Fundraiser to kick off Amgen’s Stage 6 in Santa Barbara

 

 

“American Flyers,” a film starring local resident Kevin Costner, will be shown Jan. 17 as part of a fundraiser for the Amgen Tour of California.

The public is invited to attend the screening, rated PG-13, at the Cabrillo Arts Center, 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd., near East Beach in Santa Barbara.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. for a no-host reception with refreshments and a cash bar, followed by a 7 p.m. showing of the popular cycling movie. A $12 donation at the door is suggested. Seating will be on a first-come basis.

 

The Movie Night fundraiser is coordinated by volunteer members of the Santa Barbara Local Organizing Committee to raise money to host Stage 6 of the Amgen Tour of California – a 650-mile, eight-day bicycle stage race modeled after the Tour de France. The race features the world’s top professional cycling teams, who will start in Palo Alto at Stanford University on Feb. 17 and conclude in Pasadena on Feb. 24.

On Feb. 23, Santa Barbara will host the Stage 6 Starting Line festivities beginning at 9 a.m. at East Beach and Chase Palm Park with the Cottage Health Systems Family Fitness Fair and a free kid’s bike race.

 

Pro cyclists are expected to arrive in team vehicles to register between 10 and 11 a.m., creating the unofficial yet popular “autograph alley,” where fans can interact with riders. A welcome ceremony and the Stage 6 Start will begin at 11 a.m.

“American Flyers is a cycling classic,” according to Dan Rudd, vice-chair of the Santa Barbara Local Organizing Committee and Movie Night event coordinator. In the film, sports doctor Marcus, played by Kevin Costner, persuades his brother, David, to train with him for a bicycle race across the Rocky Mountains. Marcus neglects to tell David that he has a cerebral tumor, just like the one that killed their father.

 

“The movie features great views of the Rockies and gives some classic insights in the tactics of bicycle races,” Rudd explained.

“We thought it would be fun to screen this and get everyone geared up for the arrival of the Amgen Tour of California here in Santa Barbara.”

Film critics Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, in a review of the film, said, “Kevin Costner is superb as Marcus, an overachiever who still has trouble with competition and expressing his emotions. David Grant puts in a stellar performance as his younger brother, a college student who has not found his identity apart from family resentments and loyalties. Rae Dawn Chong is very impressive as Marcus’s tough girlfriend who can be tender as well.”