Pismo Beach Hosts the AMGEN Tour of California 2014
Pismo Beach is proud to be a first time host city for the AMGEN Tour of California this spring. The race takes place May 11th – 18th, 2014 and will challenge the world’s top professional cycling teams in a Tour de France-style road race across hundreds of miles of California’s challenging, inspiring and undeniably gorgeous terrains. Starting in Sacramento and finishing in Thousand Oaks, cyclists are taking on a very demanding journey surrounded by fellow participants with statures as World Champions, Tour de France contenders and Olympic medalists.
AMGEN, an American multinational biopharmaceutical company and founder of Breakaway from Cancer proves the tour is more than just a cycling race – it is “leading the race to dramatically improve people’s lives”. Breakaway form Cancer is “a national initiative to increase awareness of important resources available to people affected by cancer – from prevention to survivorship.” Support services provided include:
- Prevention through the Prevent Cancer Foundation
- Fighting Cancer through the Cancer Support Community
- Financial Assistance through the Patient Advocate Foundation
- Survivorship through the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
Photo credit: Sanluisobispo.com
A local Pismo Beach nonprofit organization, AmpSurfTM, has been aiding the disabled community for ten years through a very unique rehabilitation program. By combining the healing power found in nature, specifically from the Pacific Ocean, with the physical challenge of adaptive surfing, AmpSurfTM has been able to give disabled veterans, adults and children the ability to focus on their capabilities instead of their disabilities. Through specialized 
The KiteXpo returns to Pismo Beach for its 12th annual event, Friday, April 11th-13th. It is one of the largest kiteboarding events in the country.
Gear up, runners! The San Luis Obispo Marathon and Half Marathon will be taking place April 25th-27th and is an event not to be missed by runners or spectators alike. The event was established in 2010 and offers one of the most beautiful race courses in the United States. The course itself tours the classic downtown San Luis Obispo and its historic neighborhoods then venture out into Edna Valley where you will take in views of the magnificent Morros, gorgeous farmland and pristine vineyards. Complete your race with a heart-pounding finale at the renowned Madonna Inn.
Images of America: Pismo Beach, Effie McDermott’s newest book, is the latest in a series of small-town books published by Arcadia Publishing. The fascinating history of Pismo Beach encompasses the importance of certain retired preachers, a king of bootleggers and earned its name, “Pismo Beach.”
In January, Bill St. John of the 
Breakfast morning, noon and night? Absolutely! Delight in breakfast all day long at Shell Café in Pismo Beach. This charming establishment has an extensive breakfast menu complete with various benedicts including Bacon & Avocado, BBQ Tri Tip Chipotle and Lobster. Delight in their selection of nine specialty scrambles and omelets made only from the freshest ingredients. Opt for a “Fresh MexStyle” breakfast or choose from their selection of waffles, pancakes, French toast and crepes. There really is a breakfast for everyone at this family-friendly restaurant complete with Pismo’s classic beach town ambiance.
