The biggest challenge of 2014 was the Levi Leipheimer Gran Fondo in Sonoma County California. Held on October 4th it covered 111 miles (including riding to and from the start/finish from the motel) and climbed over 9300 feet.  It was one of the toughest rides I have done.  Less climbing than the Tour of the Unknown Coast, but it includes some very steep hills, one of which I had to walk.

The terrain was magnificent, the support was superb, and the experience of riding in such a big crowd of 6500 people was a thrill.  I don’t think I’d do it again but I am glad to have done it.  I had to stop to rest on the climb up from the Hauser Bridge between King Ridge and Ritchey Ranch and I did have to walk the Coleman Valley climb up from the coast when I cramped up. There was a long hold on the ride at the King Ridge rest stop while they helicoptered out some casualties who tried to bomb down the road to Hauser Bridge. It is super steep, with sharp curves and poor pavement.  Discretion is the better part of valor and some hammer heads who were ahead of us made believe they could race down it and ended up with a heli ride to the hospital.  Having gone up the same hill a few days earlier (so steep I walked up it) I knew what was in store.

This is a ride that you should never try without support.  Parts of it are quite remote with no stores and little opportunity to bail out of get help.  But I recommend it for anyone who wants a challenging autumn ride in spectacular country.