As a first-time host city for the 9th Annual Amgen Tour of California, Pismo Beach will host the Stage 5 Start presented by Breakaway from Cancer on Thursday, May 15, 2014.
The race begins promptly at 11:45 am, but we encourage spectators to arrive early to meet the riders, enjoy the Festival, and find the perfect spot to watch the racers take off on their 107-mile trek to Santa Barbara. The Race Day Festivities begin when the teams arrive at 10:15 a.m.
To complement the festivities, and in conjunction with Bike month, and a Bike Month proclamation made at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Pismo Beach will offer Bike Valets on Wednesday, May 14th and Thursday, May 15th. Since this is America’s Greatest Race, this service is generously provided by SLO Regional Rideshare.
The Bike Valet will be located in the dirt lot next to the Pismo Beach pier. The public is encouraged to take advantage of the Bike Valet service, and enjoy the fresh air and beauty that Pismo State Beach offers to all.
This would be a perfect opportunity to enjoy the Wine Walk through downtown businesses, who are hosting our local wineries. Participating local businesses and wineries, include Thomas Kinkade (Phantom Rivers), Pismo Tees (Autry), Seaside Gallery (Niven Family Wine Estates), Pismo Beach Hotel (Kelsey See Canyon), Pacific Leisure (Saucelito Canyon), Esteem Surf Company (Laetitia Winery), Taste of the Valley (Sinor-LaVallee), and Cool Cats Café (Kynsi).
Additional events include a fabulous street party “Tacos, Tapas & Treats” with restaurants providing $5 plates, a live band, raffles, juggler and face painting. Six winners of our Bike Essay contest will be recognized and awarded certificates. The top two winners will be presented with brand new bikes from Trinity Bikes, our Tour of California sponsor. All winners will receive brand new bike helmets, kindly provided by SLO Rideshare. Second and third place winners will also receive free bike rentals from Wheel Fun. The awards will happen at this Sunday’s Mother’s Day Concert in Dino Caves Park. There will be a Silent Auction to purchase signed rider’s jerseys at the Lifestyle Festival.