnat and bH -- you asked about Merced Restaurants. Here is a link to a whole bunch of them, sorted by type: Merced Restaurants.

As for personal recommendations close to the racecourse, there's:
Steak & Seafood:
Fernando's, 510 W Main St
The Branding Iron (if you want a good steak), 640 W 16th St
Asian:
King's Asian Sushi Cuisine, 360 W Main St
Nagami Japanese Restaurant, 2650 W 16th St
Pine Cone Mongolian Grill (all you can eat and GOOD!), 1277 V St
Pasta:
DeAngelo's, 350 W Main St
There's a much better pasta place in North Merced...Strings, 731 E Yosemite Ave...will take some driving, but worth it.
Mex:
J & R Taco's, 437 W Main (very good, I eat there often)
Trevino's, 408 W Main St (on the local historic buildings list)
Indian:
Taste of Little India, 1052 W Main St (VERY good)
Sandwiches:
Subway and Quizno's are on the 400 block of W. Main St, and there is Limey's Lunchbox at 709 W. Main St.

...and to cap off a good meal - how could I not include it - is Starbucks at 425 W Main St.

Geez, can you tell I'm hungry??!

As for bike parking, I understand that they will be bringing in several rows of racks for the Fun Ride in connection with our Lifestyle Festival (yes, we're a start city but we're having one anyway). I believe the racks will be located at the corner of W. Main and N Streets. There are also a few racks in front of the Civic Center at W. 18th & N Sts. There are also some on the first level just inside the entrance of the Shannon Parcade parking structure at the corner of W. 18th & M (next to Civic Center).

Have fun you guys!
~BikeMomma

[Karma007]

We just figured it out- going to Sausalito on Monday for the start of stage 2!

[Trek420]

The women's crit was amazing, inspiring. The speeds, the concentration, the crashes here at the start one rider says "wait for me!"