From the Thousand Oaks Acorn

The Conejo Valley Cyclists and the city of Thousand Oaks invite all concerned cyclists to participate in the third annual memorial “Ride of Silence” on Wed., May 19.

Preparation begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Bank of America parking lot, west of Sears and Janss Marketplace at the northwest corner of Hillcrest Drive and Wilbur Road.

The ride begins at 7 p.m. The local ride is in memory of bicyclists Glenn Garvin, who was killed two years ago, and Mike Mikel, who was killed last year, both in Thousand Oaks.

The Ride of Silence acknowledges the deaths or injuries of cyclists involving bikes and motor vehicles. It involves a short 10- mile ride at a slow 12-mph pace to honor more than 600 cyclists who die each year on public streets.

The Ride of Silence is also occurring throughout North America and internationally. Helmets are mandatory and lights are recommended.

For details, see the official Ride of Silence webpage, http://www.rideofsilence.org/, or the CVC page at http://www.cvcbike.org/.

Route for the final stage of the Amgen Tour of California

The Amgen Tour of California, a breathtaking 8-day cycling event covering California from north to south, is staging the final leg of its race in the Conejo Valley. Similar to the Tour de France, the Amgen Tour of California is known as the “greatest professional cycling event in North America.” The Cities of Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Westlake Village have partnered to host Stage Eight of the thrilling race plus related events on Sunday, May 23 2010.

The Course: Beginning at The Oaks Shopping Center in Thousand Oaks, the race moves along Thousand Oaks Boulevard to Hampshire Road and enters into Westlake Village on Lakeview Canyon Road from Townsgate Road. The course continues down Agoura Road passing Westlake Village City Hall and into Agoura Hills. The riders then begin a 20-mile stretch, ascending more than 1,800 feet through the Santa Monica Mountains, including the famous “Rockstore Climb.” The fan-friendly course follows this circuit four times, for a total of 80 miles, giving residents several chances to see the action “up close and personal.”

The Finish Line and a Lifestyle Festival are located on Village Glen Road, near the Hyatt Westlake. Street closures to accommodate the many activities are planned; residents can bike, walk, or shuttle to the festivities with their families.

Organizers forecast large crowds for the entire weekend. Local hotels, shops and restaurants can expect heightened business, and streets will see an increase in foot and cyclist traffic. City officials are working closely with organizers to reduce traffic impacts. Traffic plans and closures will be announced prior to the event, however, delays when traveling in and around the race route area may occur.

This is a fantastic opportunity for people to experience the largest professional cycling event in North America. For more information on the event, including related local activities and a video of the race route, or to volunteer to help with the race, visit http://www.amgentourconejo.org.