Annual Amgen tour returns to Pismo Beach and Avila Beach

May 9, 2015

The annual Amgen Tour of California bike races have kicked off in Northern California and will arrive in San Luis Obispo County on May 13.

The day before, on May 12, celebrate the return of the Amgen tour with the annual Party on Pomeroy from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Pismo Beach. This street party includes live music from Truth About Seafood, local restaurant specials, a wine walk, bounce house, children’s activities and a free bike valet sponsored by Rideshare.

On May 13, experience the race first-hand as more than 120 of the world’s top cyclists continue their journey to the Stage four finish in Avila Beach. Stage four of the race starts in Pismo Beach and concludes in Avila Beach after cyclist traverse 100 miles.

After leaving Pismo Beach, the cyclist head south through Grover Beach, Guadalupe and Orcutt. A left turn will put the race on Tepusquet Road where riders will be treated to cool breezes, plenty of shade, tranquil farms and ranches.

A right turn onto Thompson Avenue will bring the cyclists into Arroyo Grande where the public can view the final sprint of the day.

Spectators can then line the streets of Avila Beach to view another amazing finish. Will it be a solo rider like Jens Voigt, who rode clear to victory in 2013, or will they be treated to a field sprint?

Before the race begins, explore the Lifestyle Festival in Pismo Beach, collect autographs from your favorite racers and interact with cyclists as they make their way to the starting line and sign in on the stage.

Traveling to a new host city each day, the Lifestyle Festival serves as the central hub for fans to interact with more than 40 exhibitors and other enthusiasts as they wait for the cyclists to cross the finish line. The daylong festival will feature cycling products and demos, family activities, food, entertainment and more. Visitors can congregate among fellow race watchers, take in live music and watch the race live on outdoor video screens.

The Amgen Tour of California is a stage-race patterned after the Tour de France where many of the top cyclists in the world travel down the state in search of the ultimate victory. This year, the men’s course will cover more than 700 miles and winds through 14 host cities including Sacramento, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Santa Barbara, Big Bear and Los Angeles.

May 13 at the Pismo Beach Pier:

10 a.m.            Teams begin to arrive and festival opens

10:30 a.m.       Rider sign in begins

11:15 a.m.       Ceremonies begin

11:30 a.m.       Race begins

Avila Beach finish:

11 a.m.           Festival opens

3:45 p.m.        Estimated race finish

4:30               Festival closes