An increase in local hotel reservations might be a sign that the 2010 Amgen Tour of California is delivering on a dream.

Stage 8, the final stretch of the eight-day race featuring the world’s top cyclists, begins and ends in Thousand Oaks on May 23. The city has been looking forward to a share of the $100 million that’s expected to be generated statewide from the tour, but nobody really knows what the final benefits will be.

The final stage is expected to attract about 150,000 spectators. The hope is that those from out of town will stay at local hotels, fill their gas tanks and shop.

“I think the tour is fantastic. It should have a great economic impact on us this year and hopefully for many years to come,” said Westlake Village Inn director of sales and marketing James Boldizar.

Reservations at the hotel at 31943 Agoura Road are up by 40 percent this year, he said.

Some cycling enthusiasts have already been spotted riding through town seeing how they, as amateurs, measure up on the four 21-mile circuits that will make up the final 84 miles of the bike tour.

The cost to hold the event here is estimated to be about $150,000, but tour sponsors, not taxpayers, are expected to pay for it, said city spokesperson Andrew Powers.

“This is a unique sporting event—there is no cost to view the most elite athletes in this professional sport,” Powers said.

Spectators just line up along the route to watch the race, he said.

The final stage event begins at noon on Sun., May 23 at The Oaks mall. The international professional bicycle riders will ride to Townsgate Road near Village Glen Drive, the start and the finish line. The race begins at 12:30 p.m.

Streets will be closed as cyclists, followed by their support vehicles and the California Highway Patrol, take a route that traverses Westlake Village and Agoura Hills, Mullholland Highway and Decker Canyon Road.

The race is expected to finish between 3:39 and 4:10 p.m. During that time, the city’s automated dialing phone system, usually used for emergencies, will notify residents who might be affected by street closures.

Thousand Oaks police officers have been preparing for their role in keeping the public safe during the event.

“We’ve been planning for months on what to do about traffic and parking if a significant number of people come,” said Capt. Bill Ayub.

Police are also concerned about medical problems that come with large crowds. First responders are ready with emergency help—locations have already been assigned and plenty of extra officers will be on hand, he said.

The usual police response residents expect in emergencies won’t be affected, he said.

Thousand Oaks is ready for 250,000 visitors. Cycling enthusiasts are generally well-educated, health-conscious people, Ayub said.