TOUR OF CALIFORNIA: It's billed as "America's Greatest Cycling Race." It's the Amgen Tour of California, and it will be back again in May to zip at impressive speeds around various areas of the Golden State. Thousands of bike fans show up for the tour -- which will be presented in stages from Sunday, May 13 through Sunday, May 20 -- but living la vida VIP isn't always on the bike buff's itinerary (more often than not the cycling aficionado grabs some curbside to watch the famous riders spin by). But Big Bear Lake, which is a part of Stage 6 of the race (that's Friday, May 18), is looking to treat the fans to a little something extra.
VIP FINISH LINE EXPERIENCE: It's a package that includes an overnight at a Big Bear hotel or inn, plus tent access at the finish line, bike valet, and, yep, a cowbell. (Yeah, you definitely want your cowbell.) Appetizers'll be served in the tent and there'll be a cash bar to boot. We like this because it is a convivial, community-oriented addition to an event that is known for moving along the road. Why shouldn't the fans stay and play with others interested in all things bike? If you can't make it up the mountain but you still want to get your Amgen on, find a stage near you. (Glendora, Mount Baldy, and LA are all on the SoCal or SoCal-close map.)
