Originally Posted by
loopybunny
Anybody registered for
Levi's Gran Fondo in October? I'm considering the Piccolo Fondo version but I'm not at all familiar with Sonoma Co. roads. I hear it's hilly and even though it's only 35 miles someone told me it could be tough. Anyone familiar with the course routes and have more info on what it's really like?
Otherwise, I'm totally on board with the cause and may volunteer or just donate money.
Thanks!
Riding the full century. I will probably be sorry as I am a 200lb'er and not a great climber.
The roads are not great in many areas, bumpy, patched and narrow is the best way I can describe many of them. The scenery is quite impressive, however. I was raised on the west side of Sebastopol about 15 miles from this area.
Some of the route is also on very busy roads, although now it looks like the CHP is going to handle the intersections.
It would probably be a good idea to go out and ride King Ridge and maybe Coleman valley before the ride weekend. These are the two hardest climbs in the ride, although I think the shorter routes might share only Coleman Valley. I put some miles in riding in the general area last weekend and will be out in the area several times between now and then. My sister's husband and some others are riding as well, so we are planning on training together in the area.
The weather will be a crap shoot at that time as well. Fall can be the best time on the coast up there, with less wind and fog, but it could also be rainy.
Ray