Everything you need to know for enjoying The Big Bear Climb in a quick and easy format is here: Download the Spectator Guide & Map for Stage 6 – The Big Bear Climb (823K in Adobe Acrobat PDF format, or use the 13mb higher-resolution version).

It’s official. Stage 6 – The Big Bear Climb of the Amgen Tour of California will travel 132 grueling miles from Pasadena, through the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains, and finish in the first-ever mountain-top finish in Big Bear Lake. With an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 feet of climbing, this is one of (if not the) toughest legs of a stage race ever in the US. Below are some course details:

See the Stage 6 Map, the Stage 6 Log, and the Stage 6 Profile (all in PDF format).

Starting on Ocean Beach, Stage 3 will cover nearly 120 miles from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. The route will take the riders south down the California coastline on Highway 1, flanked by the picturesque backdrops of the Pacific Ocean on one side and Redwood forests on the other. This coastal stage will include three long, but moderate climbs on Tunitas Creek Road, La Honda Road and Bonny Doon Road, which will all be followed by lengthy and fast descents. The sprint to the finish will follow W. Cliff Dr. along Monterey Bay to an exhilarating conclusion to Stage 3 at the world famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

View Stage 3 Route Map

View Stage 3 Description

Amgen Tour of California

The route from Davis to Santa Rosa will provide plenty of scenic settings for both the cyclists and spectators. Beginning in the city of Davis, which recently was named the best cycling town in the United States by Bicycling Magazine, the route includes evenly spaced climbs throughout the stage and spectacular views. After 20 miles of flat roads, the riders will meet their first climb up a short, but steep section leading up to the Monticello Dam. This short climb is followed quickly by the difficult “Cardiac Hill”. Another long, flat section along Lake Berryessa will take the riders to their third climb up Howell Mountain Rd., followed by a fast descent into Napa Valley. The race will pass some of the most well-known vineyards in Napa Valley along the famous Silverado Trail. After one final climb up the Oakville Grade and a steep descent down Trinity Grade, the cyclists will finish the race in the hometown of “Charlie Brown” and the rest of the beloved “Peanuts” characters – Santa Rosa. In previous years, Santa Rosa fans have set the mark for one of the largest and most enthusiastic crowds of the entire race.

View Stage 2 Route Map

View Stage 2 Description