Looking over Silicon Valley from Sierra Road.

2/20: Stage 3 - Modesto to San José:

The race begins this morning in Modesto at 10am. It will be a great triumph just getting to San Jose. The route will take the riders to Patterson then up and over the 4360-foot summit of Mt. Hamilton. This is a beautiful drive by car, but not an easy feat by bike. The weather could add extra caution to the 18-mile descent.

Once here in the valley, the cyclists will be directed north on Piedmont Road and then unbelievably they will be asked to make it up Sierra (Grade) Road. This ‘hill’ of 1,943 feet in 3.7 miles may very well be the decider of today’s race. The downhill run from Calaveras Road to Piedmont Road, and then to City Hall should be a welcome breeze.

The CHP will be restricting motorized traffic during the day:

Calaveras Rd. - closed 1 to 3pm

Rolling Closure Areas:
Piedmont Rd.
Mabury Rd.
becomes Taylor St.
N. 2nd St.
St. James

3rd St. - closed between St. James and San Fernando noon to 6pm

Santa Clara St. - closed from Second to Fourth early morning to 6pm
and from Fourth to Seventh will be closed to 8pm.

Finish @ City Hall

AMGEN’S TOUR OF CALIFORNIA
STAGE 3 COVERAGE BEGINS WEDNESDAY AT 9:30A

Comcast TV
081 VERSUS
Wed, Feb 20, 8:00p - 9:00p

Related posts:

1. Race Daze
2. “Fast Friday” at the San José 2007 Grand Prix
3. King-Of-The-Mountain
4. Mug Shot of San José
5. Fly On Little Wing