Spoiled

Yikes, after a cold, dark, wet December, the last two weeks have been amazing, mild to warm and SUNNY!! Mustard is blooming in the vineyards, frogs are doing their thing, Loudly. The shop is enjoying a respite from quiet January days?! Registration opened for Levi's Gran Fondo. It has a cap at 7500 riders this year, see my post from Oct. 09 for a comparison. It is a century that covers some amazing Sonoma County territory, remote and hilly, often steep but with breathtaking views. We'll have to see how it compares to B2B and other NC events of my past. I have ridden all of the course but not all together. A significant portion of the profits go to Santa Rosa's Tour of CA financial obligations, with several other non-profits also benefiting. I better get some riding done, even indoors I hope you can too, HH

Big cycling news in Santa Rosa

Just announced in this mornings local paper, the Press Democrat, my new hometown will indeed be hosting the start of the 2012 Tour of California. This is big economic news because it means a week of buildup and gala events with officials,staff, athletes and tourists. The 2011 Tour will bypass Santa Rosa for the first time, but it was hinted that we would trade that for the start of the event in May 2012 We had to commit $190,000 for previous years stages, now we have to pony up three times that amount to host the race start. Levi's King Ridge Gran Fondo has committed $120,000. Registration opens Monday for this Octobers event You heard it here first I guess. If you're not a local. Oh, and come on springtime