Levi Leipheimer, Sonoma County resident, professional cyclist, friend to animals, and until a recent spill broke his wrist, Tour de France title contender, is in it deep.
Yes friends, Levi Leipheimer is promoting a cool bike ride here in Wine Country to raise money for the Tour of California, as well as for a local group that brings together at-risk children with animals.
Of course, Levi has yet to explain why he didn’t show up for my “bike to work day” challenge.
Recall: Inside Sonoma dared Levi to test his mettle on the grueling morning commute from Windsor to Inside Sonoma World HQ, passing through verdant tract housing subdivisions, cutting through the warehouse parking lot of Beam Wine Estates, and finally, dodging trucks at the Kendall-Jackson production facility, all while wearing khaki pants. It’s kind of a mix of cyclocross, Pleasantville, and the Land’s End catalog.
Long story longer – Levi totally bagged on us. Evidently he was in “Italy” doing something called the “Giro” which is a big load, since everyone knows gyros come from Greece. QED- Levi was afeared of us.
Luckily, this October, Leipheimer is hosting this awesome big ride, where average joes and janes can bike along with Levi on a fully supported ride through some of the best cycling areas in the United States.
The rides, ranging in skill from casual riders to people who never take off spandex, will raise money for the Tour of California and Forget Me Not Farms. Because Sonoma County is heaven for cyclists, and has some of the best cycling around (wait – did I say that already?) we want to make sure that the Tour of California comes back. Ride with Levi and help us keep the tour!
Will Inside Sonoma be there? Oh yes, oh yes we will, Levi. Look for us. We’ll be the one coming up from behind, the one breathing in your ear as we pass you, the ones in the front comfort waist no-iron chino pants… from Land’s End.
Watch yourself!
(And sorry about the broken wrist – we were all pulling for you!)
Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge GranFondo
Description:
Join three-time Amgen Tour of California winner, Levi Leipheimer, for a fully-supported fall bicycle ride in some of the nation’s finest cycling country. Three different routes, ranging from a fairly flat 36 miles, to a very hilly 103 miles, capture the romance of Sonoma County’s most picturesque vineyards, towering redwoods, grassy meadows and coastal panoramas. In the tradition of the gran fondo, these are timed, non-competitive rides. Very strong, skilled riders may opt for the 103-mile GranFondo; the 65-mile MedioFondo is intended for riders with plenty of experience but who ride only once or twice a week; we suggest the gentle 36-mile PiccoloFondo for less experienced riders or those looking for an easy pedal through beautiful landscapes.
When: October 3, 2009
Where: Sonoma County, California. Start and finish in Santa Rosa
What:
Recreational, fully supported mellow-paced bicycle ride with three options (distances subject to minor change):
1. GranFondo – 103 miles on a challenging mountainous course with outstanding coastal views
2. MedioFondo – 65 miles on a picturesque hilly course with fine coastal views
3. PiccoloFondo – 36 miles on a flat valley-floor course through redwood forests and vineyards
Rest stops every 12 miles (approximately)
Why:
The rides raise funds for the Tour of California and Forget Me Not Farms.
Prices:
Solo: $90 – $115
Tandem: $180- $230
Registration closes at midnight on September 15.
Event director:
Bike Monkey LLC
Event website:
http://www.levisgranfondo.com/
Email:
Event hotline: 707-543-4300
Hotel info: www.levisgranfondo.com/lodging/
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