October 2009 Ride to benefit Tour of California, Animal Charity Santa Rosa, Calif.
— Levi Leipheimer, the reigning and three-time Amgen Tour of California champion, is the instigator and patron of a new fundraising cycling event, Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge GranFondo, on October 3 in Sonoma County. The primary beneficiary of the ride will be the Tour of California. Levi Leipheimer said, “This King Ridge GranFondo is the perfect way to show everyone what myself and many of the best cycling teams in the world have known for years: Sonoma County is a cycling heaven! There’s nothing I enjoy more than showing off my training grounds to other cycling enthusiasts and sharing that passion for the bike.” Three different ride options, one of which includes the stunningly beautiful King Ridge Road, will take place in the golden light of fall in Sonoma County. The turning leaves, soft vineyards, tranquil valleys, and spectacular views of the rugged Sonoma coastline create an ambiance of romance and adventure as participants pedal through some of the most glorious cycling country in the USA. All three routes are supported by rest stops every 12 miles, which have food, beverages and toilet facilities. GranFondo, which means ‘great endurance’ in Italian, is a traditional out-of-season ride in Italy. In other countries, France, for example, it has another name: ‘randonnee cyclosportive,’ which translates as ‘sporting bicycle tour.’ The full ride, the GranFondo, is 103 miles. In addition to this, there are two shorter, easier routes: a 65-mile MedioFondo and a 40-mile PiccoloFondo.
The King Ridge route, which is very challenging with large climbs and descents, uses the kind of terrain that Levi seeks on his hard training days. The MedioFondo and PiccoloFondo provide beautiful rides for those looking for more moderate options. The PiccoloFondo offers an easy flat course in the charming valley floors, while the MedioFondo provides a picturesque day’s pedal in beautiful countryside with some good climbs and descents, but nothing really mountainous.