Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition

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Amgen Tour of California
Santa Barbara County activities

  • The Amgen Tour of California professional bicycle stage race is bringing 18 professional cycling teams from around the world to compete across 650 miles of California roadways from San Francisco to Long Beach. Santa Barbara County is the only county that is hosting two stages.
  • Lots of events are being offered around the Tour. Catch the local action on February 23-24. Even better, bring a 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 18th-26th, there will be Tour coverage, either one or two hours each day, but at different times. The TV schedule is here. Note that times given are Eastern Time.
  • Solvang Time Trial. On Friday, February 23, 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 this. The city is anticipating 40,000 spectators. Stop by our Bicycle Coalition's booth at the bike valet parking area.
  • The cyclists will start at Mission Santa Inez, head east on Highway 246, 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 the steep climb and 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.
  • Preferred seating at the finish line is available for purchase. Viewing packages with/without lodging are available. All the details are at www.tourofcalifornia-solvang.com.
  • Solvang Park and Bike. If you attend the Time Trial, avoid gridlock by parking a few miles away and pedaling to the bike valet parking area at Alisal Road and Highway 246. There are 15 recommended places to park and bike from (1 to 15 miles distance) listed on this page.
  • photo of Solvang
  • Solvang Gala. On Friday evening, a Gala of wine tasting by Andrew Murray Vineyards, a gourmet sit-down dinner, dancing to live music, and an auction are being offered. It's at the Royal Scandinavian Inn Ballroom in Solvang. Look here for Solvang Gala info and tickets.
  • Santa Barbara Gala. Also on Friday evening, this party will be held at the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum from 7:00-10:00 PM. Music, food, hosted bar, giveaways, special guests. Proceeds will benefit our Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition. Purchase tickets online at www.active.com.
  • Safetyville for Kids. Saturday, February 24. Free participation, sponsored by our Bicycle Coalition. Low-cost helmets will be available for purchase. The Safetyville will start at 8:00 AM; registration begins at 7:30. Bring a bike in working condition. Helmets required. It's open to the first 50 kids, aged 8 through 12, who show up for registration. East Cabrillo Boulevard, just east of the Stage 6 Start Line. Heavy rains will cancel.
  • ATOC Free Kids Races. Free races for chidren aged 4-10. Saturday, February 24. Sponsored by RideSB.com. Registration starts at 7:45 AM, races start at 9:00 AM. Every child is a winner. Helmets required. East Cabrillo Boulevard, just east of the Stage 6 Start Line. Heavy rains will cancel.
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  • Bicycle Coalition Booth. We're sharing a booth near the Sign-in Stage area with Santa Barbara Car Free. Stop by to learn about what we're doing and how to enjoy our area without a car. Pick up our new bumper sticker, a Santa Barbara County Bike Map, and more.
  • Santa Barbara Stage 6 Start. February 24. Although cyclists will leave on their ride to Santa Clarita at 11:00 AM, they will be signing in beforehand. Like in Solvang, avoid congestion by parking some distance away, and biking to the East Beach area. Cabrillo Boulevard will be closed until 2:00 PM.
  • Woody's BBQ will be on hand with coffee, drinks and food for purchase throughout the morning.
  • 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 on Foothill until it becomes Casitas Pass Road and enters Ventura County.
  • photo of Felt bike
  • Bike Raffle. You can win a limited edition Felt F75 aluminum and carbon fiber road bike, plus an autographed Tour jersey. Sponsor Cox Communications is mailing raffle entries with billing statements. Entry is free. Winner will be announced before the Stage 6 start. Details about the $1500 Felt F75 bike are here . If you don't have Cox Communications service, you can print out an application for the raffle here. Fill out the raffle entry form and take it to one of these Santa Barbara businesses:
    * FasTrack Bicycles, 118 W Canon Perdido Street
    * Graham Chevrolet, 301 S Hope Avenue
    * Santa Barbara Chicken Ranch, 2618 De la Vina Street
    * Village Properties, 1250 Coast Village Road
    * State Farm Insurance, 3433 State Street
  • 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. Some will be available to rent at the Solvang bike valet parking area.
  • Bike shops. Whether you need something you forgot, an emergency repair, or just want to browse, here's where to go.
  • photo of cyclists at the harbor
  • 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.
  • You can learn lots more about the Amgen Tour of California at their official site www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.