PALMDALE – The City of Palmdale is inviting local residents to be a part of a spectacular event that will feature Olympic athletes and will be broadcast around the world as the Amgen Tour of California wheels into Palmdale on Friday, May 18.
There are several volunteer opportunities for Antelope Valley residents to participate in and become part of an international sporting celebration.
“We’re recruiting volunteers to serve in various capacities leading up to and including the race itself,” Community Program Supervisor Trish Jones. “This truly is an amazing opportunity for residents to get involved and help show the world what a great community we have here in the Antelope Valley.”
“We’ve had a good response for volunteers so far, but with a limited number of spots available, I’m encouraging those interested to apply as soon as possible,” Jones added.
Residents may apply online at www.cityofpalmdale.org/ATOC.
“Our number one need by far will be for course marshals who will line up along the route to provide a safe route for the riders,” said Jones. “It’s something that doesn’t require a lot of time, but will put you right on the front line of this incredible event.”
The race in Palmdale on May 18 will begin at Marie Kerr Park. With the firing of the official start gun, riders will leave Marie Kerr Park and head east on Rancho Vista Blvd., a flat straightaway past the heart of Palmdale’s busy retail center and Antelope Valley Mall, under the 14 Freeway, and past iconic Joshua trees in springtime bloom, until taking a hard right onto historic Sierra Highway.
Formerly the El Camino Sierra Trail used by prospectors and adventurers in the 19th century, Sierra Highway is part of Historic Route 6. Riders will race along this nostalgic thoroughfare, passing Palmdale’s state-of-the-art Transportation Center, beautiful desert landscape, and picturesque Lake Palmdale at 2,980 feet above sea level before turning onto Pearblossom Hwy.
As the riders veer left onto Angeles Forest Hwy. from Pearblossom Hwy., they will begin their arduous ascent into the San Gabriel Mountains, the first of two grueling uphill climbs of the day.
“Palmdale is celebrating its 50th anniversary of being an incorporated City in 2012, and so it is only fitting to have an event of the magnitude of the Amgen Tour of California as one of our featured events to celebrate that milestone,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford.
For further information on the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, and to view the 2012 Amgen Tour of California Host Cities video, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.
(Information via press release from the City of Palmdale.)