Visalia
 All good things begin in Visalia! Centrally located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, its picturesque communities and stunning landscapes against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada Mountains make it a great place to live, work, play...and vacation! Visalia's rich culture, outdoor adventures, family-friendly environment and unusual agricultural experiences make it an ideal city to visit if only for a day to enjoy the Amgen Tour of California, or the Sequoia National Park, Sequoia National Forest and many other activities as part of a weekend getaway or an extended stay. Visalia and the surrounding Sequoia area offer amazing rides for everyone from the novice to the professional cyclist. The proof is in the details. Visalia has established itself as the City with the Big Start not once, but twice as a Stage Start for the Amgen Tour of California. The City has also played host to the Southern Sierra Cycling Classic for over 20 years - offering cyclists the best in routes, ambience, accommodations, and hospitality. Experience the ride that Men's Journal (May 29, 2009) cited as one of Jonathan Vaughter's favorite rides...the climb from Visalia, through the fragrant orange groves, into the Sequoia National Park and up to the world's largest living thing, the General Sherman Tree. "You'll be pushed to the limit riding from sea level to almost 7,000 feet - the climbs are steady and long...but once you see the Sequoias, the burn quietly subsides." There are many other less-challenging but equally as inviting rides in this locale where the ideal year-round climate draws visitors and sports enthusiasts of all kinds Make Visalia the start of your next big adventure. Come for the race, stay for the fun, and make memories to last a lifetime.  Download the flyer (PDF) |
