May is National Bike Month. Santa Rosa celebrates in grand style by hosting the 2012 Amgen Tour of CA Overall Start and Stage 1 finish in downtown. There will be lots of events leading up to the race too. A sample of events are posted below- complete event list can be found at http://www.santarosa2012.com
Don’t think that West Enders just celebrate the bike one month out of the year! We happen to have an impressive selection of bike-minded creative geniuses that reside in the West End. This is what they are up to this month:
West Ender Skye Barnett and David Farish (Not a West Ender… but definitely admired in the West End) have created the “Spruce Deuce” a marvelous contraption that will certainly be a star in the 44th Annual Kinetic Sculpture Race on May 26- 28th. What is this race about? Wild and crazy people-powered sculptures will traverse land, sand, and water to travel from the Arcata Plaza (10 a.m. viewing, noon start Saturday) to the finish line in the Victorian Village of Ferndale (finishing any time after noon Monday). It’s all for the glory! Good luck Guys!
The Spruce Deuce- Kinetic Art
West Ender Klaus Rappensperger and the Fun Bike Unicorn Club (other members include Joshua Thwaites, Arn Anderson, Todd Barricklow & Joey Castor) are bringing their Death Defying Figure 8 Pedal Car Races to the 7th Annual Bay Area Maker Faire . In the spirit of healthy, and perhaps reckless, competition, the Unicorns will be shredding around the track racing not only each other, but anyone else who has brought a car to race. The rules are simple, don’t spend too much money, build it yourself, and brakes are mandatory! SCARY but exciting! Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1N-cEsRPUA
AMGEN related events:
Amgen May 13- 20th 2012 Amgen Tour of CA Santa Rosa hosts the opening stage of this 8 day event. The race will start and finish in downtown Santa Rosa on May 13th. The 2012 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France-style cycling road race with a challenging course covers 750 miles and 13 California cities. Entire race is May 13-20th. http://www.santarosa2012.com
Volunteer: 400 to 500 volunteers needed on race day- course marshaling and other duties. More info http://www.santarosa2012.com/get-involved
May 10th, Thursday – Bike to Work Day 2012. Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition invites you to get out and ride your bike on May 10th (and all month long). Energizer Stations set up between 6-9 a.m.throughout So. Co. to serve anyone on a bike coffee, snacks, good cheer, and our collectible canvas giveaway bags.
May 10th, Thursday- Amgen Tour of California Kick off Concert Sponsored by the KRUSH, a FREE concert in downtown Santa Rosa! Carrie Rodriguez head line with openers the Whiskey Thieves. Location: Courthouse Square Time: 6 p.m. More info KRUSH
May 10th, Thursday Meet & Greet Reception with Team Radioshack/Nissan/Trek
zmrry some of the members of Team Radioshack/Nissan/Trek. $20 Proceeds benefit Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition. Location: Trek Store Santa Rosa
512 Mendocino Ave Time: 5- 7p.m. TICKETS
D'Argenzio Fine Wines
May 11th, Friday- Tour of Wine Santa Rosa 2012 D’Argenzio Winery celebrates the return of the Amgen Tour through Santa Rosa with the Tour of Wine 2012 pre-race party. The Tour of Wine 2012 is scheduled two days before the race kicks off in downtown Santa Rosa. The winery will offer complementary tasting of its Levi’s GranFondo Pinot Noir, along with live music with “Hand Me Down”, food, tours and Bocce ball on the Terrazzo. Family-friendly. $20.00 includes 6 wine tastes and 2 slices of pizza Location: D’Argenzio Winery 1301 Cleveland Ave Time: 3pm-9pm Tickets
May 12th, Saturday- Team Swift Junior State Criterium Championships Team Swift Junior Development Cycling Program is hosting the Junior State Criterium Championships in Santa Rosa in conjunction with the start of the Amgen Tour of California. Riders the ages of 10-18 will compete in their age categories for the Championship titles. Location: Sonoma County Administration Center. Time: 8am-4pm
May 12th, Saturday Elite Category Criterium (Open to amateurs!) Following the Junior State Criterium Championships, there will be Elite Category Criterium races for all ages. REGISTER TODAY! Location: Sonoma County Administration Center Time: Afternoon
May 12th, Saturday Life Time Gran Fondo @ The Amgen Tour of California Set in the heart of wine country and farm country, surrounded by redwood forests, rivers, lakes and the ocean, The Life Time Gran Fondo California is set to kickoff as an official Gran Fondo ride of the Amgen Tour of California. The Life Time Gran Fondo California has a category for everybody even for those who have never before entered a bicycle tour or challenge ride. Must PREREGISTER!
May 13th, Sunday– Lifestyle Festival The festival will feature a health & fitness expo, cancer awareness education, cycling gear, family activities, bike safety, food, entertainment and more! There will be plenty to see and do for everyone in your family! Location: Downtown Santa Rosa Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Artist and Performers : Are you a West End performer, artist or other talented individual? Don’t be shy! Share your performance dates and events with the neighborhood. We want to support you. Contact Lea Barron-Thomas at westend @sonic.net
The West End Neighborhood where urbanism, preservation, art and people come together! For the latest updates, crime alerts, full calendar of events and photos- go the West End Neighborhood website. Click Here!
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