Spectator Tips

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With a little strategic planning, you can ensure an exciting and fun-filled day of spectating. The following tips will allow you to see plenty of action, visibly show support to your athlete at numerous spots on the course and also get in some sightseeing and other entertainment options during the down time. We will take you through race morning to the finish and provide numerous options.

Die-hard spectators can scramble for more viewing locations, while others may choose to peel off and enjoy some of the attractions of Auburn and the Auburn State Park.

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SWIM

Swim Choice #1 - Rattlesnake Bar Park at Folsom Lake: The swim venue of Rattlesnake Bar is about 6 miles from the Auburn Railhead Park finish line. The road out of the park will be closed to autos from race start until the final cyclists leaves the park (~6:30am to 8:15am)

Directions: See Driving Directions for driving directions from Railhead or from I-80 to Rattlesnake Bar park.

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BIKE

Please download and print out these maps so you can navigate the bike course successfully:

Mile 3.3 - Estimated Times:

You can watch the cyclists at the 3.3-mile mark where the course conveniently meets Auburn-Folsom Rd before turning away into the rural Shirland Tract Rd climb up to Auburn.

Directions: Follow directions to Rattlesnake Bar at the Driving Directions page and then park immediately after turning Left off of Rattlesnake Bar at Scotty's Corner.

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#3 - Lazy Person's Morning Viewing Spot: Lincoln Way Starbucks

Mile 11 Outbound - Estimated Times:

Mile 22 Int'l/53 Half Homebound - Estimated Times:

Fall back asleep after your racer bails at 5:30am. Wake up around 8, roll out of your motel room and walk over to Starbucks on Lincoln Way, just west of Foresthill Rd. Purchase your overpriced liquid stimulant then walk out the door and await the arrival of the riders at mile 11 on the bike course.

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Other Bike Viewing Spots

The route will proceed along the I-80 corridor, heading eastbound on the outbound portion. This makes for numerous occasions where you can conveniently watch the riders as they head out and then return on the same course.

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Bike Viewing #4 - Bell Rd and I-80

Mile 13 Outbound - Estimated Time:

Mile 20 Int'l/51 Half Homebound - Estimated Time:

Proceed on I-80 eastbound from Auburn for about five minutes and exit Bell Rd. Turn Left, crossing over freeway and immediately park as you reach the Bowman Rd freeway frontage Rd. Cyclists will proceed straight thru intersection across Bell Rd.

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Bike Viewing #5 - W Paoli Rd Aid Station

Mile 21.3 Outbound - Estimated Time:

Mile 36.8 Homebound - Estimated Time:

Proceed on I-80 east from Auburn about 15 minutes to the W Paoli Lane exit. Veer Left up the hill to a large dirt. You can see the riders coming and going across the freeway overpass. The aid station is at this location too, making for lots of excitement!

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Bike Viewing #6 - Canyon Way/Placer Hills Rd and I-80 Station

Mile 25.2 Outbound - Estimated Time:

Mile 32.7 Homebound - Estimated Time:

Proceed on I-80 east from Auburn about 20 minutes to the Canyon Way/Placer Hills Rd exit, one mile east of the main Colfax exits. Turn right off the exit and park immediately on the shoulder of Canyon Way. You can see the riders coming and going across the freeway overpass.

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Bike Viewing #6/Run Viewing #1: Pacific Ave Bridge Above Railhead Soccer Park

This spot is 200 meters from the bike finish line and 200 meters into the run. It's a fun alternative to being in the spectator pen at the transition area. The cyclists will pass you en route to the bike finish, then the runners will pass under the bridge at the start of the run course.

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RUN

Run Viewing #2: Mile 1.25, 5.6, and 10 - Maidu Dr and water canal

You can quickly reach this spot using roads that are off the race course. From Railhead Park, proceed on Pacific Ave 1/4 mile to Auburn-Folsom Rd signal light and turn Left. Proceed ~1/2 mile to Maidu Dr and turn Left. Proceed uphill through a couple stop signs, then descend with view of canyon and Sierra. At bottom of hill, you'll intersect with the run course. Please park on roadside prior to reaching the aid station and run route.