The festivals surrounding Amgen

The Amgen Tour of California, now the premier professional cycling event in the United States, will put the spotlight on Sonoma County next week. The tour, now in its seventh year, will start May 13 in Santa Rosa and end May 20 in Los Angeles, and race fans and cycling enthusiasts everywhere will be watching.

But there’s much more to this event than the race itself. Even if you haven’t even looked at a bicycle since the fourth grade, there still will be plenty of public events you can enjoy. Starting mid-week, organizers will start building up to the big day with food, drink, live music and bike-related celebrations. Here’s the lineup:

May 10

Bike to Work Day 2012. It’s an annual event, of course, but on this year’s calendar, it conveniently lands just a few days before the race. Here’s a chance for everyone to get on wheels. Commute by bicycle and stop for coffee, snacks and encouragement at one or more of nearly 30 Energizer Stations scattered around the county. 6-9 a.m. 545-0153, bikesonoma.org

Team Reception. Some members of the Radioshack/Nissan/Trek cycling team will be at The Trek Store, 512 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, to answer questions and sign autographs. Food, wine and beer will be served at the event, from 5 to 7 p.m. A benefit for the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, it costs $15 for members and $20 for non-members. Information is available at bikesonoma.org/ATOCparty

Amgen Tour of California Kickoff Concert. KRSH Radio presents singer-songwriter Carrie Rodriguez live at Santa Rosa’s Old Courthouse Square, with The Whiskey Thieves opening the show at 6 p.m. Free. Beer and wine for sale. santarosa2012.com

May 11

Tour of Wine 2012 Pre-Race Party. The D’Argenzio Winery will offer complimentary tasting of its Levi’s GranFondo Pinot Noir, along with live music by “Hand Me Down,” food, tours and bocce ball on the Terrazzo. 1301 Cleveland Ave., Santa Rosa. 3-9 p.m. Free and family-friendly. 280-4658, dargenziowine.com

Amgen Tour of California Gala. A Santa Rosa Soiree. Meet the tour’s teams and riders and enjoy live music, gourmet food and wine and great scenery at Sonoma-Cutrer Winery, 4401 Slusser Road, Windsor. Tour de France commentators Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen will emcee the event. 5-10:30 p.m. $200. tourofcaliforniagala.eventbrite.com, 290-6723.