I've sort of avoided it...Since I hate crouds.  But I think I'll try and see the finish of the third stage in Modesto this year.  They'll have a ton of bicycle related events and sales going on.  Don't know if I'll make it...but I'll try.  Some people will come from hundreds of miles away to see this...Here it's in my back yard and I'm sort of ho hum...

is it going to be on TV?

Hmm, I've thought about it, but I think I'd rather be ON my bike!

TV yeah...But I don't have cable.
 

 

2011 TV Schedule

US Versus Schedule

  Sunday, May 8 Preview Show
3:30PM PDT / 6:30PM EDT (Live)

Sunday, May 15- South Lake Tahoe to North Lake Tahoe Northstar at Tahoe Resort
2PM PDT / 5PM EDT (Live)

Monday, May 16 - North Lake Tahoe- Squaw Valley USA to Sacramento
2PM PDT / 5PM EDT (Live)

Tuesday, May 17 - Auburn to Modesto
2PM PDT / 5PM EDT (Live)

Wednesday, May 18 - Livermore to San Jose
2PM PDT / 5PM EDT (Live)

Thursday, May 19- Seaside to Paso Robles
2PM PDT / 5PM EDT (Live)

Friday, May 20 - Solvang
2PM PDT / 5PM EDT (Live)

Saturday, May 21 - Claremont to Mt. Baldy
5PM PDT / 8PM EDT

Sunday, May 22 - Santa Clarita to Thousand Oaks
2PM PDT / 5PM EDT (Live)
I talked to a friend last night.  He showed me how and where to get around the crouds...  Put my bike in my truck.  Drive to a park in Modesto (about 1/2 mile from the finish line and in the shade).  Ride the bike to the festive stuff (avoiding the parking crouds and blocked off areas).  Ride back and watch the guys fly bye.  Don't care who wins...Would love to get up close to see how each team works; what they eat and drink, conflects with the team, and how they get things done (repairs) afterwards...But that is for the big buck sponsors or those willing to shell out $1,000...Not me... 

 

http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/Route/stages/stage3.htm l
Just more info...

I was thinking I'd see it this year since I'll be laid off.

I've seen it every other year as it goes through my home town, but they arent this year.

Next year I believe we have locked down the start of the race, so that will be cool.

It's worth watching, and the vendors/merchant area is pretty cool.  You will get to see some high end stuff, and everyone is handing out schwag.

The riders go by so damn fast that there isn't a lot to see there.
If you want to see them for a while pick a spot at the top of a long steep hill.

Have fun,

Scott