Instead of the lunch ride I rode down with a co-worker down to an intersection to watch the individual time trial of the Tour of California. We sat there and waited as the amateur ranks came by, followed by the pro women, and eventually the pro men. It was really exciting to see the difference between the amateurs and pros. I didn't get to see the top-tier of the pro ranks, who go last, but I did get to see the God of Thunder, Thor Hushovd of BMC racing.
The stage itself is really fast and rolling until you swing left Northbound onto Hale Ave., where the racers are met with a nasty headwind, ending with a steep pitch to the finish.