AMGEN Tour of California Spectator Experience

VIP Viewing Start and Finish in Sacramento

Our staff will meet you at Sacramento Airport and your VIP experiences starts straight away!

​We don’t have far to travel today when we’ll witness the thrill of a start & finish, almost opposite our hotel! Firstly, we will have access to the VIP area providing us with light snacks and drinks where we will get a chance to see the rider sign-in. They arrive 1.5 hours before the race, in an area accessible to the public. Walk amongst the team buses and watch the bikes being prepared, plus see the cyclists heading off to sign in! Watch the cyclists head off, maybe head back to the hotel or stay in the VIP tent, from where we’ll see the finish! Enjoy free food and drinks and live coverage as the riders cross the line. What a start to our trip!

Stage Finish in South Lake Tahoe

Today we are heading up through pine tree covered mountain roads to South Lake Tahoe, where you’ll find the largest alpine Lake in North America; deep and wide, bluer than blue, and surrounded by the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains! The drive itself is beautiful and the location is stunning. We will have a chance to stop by the lake and eat lunch. The town of Heavenly hosts the finish and we will stop near Bijou. Today you can choose where to watch and Jacinta has all the information to pick the perfect location to view the race. There’s an uphill finish and you can choose to stand on the road to cheer the cyclists as they pass or take a short shuttle ride to the finish line and watch them cross to victory. ​

​Today we have quite a long transfer, but we will take the scenic Highway 101, which takes us through changing terrain down the West Coast of California. Our destination is Pismo Beach, a colorful surf town on the coast, buzzing with life with its cool shops and bars. Our hotel is right by the beach, in the very heart of the resort. The pier is a moment’s walk away. There is a rooftop bar and restaurant and we’ll arrive in time to drink cocktails as the sun sinks beyond the horizon of the Pacific Ocean.

VIP Ultimate Finish Line Experience

You experienced this in Sacramento but now it’s super VIP time! First, we have a short journey to neighboring Morro Bay; a beautiful seaside town, home to sunbathing seals, a quaint harbor, and the best clam chowder around. We’ll take a small boat ride around the harbor and be given the history and news from our surfer captain, before returning to the dock where you will have the chance to find your own lunch at one of the many fish restaurants. After lunch we will head up to the finish line and VIP area and today, we’ve privatized the experience as we get to head into the broadcasters´ compound and meet our favorites - Phil and Jensie! We’ll get to see the press area and where the winners are presented - lots of photo opportunities! Thomson will rule the finish and we can’t wait.​

Stage Start Pismo Beach​

​In the morning we’ll head straight to the team busses and see all the teams sign in and prepare for the day’s racing! Pismo Beach hosts the start, and rumor has it, it’s right outside our hotel! By now you’ll be old hands at this and probably on first name terms with the teams! Stroll through the coaches and wave off your favorites. Once the teams head off and pack up, we’ll do the same and take Highway 101 South towards Los Angeles and Pasadena, our base for the next 3 nights. It’s a 4 hour journey but get ready for some serious views as we pass along the coast, palm tree-lined avenues and when we arrive at our amazing hotel - the best in town - there’s a rooftop pool with views of City Hall. A stunning hangout for the next 3 nights!

VIP Finish Area Mount Baldy​

Costumes abound, Hollywood legends! Today we are heading up the famous Mount Baldy! We’ll take our own coach to Baldy then shuttle up to the VIP area. We’ll have access to the Michelob tents, live coverage for 2 hours and free bar. We’ll head up early so we can experience the mountain in true style and if you want to dress up - this is the day! Hollywood in our sites, we will pay tribute to the legends, so get your thinking caps on! Everyone loves a mountain day and Thomson spectators have a reputation for being the best-dressed on the hill! Can we make the news again? We’ll cheer the cyclists as they near the finish and have a blast of a day!​

​Unfortunately, our Amgen Tour of California Experience must come to an end. We hope to see you back in the future. Join us on a Thomson Spectator Trip to La Vuelta, World Cycling Champs, Tour Down Under, Spring Classics, or the Tour de France.