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Nor Cal peeps- levis gran fondo Anyone doing it?

Peter CarrollPeter Carroll
in General Training Discussions

Just a heads up for the Nor Cal peeps,  The Levi Grand Fondo registration opened today for the Sept 29th ride.  It sells out fairly quickly.  I did the medio ride last year.  Its a fun ride.  A good way to get some extra bike miles.  Plus, you get to ride down Hwy 1 which is awesome!  I'm doing the full this year.

Peter

http://www.levisgranfondo.com/

Comments

  • NortonNorton
    It completely baffles me why gran fondos are so popular and brevets so not. Star power? Big feed stops? Pseudo racing? I don't get it.
  • Peter CarrollPeter Carroll
    I don't even know what a brevet is :-) So, I'd say its the star power to make someone aware that its out there so they can learn that its out there. This ride just happens to be close to home for me.
  • Tom GlynnTom Glynn
    I'm in - unless I get a Kona slot image

    Never done a grand fondo ride before but I like the idea of a timed century (ish) ride.

    Done a couple of centuries and I find most people stop for hours to eat and relax, drives me crazy.
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Tom, doing an organized century with a small group of guys/gals with the mission to work together and go as fast as possible can be a LOT of fun.

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    @Bill ... Cause we're wusses who are afraid of a little saddle time, and like to do our rides in the daylight surrounded by 100's of sketchy cyclists?

    My experience with the San Diego Gran Fondo was ... Get there early and start at the front (everyone leaves @ the same time). Otherwise, it's slow going for the first hour ... Very frustrating.
  • foolio_mugooliofoolio_mugoolio

    Peter et al,

    I never heard of this one.  I'm considering it...  The registration pages says the Time Trial bars are not allowed.  I assume this means aero bars.  Does that mean I would need to take them off my roadie? or just not be in them?  

  • Peter CarrollPeter Carroll
    Enrique- I did this last year and had them on, but this year they seem to be not allowing them. As Al said, its very busy at the start. I didn't have any issues with the crowd after about 10 min or so. It spread out fairly quickly. It did take about 10 min to get started after the front people started. I had fun. And riding down Hwy 1 was windy, but really cool.

    The long course does sell out and probably will not last longer than tonight. I think it was tweeted that they were 50% full for the long one after 20'
  • NortonNorton
    Posted By Peter Carroll on 17 Jan 2012 12:38 PM

    I don't even know what a brevet is :-) So, I'd say its the star power to make someone aware that its out there so they can learn that its out there. This ride just happens to be close to home for me.



    Brevets are self-supported long distance cycling events. Riders must navigate using cue sheets and check into controls within prescribed time limits. Distances start at 200k and go waaaay up. They  are considered semi-competitive events, with emphasis on self-reliance and comraderie. In my experience they are the anti-Ironman: stupid low entry fees (20.00!), zero glitz and crowds, plenty of fellowship along the route. 

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