Facts

Please watch local news media for up-dates and information, as times may change.

For questions, E-Mail us, we will glad to try and answer any questions you have.  

The 2008 Amgen Tour of California Bicycle Race.

• Begins February 18 in Palo Alto and ends February 24 in Pasadena.
• Solvang is hosting the 5th Stage of the race
• The Solvang phase is an Individual Time Trial
• 118 riders will race the clock along the 15 mile route with a single rider leaving the starting gate every 60 seconds.

Click to view Route Slideshow

• Mission Drive to Alisal Rd.
• Alisal Rd. to Viborg
• Viborg to Alamo Pintado
• Alamo Pintado Road to Baseline Avenue
• Baseline Avenue to Refugio Road
• Refugio Road to Roblar Avenue
• Roblar to Grand Avenue
• Grand Avenue to Alamo Pintado Road
• Alamo Pintado Road to Steele Street
• Steele Street to Ballard Canyon Road
• Ballard Canyon Road to Chalk Hill Road
• Chalk Hill Road to Atterdag Road
• Atterdag Road to Copehagen Drive
• Copenhagen Drive to First Street

The Race Route will be closed to all traffic from the start of the race until the last racer completes the route. This is estimated to be from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

First Street from Oak St. to Mission Drive will be closed the evening before the race to allow for set up of tents. It will remain closed until Friday evening.

Alisal Road from Mission Drive to Laurel will be closed 4AM race day. From Laurel to Viborg will be closed from 11am until 3:30pm.

Mission Drive will be closed from Fifth Street to Pine Street and traffic diverted along Oak Street early in the morning (approximately 4:00 am) to allow for set up of the race start line.

Alamo Pintado Road Closed from Viborg to Baseline at 11am race day.

Second Street from Oak to Copehnagen closed 8pm Thursday, February 21.

Detour Traffic will be able to travel through Solvang via the Southern Detour Route. 

Entering from the West, right on 5th St., left on Oak St., Left on Alisal and right on HWY 246. 

Entering from the East side of town, left at Alisal, right at Oak St., right on 5th St. and left on HWY 246.

This is a great opportunity for Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley to be exposed on a state, national and international level. Television coverage will be provided by the Versus network. This exposure and the anticipated 15,000 spectators will bring a positive economic benefit to the community.

How can I volunteer?
Go to the web site: www.tourofcalifornia-solvang.com. Volunteers are needed for a variety of activities.

How can I be a sponsor?
Contact Mike Brady at 391-0587, he is the sponsorship coordinator for the Local Organizing Committee.

Will I be able to get out of my driveway during the race?
No traffic is allowed on the race route during the race. If you live/work on the route plan on volunteering to be a course marshal and you will receive a free tee shirt, commemorative pin, and boxed lunch. Go to the web site to volunteer. If you are unable to participate please plan your daily activities around the road closures.

If I live/work off the route will I be able to get to and from my home/business?
Not in all cases. There will be several areas that will not have access during the race hours. Others may need to utilize alternate routes due to the road closures. Look at the route map and see if alternate routes are available.

What happens in an Emergency?
Emergency vehicles will be allowed on the route in the event of an emergency.

Will I be able to get to and from work?
Yes if you start work before the route is closed at 11:00 AM and leave work after 3:30 PM. You may have to use an alternate route due to portions of road closures on First, Alisal and Mission.

Will I be able to get to the high school?
Yes, in the morning. A detour will be required through Solvang.

Will I be able to get to Solvang School?
No, but they will be out of session the day of the event.

Will I be able to get to Ballard School?
Children will be able to be dropped off for school, but will need to remain until the conclusion of the race. No exceptions.

What are the best spots to view the race?
Any where along the route should be good. You will need to get there well in advance of the race start to insure parking and seating availability. The web site has areas that have been identified as preferred viewing areas.

Parking along the route will NOT be allowed.

Parking in general will be limited. There will be remote sites available with transport into Solvang. Additionally spectators are being encouraged to ride their bicycles to the event. Bike valets will be available to provide secure storage.

Lifestyle Event- There will be a Lifestyle Festival that will be staged on Alisal Road between Copenhagen and Mission Drive. It will last from one hour before the race to one hour after the race. The festival is free and will provide health screenings, cancer awareness, education, bicycle stunt shows, live music, and family activities.

Gala Event- There will be a Gala Celebration the evening of the event at the Royal Scandinavian Inn. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased through the web site.

Funding- Local funding for the event is being done through sponsorships by local businesses.