May 17, 2016–Santa Barbara, California–On top of Gibraltar Road in Santa Barbara, Amgen Tour of California cyclists made their way to the top of the mountain. On the beautiful Southern California day in the middle of National Bike Month, the race that has ignited the spirit of California cycling enthusiasts displayed the perseverance it takes to succeed in the sport.
 
While many fans rode their own bikes, a bus was on hand to charter some of us less ambitious spectators up the hill with phenomenal views of the green mountains sprawling all the way to the ocean. VIP tents were filled with shady spots to relax and an endless food buffet to feed the hungry cyclist appetites. Sponsors included Michelob Ultra, ZD Wines, Go Raw, Jelly Belly Organic Jelly Beans, and Hanah One.
 
Fans stood to cheer on every athlete that made the challenging ride up the approximately 6 mile hill for Stage 3 of the annual event. Check out the video we caught on the sideline of the riders first up about halfway to the top:
 

 
On the bus ride back down we met the younger sister of Caleb Fairly, one of the racers, who told us her brother’s wife (also on the bus down the windy road with us) was pregnant and due in the coming week. We tweeted Caleb Fairly a “Congrats” and fingers crossed, they make it home before it is time to deliver their bundle of joy!
 

@DarrenKavinoky Thanks You. We are excited as well! Although Im hoping the baby comes after @AmgenTOC 😉 #5moredays

— Caleb Fairly (@calebfairly) May 18, 2016

 

Amgen Tour of California

You can follow the #AmgenTOC race on Twitter via @AmgenTOC
 

Young Frenchman @alafpolak @Etixx_QuickStep doubles down and wins on the Gibraltar Summit, adding to Mt. Baldy pic.twitter.com/gO85qHdL6m

— AmgenTOC (@AmgenTOC) May 18, 2016

You can learn more about National Bike Month here.