It is never to early to plan. The 2013 Amgen Tour of California route was officially announced this morning. It looks like a million bucks. I have been covering this grand event since 2007. It is the American version of the TdF. A major blast in every respect.
The planning has begun. Here are my initial notes and thoughts:
May 12-19, 2013.
Ship bikes from Seattle to San Diego.
Fly Seattle to San Diego.
Pick up rental van and bikes.
Escondido motel.
Stage One. 103 miles (ride Mt. Palomar) Motel.
Stage Two. Murietta, 124 miles, 6,734 ft gain. Motel.
Stage Three: Palmdale to Santa Clarita. 110 miles, 6.236 miles. Motel.
Stage Four: Santa Clarita to Santa Barbara: 83 miles, 3,875. Motel.
Stage Five: SB to Avila Beach, 115 miles, 6.146. Motel.
Drive back to San Diego.
Pack and ship bikes.
Fly San Diego to Seattle.
Please note that we cherry pick the primo parts of the stages, riding the classic climbs and/or ultra scenic sections, NOT the entire route. We get an early start and ride four or five hours ahead of the pro peloton, leaving time to watch the finish. I film as much as possible of the course and the pros.
If we can put together a three person crew, my initial estimate is that we can pull it in for about a grand apiece, including air, flying with the official airlines of the HoM, Alaska Airlines, of course.
They call this America's Greatest Race. And for good reason, It is NOT TO BE MISSED.
Pic: Eight Track and Big Red on the trail of the 2012 ToC. Mucho fun!
Pic: Eight Track and Big Red on the trail of the 2012 ToC. Mucho fun!
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