This Week: Bikes of Amgen tour rolling back into town | The Sacramento Bee

The Amgen Tour of California returns to Sacramento on Sunday in a big way after a two-year absence. Bicyclists competing in the eight-day road race will begin their journey in Sacramento, with a 123-mile opening stage that starts downtown and winds through Placer and El Dorado counties, gaining 3,900 feet in elevation before returning to the Capitol.

A day later, the race will hold a 12.5-mile individual time trial in Folsom. City officials said they expect 10,000 spectators to line the streets for Folsom’s first appearance as an tour host city.

The opening stage in Sacramento is scheduled to start at 10:50 a.m. In Folsom on Monday, women riders will start at 11:10 a.m.; men at 1:05 p.m. An opening gala will be held Friday in Sacramento’s Memorial Auditorium.

The riders, who include some of the top cyclists in the world, will cover 740 miles before finishing the race May 18 in Thousand Oaks. The Sacramento Sports Commission estimates that the race’s return to Sacramento will result in 2,790 nights of hotel bookings and inject about $8.4 million into the area economy.

– Mary Lynne Vellinga

In the News

Beacon releases trade export totals on Tuesday

After stumbling out of the gate to begin 2014, California export trade picked up steam in February, with merchandise valued at $13.76 billion shipped abroad by California businesses. On Tuesday, consulting firm Beacon Economics will break down March export totals based on figures released by the U.S. Commerce Department.

Info: Check details at www.sacbee.com

Around Town

Sac State ensemble offers Mother’s Day concert

Camerata Capistrano, Sacramento State’s baroque ensemble, is presenting a special Mother’s Day concert, “The Spirit of Love and Improvisation,” on Sunday. The program at Room 151 of Capistrano Hall on the Sac State campus, 6000 J St., includes works by composers Couperin and Vivaldi, and big-band pieces by Telemann and Geminiani. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $7 for seniors, and $5 for students.

Info: Call (916) 278-4323 or www.csus.edu/aba/hornettickets

Kids a focus of Fair Oaks’ health and safety fair

“Rocky the Rooster” plays host to the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District’s health and safety fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. The youth-focused event at Village Park, 4238 Main St. in Fair Oaks, includes classes, programs and demonstrations aimed at promoting health and safety. Kids will be able to enjoy a bounce house, rock climbing wall and other activities.

Info: www.fairoakspark.org or call (916) 966-1036

Cal Middle School holds farewell reception

A farewell reception for the outgoing principal and assistant principal of Sacramento’s California Middle School will be held Friday night. The event honoring Principal Elizabeth Vigil and Assistant Principal James Eder is scheduled for 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the school, 1600 Vallejo Drive. The two are leaving to become the top administrators at Rosemont High School. The event is free and open to the public. Those wishing to make a donation toward a farewell gift may write a check, payable and mailed to Cal Middle PTSA, c/o Cal Middle School. Cal Middle graduates can email a short farewell video to goodbyemsvigil@yahoo.com.

Seven gardens on display in East Sac Garden Tour

Stroll through east Sacramento and the Fabulous 40s to visit seven gardens featured in this year’s East Sacramento Garden Tour. The self-guided tour is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A map is provided with each ticket, and participants can begin the tour at any garden. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the event. Luncheon tickets are $15. Proceeds go to programs at David Lubin Elementary School.

Info: www.eastsacgardentour.com

Mather event lets children ‘Meet the Machines’

Children can touch, climb on and explore a range of machines and vehicles at the Cordova Recreation and Park District’s “Meet the Machines” event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Mather Sports Center, 3755 Schriever Ave. in the community of Mather. Machines open for inspection include a firetruck, a Sacramento Municipal Utility District truck, a helicopter, a tow truck and a Segway. Admission is free.

Info: www.crpd.com