Lake Tahoe, CA/NV…The countdown to the Amgen Tour Starts tonight with the The Hard Rock Cafe at Harveys Lake Tahoe hosting the official Amgen Tour of California kick-off party, Thursday, May 5, with percentage of the evening’s proceeds donated to Amgen’s title sponsor, Breakaway from Cancer, an initiative that helps empower people affected by cancer.

Observing the May 5 kickoff, what better way to celebrate than going to as many Cinco de Mayo parties as possible? The Blue Agave, Tahoe Biltmore Lodge & Casino and the Crystal Bay Club Casino are all hosting festive parties to commemorate the launch of the 2011 Amgen Tour of California.

The Amgen Tour is Coming…Are You Ready???  Some estimates put the number of visitors to the Lake Tahoe Area at 35,000 for the start or more.  What a great event to bring visitor traffic during the normally quiet shoulder season.