Interesting article. I'm trying to figure out where I want to watch from, while it is in northern CA. The prologue in Sacramento would provide a lot of up-close viewing from the small street circuit, but it is bound to be packed. The second stage from Sausalito to Santa Cruz (if I remember right) offers both scenic coastal viewing, as well as the route over the Golden Gate bridge, and then through the Pacific Heights and Seacliff areas of SF. One location on this stage that I thought about was right at where the Cliff House is, as they come down the pretty steep downgrade and then take the curve to Ocean Beach (just at the west edge of Golden Gate Park).

But the 3rd stage will be closest to where I live, especially the part where they are on Tesla Road in Livermore, passing most of the Livermore Valley wineries. Maybe not a bad place to pack a picnic, and do some wine-tasting at the same time... Unfortunately, this stretch is flat and straight, and will probably be a boring fly-by of the peloton. There ARE some good climbs in this stage, however, with the biggest one being just as they head out of San Jose towards Mt. Hamilton. There should also be some good scenic areas along Calaveras Road. And then after Livermore, they will have to go up and over Patterson Pass, which is another decent climb, to get into the Central Valley for the stage finish in Modesto (if I remember right this route correctly).