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).

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