Locals are getting more excited as the May 16 Amgen Tour of California’s time trial stage approaches in Morgan Hill, with cycling celebrities scheduled to make an appearance at area schools and an outdoor kickoff concert coming up.
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On April 27, professional cyclist “Fast Freddie” Rodriguez and 2017 Gravel Champion of the World Alison Tetrick will ride into two Morgan Hill elementary schools in support of both the Tour of California and National Bike Safety Month, which takes place in May.
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These two decorated pros will appear at El Toro Elementary School at 9am, and at P.A. Walsh STEAM Academy at 1:10pm. The two cyclists will educate children on bicycle safety and how to live an active lifestyle.
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Bicycle safety is particularly relevant to the elementary school age group because children account for one-third of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency rooms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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And despite the growth of cycling as a sport and activity among adults, the number of children riding bicycles has plunged 20 percent since 2010, according to the National Sporting Goods Association. Many children are not engaging in physical activities, a fact that contributes to an ongoing childhood obesity epidemic.
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There is also a gender gap in the cycling world, with only 25 percent of all cyclists being female, according to a press release from the Amgen Tour of California. Tetrick will specifically talk about her efforts to bridge this gap when she visits Morgan Hill schools.
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Kickoff concert May 11
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On May 11, the Friday before the Tour of California time trial will bring thousands of spectators and team members to downtown Morgan Hill, the local Chamber of Commerce will host an “AMGEN Kickoff Concert.” The show will feature Isaiah Band and the Cocktail Monkeys.
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The concert will take place 6 to 9:30pm May 11, at the downtown amphitheater, 17000 Monterey Road. Food and beverages will be for purchase on site.
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The concert is organized by the chamber, City of Morgan Hill and Specialized Bicycles.
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Morgan Hill is partnering with San Jose to host the Stage 4 Individual Time Trial of the Amgen Tour of California. The competing professional cyclists will come to Morgan Hill on Wednesday, May 16 for Stage 4, which spans 21.6 miles.
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The course will head out of Morgan Hill on Dunne Avenue and then pick up on Oak Glen Road around the north side of Chesbro Reservoir to McKean Road to Bailey Avenue to Santa Teresa Boulevard. From there, riders will head due south onto Hale Avenue and finish on Monterey Road.
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Roads along the route will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 9am to 4pm May 16. The competition is expected to go from 1 to 4pm.
