The Tour of California is one of Cycling’s truly magnificent events. While not a Grand Tour in the TdF or Giro tradition, it is a week of spectacular scenery, fierce pro racing, epic climbs, warm weather (mostly) and blue skies (mostly). I have been fortunate to have covered four of them since the inaugural running in 2006. And here we are one month from the start of the 2018 tour.
I say let’s go!
Taking a bit of the experience from past stages and the logistical challenges that the expansive Golden State presents, following is my proposal. Please be advised that this tour, from my end, is a three in one mission not simply a go and watch affair. My primary directive is video capture. That comes with the additional challenge of advance route intel, access to and egress from the individual stage start and finish locations (and sometimes route changes, detours or limited access roads). NOTE: This is a partial tour picking up the race at Stage Four in Stockton. We would be filming, riding and watching three stages, finishing in Sacramento on Saturday.
Secondary mission two is cherry picking the juiciest portions of the stages to ride ourselves. This represents additional support and gear issues adding to the complexity of the adventure. Anyone who has flown with a bike knows of what I speak.
Number three is a combination of being in the proper place at the precise times to witness the racing action as fans, housing and travel logistics and anything else (side trips, dinners, communications, cross training) that can be crammed onto this already overflowing plate of adventurous delicacies.
But there is nothing like a challenge!
2018 PowerBarn Tour of California tentative itinerary:
Wednesday, May 16. Depart Seattle: Alaska has a 0900 flight for $90
Enterprise RAC, Full size Ford pick up for $45/day.
Drive to Stockton. AirBNB ranch house, $100
Thursday, May 17. ToC Stockton to Elk Grove. 109 miles.
Ride route to be determined.
AirBNB near Folsom.
Friday, May 18. ToC Folsom to South Lake Tahoe, 122 miles.
AirBNB near SLT.
Possible Emigrant Loop ride, 52 miles with 4,600 gain.
Saturday, May 19, ToC Finish in Sacramento.
AirBNB in Sac.
Possible final ride on Rock Creek Rd in Placerville.
Closing ceremonies in Sac brew pub.
Sunday, May 20, Depart Sacramento: Alaska has an 0600 flight for $89.
Details, and there will be many, to follow. If you might be interested in this little slice of cycling epicness, please let me know asap.
Operators are standing by.
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