Click HERE to find more stories in the April 10 – 23, 2019 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Jodi Hall
For the second year in a row, Morgan Hill will host 120 of the best cyclists in the world in one of America’s most prestigious cycling race, the Amgen Tour of California.
This year, Tuesday, May 14, Morgan Hill will see an exciting finish for Men’s Stage 3, as the riders speed into town, after a long, grueling 126 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing. This stage will conclude with a final exciting sprint on Condit Road toward the finish line at the Outdoor Sports Center.
The action starts at noon for spectators, right next to the finish line. The Amgen Lifestyle Festival and Expo will have more than 40 exhibitors with interactive and engaging experiences for spectators of all ages. Huge video screens will show the race, announcers will explain the action, and the excitement will build as the racers near the finish line.
One of my favorite features of a race is how up-close and personal you can get to the sports’ superstars. And watch team mechanics tend to the bikes and all the other behind-the-scenes action you wouldn’t see on TV.
But we don’t have to wait for the pros for the fun to begin. In the days leading up to the race, Morgan Hill Bike Week features a variety of bike-related activities.
Morgan Hill Bike Party, Cinco de Mayo ride — Friday, May 3, the community is invited to pedal around town by night, with the lights and music of the Morgan Hill Bike Party. The Amgen Tour of California people will also be there with giveaways. Helmets, lights and a willingness to share the road and follow the laws are required. The ride starts and ends at Bike Therapy and the Granary. Meet at 7:30 p.m.
Community Ride: 2018 Time Trial Route — Sunday, May 5, beginner to advanced groups will leave from Bike Therapy to ride last year’s Amgen Tour route at different paces. This would be a perfect time to enjoy a post-ride meal at one of our many downtown spots.
Bike to School Day — Take your tykes to school on bikes Wednesday, May 8. Kids and parents are encouraged to ride bikes to and from school.
Bike to Work Day — Commute by bike Thursday, May 9 and pass by the CCC, where volunteers will be set up with snacks, giveaways, and the classic messenger bag.
Bike Movie Night — Thursday evening, May 9, join the community at the Morgan Hill Playhouse to watch a classic bike movie!
Specialized bike celebration — Saturday, May 11, from noon to 3 p.m. celebrate bikes, local music and Morgan Hill Bike Week at a fun event at the corner of Depot and First streets. Bring the kids for bike challenges while you listen to music and eat yummy food truck fare.
The world-class bike race brings the community together for far more than race day. And the benefits of more people enjoying their bikes will last long after the race moves on.
Jodi Hall is the owner of Bike Therapy in downtown Morgan Hill, along with her husband, Doug. They moved to Morgan Hill with their two children two years ago and could not love it more. Jodi is a member of the Downtown Association board, the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advocacy Group, and the Amgen Tour of California local organizing committee.
