Tour of California - Bike Bling Expo Slideshow

The final stage of the Amgen Tour of California was a great success. With crowds in excess of 25k, phenomenal support coming from the tour's sponsors. Escondido laid witness to a truly world class event. Levi Leipheimer and Team Astana took the overall race from what turned out to be the hardest stage of the race as far as shear elevation/miles ridden. Palomar mountain is always a challenge whether you're riding a road bike up East Grade or pedaling your way up Nate Harrison Grade on your mountain bike. You're going to feel it! We thank all of the riders in this year's tour. It's definitely North America's premiere stage race.

The Bike Bling Expo was a great success. Thanks go out to everyone that stopped by to see what been up to since we opened our doors last May. The Expo storefront had many asking if this was our new location? We're still located at our 413 West 5th Ave location. We moved everything back to the shop that same evening. A special thanks to all of our friends and family that have been there for us throughout this 10 month journey.

Thank you,

From everyone on the Bike Bling team!

Amgen Tour of California Comes to Escondido

Escondido will play host to the finale of Amgen's Tour of California. Sunday February 22nd is the final stage of North America's greatest stage race. Stage 8 will start in Rancho Bernardo, California and finish in Escondido, California. The finish line is set in the heart of Escondido at the intersection of Broadway and Grand Avenue. Estimated finish times are for a 3:30pm for the first racers arrival. This could be the largest crowd of spectators in the history of Escondido. The tour organizers have estimated between 25 thousand to 40 thousand people will be in town for the event. You can read more about the official tour times for the race and the expo here.

"The Amgen Tour of California brings together the world's top professional teams to compete over a nine-day, 800 mile race through California. Watch Lance Armstrong race across the finish line during the San Diego North stage from Rancho Bernardo to Escondido."

Bike Bling will be in the thick of it as we have secured a space in the Expo on Grand Ave. Make sure to stop by Bike Bling's Expo Storefront at 224 East Grand Avenue and check out the incredible deals we'll have going on both Saturday and Sunday. The shop will be open too. So make sure to visit our Pro Shop located at 413 W 5th Ave, Escondido California 92025 (Just a few blocks from the main event).

Probably the best way to attend the event would be by bicycle. Parking downtown is limited and will fill up fast. At the Bike Bling Expo Storefront, the Downtown Business Association will be hosting a bike valet service at 224 East Grand Avenue. So find parking at your convenience, ride your bike to the event and store your bike securely with the good folks at the bike valet. Look for the signs directing you to the bike valet.

Public Transportation

The Sprinter light rail runs east to west between Oceanside and Escondido. The Escondido Transit Center is less than a mile from Downtown Escondido and the race finish.

On race day Sprinter trains will run every 30 minutes for westbound trips between 9:33 a.m. and 5:33 p.m. and for eastbound trips between 10:33 a.m. and 6:33 p.m., with hourly service before and after these times, in the mornings and evenings.

For schedules, fares, and more information, visit North County Transit District.

If you're visiting from out of town and want to get a bike ride in? Escondido has some of the best mountain and road cycling found anywhere. Bike Bling will be renting high end road and mountain bikes. Please check in with us as soon as possible to secure a bike for the event weekend. Want to know where the best rides are? We can point you in the right direction if you're going to ride while you're in town.

So be sure to stop by the Bike Bling Expo (at 224 East Grand Avenue) during your visit. We're having a Big Sale with a ton of this season's hottest cycling gear and bicycles on sale at the event. The Salebration Sale runs through the end of February. Visit BikeBling.com and start saving today!

If you have further questions about Bike Bling at the event please call us at 760-317-5450.

Listed below is some useful resource links:

Amgen Tour Info - Complete tour info
Lifestyle Festival - Information and times
San Diego Stage 8 Info - Route and stage information
San Diego North - Hotels, activities and more info
BikeBling.com - Bicycle sales, service, rentals and ride information
The tour on Versus - TV race coverage schedule (all times are EST)
Tour Stage Info - Stage information & estimated finish times