Amgen Tour of California, a fun event to see in person

Amgen Tour of California, a fun event to see in person

The Amgen Tour of California is next week. If you have never been to a pro road cycling stage race, you should make plans to go. I have been to a few stages over the years, a benefit of having the sponsor Amgen based here, 15 miles away, in the county. It is like a small circus, the crowds, the vendors and the race itself. Pro Cycling is one sport where you can get close to the action; the peloton will pass by at 20 to 30 mph, just on the other side of the barricade. The riders in the peloton seem so calm, even though they are packed together and moving at 25 mph. They seem like they are on a Sunday ride. Another thing about a pro cycling event is how you can mingle with the cyclist after the race. Just wander over to the team buses after the race and chat with the cyclists and ask for autographs. Unlike any other pro sports event. Another thing that I noticed is how big I was, compared to the pro riders. I'm 5'10 and 170 pounds. I was towering over many of the riders. It seems like the majority were about 5'4 to 5'7, and all of the riders were skinny. On TV, they seem average, in person, many of them look like they haven't seen a cheeseburger in months. The stages are well organized, the parking is easy, there are bike corrals if you ride in, and it is a fun day. Any stage race is well worth a day trip.