Smart to change things around. The TdF starts in different places every year, so SF shouldn't feel they are entitled. Better for the organizers to have cities wanting to pay some of the costs. An awful lot of visitors for the event will be staying and spending tourist dollars in SF anyways.

I spoke with one of the Mavic motorcycle riding mechanics after the 2007 Santa Rosa/Sacramento finish. He was especially impressed by the crowds in Davis. I mentioned it was a rather bike friendly community and the police cars there have penny-farthing logos on them. He thought that was cool.