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Experience the thrill of Seeing Amgen’s Stage 1 Leg
Leave from Nevada City!
May 16, 2010
The largest cycling event in America, the 2010 Amgen Tour of California is a Tour de France cycling road race presented by AEG that challenges the world’s top professional cycling teams to compete along a demanding course from May 16-23.
The Amgen Tour will cross 750 miles of beautiful California terrain, beginning with the first ever visit to Nevada City. Stage I of the race will leave from Nevada City for Sacramento on Sunday May 16 at approximately 11:30 am
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to witness the start of the incredible Amgen race and spend the weekend exploring Nevada County’s outdoor sports and leisure activities set amid a stunning landscape and the historic towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City and Truckee.
Imagine award-winning wineries, exciting snow and water sports, mountain and road biking, golf, fishing, day spas, visual and performing arts, boutique shopping, unique restaurants, vibrant fall colors and pristine state parks. Plan your escape to the foothills and feel the rush of adventure and serenity in awe-inspiring natural beauty.
Day 1 - Arrive in Grass Valley or Nevada City and stay in one of the comfortable lodging facilities offered. That evening stroll the historic downtown and enjoy quaint boutique shops and an excellent meal at a local restaurant.
Day 2 – Day Two is Open to Many Options:
Explore a State Park:
South Yuba River State Park at Bridgeport
Visitor Center is located at 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd., Penn Valley
(530) 432-2564
www.southyubastatepark.org
Dedicated park professionals, docents and volunteers acting as park interpreters offer a variety of recreational activities; wildflower walks, hiking and biking trails, swimming, fishing bird watching, gold panning and more. The Visitors Center is rich with both cultural and natural history exhibits. The covered bridge built in 1862, at 251 feet, is the longest single span covered bridge in the United States. The newly refurbished historic barn is home to several conserved wagons that, along with interpretive panels, that tell the story of transportation during the gold rush era.
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park
23579 North Bloomfield Road, Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 265-2740
www.malakoffdiggins.org
Created in 1965, Malakoff Diggins preserves the exciting and controversial story of hydraulic gold mining during the California Gold Rush. The park is the site of California’s largest “hydraulic” mining site. Visitors can see huge cliffs carved by mighty streams of water, results of the gold mining technique of washing away entire mountains to find the precious metal. The park also contains a 7,847-foot bedrock tunnel that served as a drain. The visitor center has exhibits on life in the old mining town of North Bloomfield. Enjoy the hiking trails and panoramic views. Guided Town Tours are offered. Refer to the website for park schedule.
Empire Mine State Historic Park
10791 East Empire St., Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 273-8522
www.empiremine.org
The Empire Mine was the richest hard rock mine in the State of California, producing 5.8 million ounces of gold in its operating history of 106 years (1850-1956). The Park is noted for its historical tours of the Bourn Cottage, the mine yard and “living history” events. In addition, the Park museum has a scale model of the underground workings of the Empire/Star mine complex, a “gold room” which displays ore samples from local mines, an Assay Office and an extensive mineral collection. Stroll the lovely 13-acre grounds, considered a showplace in the mining world. Wedding & events facilities are available by reservation.
Donner Memorial State Park
12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA 96161
(530) 582-7892 Reservations: (800) 444-7275
www.parks.ca.gov/2page_id=503
Located in the beautiful Sierra Nevada, Donner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season’s beauty. The park encompasses Scallenberger Ridge to the south of Donner Lake. In and around the park you can see some of the Sierra Nevada’s geologic history. Visitors are welcome year round at the Emigrant Trail Museum and the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who immigrated to California from the east in the mid 1800’s.
Take a Walking Tour of Historic Towns of Nevada City or Grass Valley or both!
Nevada City is among the most interesting of California Gold Rush towns. You will find quality restaurants, comfortable lodgings, live theatre and a variety of fine shops, boutiques, galleries, museums and wineries all flavored with old-fashioned Nevada City hospitality.
Today, Grass Valley combines the rich heritage of yesterday and the best of today, offering visitors and history buffs an interesting glimpse into the past. The tour can begin at the historic Lola Montez House, home to the Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce.
To download brochures detailing walking tours of Grass Valley and Nevada City visit:
www.sncchamber.org/resources/relocation/brochures/brochures.asap
Go Wine Tasting –
Located in and around the historic communities of Grass Valley and Nevada City, Northern Sierra Wine Country offers boutique style wineries with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The area produces an unusually wide variety of vines, boasting over 45 planted varietals. Many are familiar like Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, while others like Cabernet Franc, Barbera, Sangiovese and Tempranillo are growing in popularity.
Drive along beautiful country roads to our welcoming wineries. Enjoy a picnic while gazing at local wildlife and spectacular views or stroll through the historic towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City and sample wine at friendly tasting rooms…..each with its own personality.
Download a brochure that lists the Northern Sierra Wineries and a map of their locations
www.nswinecountry.com
Attend the 35th Annual California Preservation Conference, May 12-15,
Over 30 educational sessions and workshops, presented by more than 100 experts.
Continuing Education Credits available for AIA, AICP, ASLA, CLG and MCLE
Exclusive tours that highlight Nevada County’s rich history, architecture, and natural beauty
Special events in Nevada County’s most historic locations
For additional information and on-line registration visit: www.califroniapreservation.org
How About Mountain or Road Biking?
Nevada County has long been a cycling center, due in large part to the famous Nevada City Bicycle Classic., which dates to 1961 and is the oldest bicycle race on the West Coast. Peaceful roads meander through the scenic countryside of Nevada County, making this an ideal area for road biking. For mountain bike riders, Nevada County is an outdoor paradise and year-round playground.
Don’t have a bike with you but you want to try some of the local roads and trails? No problem. The Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop can rent you one!
457 Sacramento Street
Nevada City, CA
(530)265-2197
Download a brochure of favorite mountain and road bike trails:
www.sncchamber.org/resources/relocation/brochures/brochures.asap
Day 2 - Evening—More Options!
Attend the Penn Valley Rodeo, May 14, 15 & 16
3:00 P.M. Rodeo Parade – from Western Gateway Park to the Rodeo Grounds on Spenceville Road.
5:00 P.M. Rodeo Gates Open – Enjoy delicious Western-style BBQ dinner featuring pulled pork and tender beef. Relax, sit back & watch the show!
Experience the excitement of professional rodeo “edge of your seat action” with the CCPRA rodeo Cowboys and Cowgirls! All the action is followed by live music and dancing. For additional information and advance sale tickets visit: www.pvrodeo.com
Attend a live theatre or concert performance
The Center for the Arts
314 W. Main Street, Grass Valley
(530) 274-8384
www.thecenterforthearts.org
Off Broad Street Theatre
305 Commercial Ave., Nevada City, CA
(530) 265-8686
www.obs@offbroad.com
Nevada Theatre
401 Broad Street, Nevada City
(530)265-6161
www.nevadtheatre.com
Music in the Mountains – Concert Series
www.musicinthemountains.org
Sunday, May 16 Leg 1 of the Amgen Race leaves from Nevada City!
The estimated time of departure is 11:30 A.M.
Be sure you arrive early to secure a great vantage point!
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