Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition

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Amgen Tour of California 2008
Santa Barbara County activities

  • The Amgen Tour of California 2008 professional bicycle stage race is bringing 17 professional cycling teams from around the world to compete across 650 miles of California roadways from Palo Alto to Pasadena. Santa Barbara County is again hosting two stages. In February 2007, the second year of the Tour, 1.6 million people watched the cycling action as it passed through scenic California.
  • Lots of events are being offered around the Tour's Santa Barbara County stages. Catch the local action on Friday, February 22 and Saturday, February 23. Even better, bring your bike and enjoy the rest of the weekend.
  • Additional information is being posted here as details and other events become available, so check back.
  • Versus Network TV coverage. From February 17th-24th, there will be Tour coverage, at 8:00 PM week days, and 2:00 PM weekend days. The TV schedule is here.
  • Solvang Stage 5
  • Solvang Stage 5 Time Trial. On Friday, February 22, the Tour Time Trial will take place in Solvang. Expected to be the pivotal stage where individual cyclists can gain crucial seconds on their rivals, you won't want to miss it. The city is anticipating 40,000 spectators. Stop by our Bicycle Coalition's booth to chat with us.
  • The cyclists will start at Solvang Park, immediately head uphill on Alisal Road, east on Viborg, north on Alamo Pintado Road, east on Baseline, north on North Refugio Road, west on Roblar Avenue, north on Grand Avenue (through Los Olivos), left at the flagpole, take Ballard Canyon Road up a second steep climb and then a long downhill, enter Chalk Hill Road, and finish back at Highway 246 in downtown Solvang. The cycling route will be closed from 10:00 AM to about 2:30 PM.
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  • Preferred seating. You can watch the action best in the VIP area at the finish line, now available for purchase. All the details are at www.tourofcalifornia-solvang.com.
  • Solvang's "Race of Truth" Adventure. Your chance to compete with other amateurs on the closed Time Trial course before the actual Stage 5 start. Takes place at 11:15 AM. Registration required here.
  • Solvang Lifestyle Festival. In Solvang during the Time Trial. Booths representing bicycle firms and other fitness sponsors will take place next to Solvang Park.
  • Solvang Valet Bike Parking. Provided by the UCSB Cycling Club. Avoid the Solvang gridlock by parking a few miles away and pedaling to the bike valet parking area next to Solvang Park and the stage start. No lock needed, they will guard the bikes.
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  • Solvang Gala. On Friday evening after the Time Trial, a Gala of wine tasting by Andrew Murray Vineyards, a gourmet sit-down dinner, dancing to live music, a talk by cycling author Dave Shields, and an auction are being offered. It's at the Royal Scandinavian Inn Ballroom in Solvang for $100. Look here for Solvang Gala info and tickets.
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  • Solvang Bike Raffle. You can win a limited edition Felt F75 aluminum and carbon fiber road bike. Raffle tickets are $5 each. Details about the $1500 Felt F75 bike, and how to buy raffle tickers are here.
  • Solvang Website. Learn more about what's happening in the City of Solvang for Tour fans. Click here.
  • Santa Barbara Stage 6
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  • Santa Barbara Booster Club. Join others at one of three levels of participation. You gain access to VIP viewing area, tickets to the Stage 6 Party, and promotion.
  • Santa Barbara Stage 6 Party. On Friday evening, February 22, this party will be held at the Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center, 1118 East Cabrillo Boulevard, from 7:00-10:00 PM. Music by DJ Scott Topper, food catered by DUO, hosted bar, giveaways, special guests Phil Liggett, Paul Sherwen and Floyd Landis. The $100 admission benefits our Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition and helps bring the Tour back to Santa Barbara. Register online via PayPal at the www.toursb.com site.
  • Santa Barbara Valet Bike Parking. Avoid the closed roads and gridlock, park your car and bike to the stage start where there's secure parking for your steed. No lock needed, your bike will be guarded.
  • Family Fitness Fair. This Fair is located in the Chase Palm Park near the Stage 6 starting line. Open from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, it consists of a range of local fitness-oriented activities for all family members. It's sponsored by Cottage Health System and is free to the public.
  • Santa Barbara Free Kids Races. Free races for chidren aged 4-10, split into three competition groups by age. Saturday, February 23. Registration starts at 7:30 AM, races start at 9:00 AM. The first 100 kids receive a shirt and medal. Helmets required. East Cabrillo Boulevard, just east of the Stage 6 Start Line. Heavy rain cancels.
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  • Bicycle Coalition Booth. We have a booth near the sign-in stage area. Stop by to learn about what we're doing, check out our vintage bikes, and find out how to enjoy our area better by bike. Pick up our free bumper sticker, a Santa Barbara County Bike Map, and more.
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  • Santa Barbara Stage 6 Start. Saturday, February 23. Although cyclists will leave on their ride to Santa Clarita at 11:00 AM, they will be signing in beforehand, and the Family Fitness Fair will continue until 1:00 PM. Like in Solvang, avoid congestion by parking some distance away, and biking to the East Beach area. Cabrillo Boulevard will be closed to motor traffic at least until 2:00 PM.
  • The cyclists will pedal along East Cabrillo Boulevard, take Hot Springs Road, then east on East Valley Road, down Toro Canyon Road to Foothill, then east to Nidever, south to Via Real, across Highway 101 to Carpinteria Avenue until Casitas Pass Road on which it enters Ventura County. There is a sprint race for points in Downtown Carpinteria.
  • Santa Barbara Website. Tour cycling fans: learn more about what's happening in the City of Santa Barbara. Click here.
  • Bike Santa Barbara County

    photo of bikers at Elings Park
  • Santa Barbara County has myriad activities for bicyclists and others alike. Come for the Tour and stay for the weekend. Here are a few things that can make your stay memorable:
  • Santa Barbara Car Free. This site offers special deals on hotels, restaurants, bike rental, Surfliner train tickets, boat and kayak excursions, and more—you just have to leave your car at home or at your hotel.
  • Bike rides in Santa Barbara County. We have laid out six great rides for you, from 10 to 50 miles long, around Solvang and Santa Barbara. Plus links to other rides that you can take.
  • Santa Barbara County Bike Map. This excellent map is free and available online or by mail. Get your copy before you visit.
  • Bike rental. You can rent road, hybrid, mountain and cruiser bikes in Solvang and Santa Barbara.
  • Bike shops. Whether you need something you forgot, an emergency repair, or just want to browse, here's where to go.
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  • Visitor information. You can find free things to do, special discounts, event calendar, and more to keep you engaged in the greater Santa Barbara area.
  • Last but not least, you can learn lots more about the Amgen Tour of California at their official site www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.