Amgen Tour of California Stage 7

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On Saturday morning I got up at 7AM to ride part of Stage 7 of the Amgen Tour of California, which started in Claremont and after a huge mountainous loop finished at the summit of Mt. Baldy (8,600 ft). The racers, who were starting at 11:45 AM, were going to be coming down the same stretch of road I was coming up, so I had to leave early before the road was closed otherwise I'd end up stuck somewhere mid-route.

I made it to Mt. Baldy Village, which is 2,000 ft below the top, before I had to turn around. For the day I rode 58 miles with 6,600 ft of climbing.

Some photos


A shrine for a cyclist who was killed on Glendora Mountain Road


The RVs started to show up around 8AM


Intersection of Glendora Mountain Road and Glendora Ridge Road - there would be several hundred people here later in the day (racers pass by twice)


Glendora Ridge Road with snow-capped Baldy in the background


Cars entering Mt. Baldy Village to watch the race


The first King of the Mountains finish line (sprint to the top of a hill for points)


Beautiful weather, beautiful view from about 4,000 ft


Racers coming over Glendora Ridge (eventual winner Chris Horner is in the yellow jersey 7 back)

Highlight of the day - despite my paunch and advanced age a young spectator asked if I was one of the racers. Give that kid an ice cream cone! :D