The 2018 running of Levi's Gran Fondo will see a new venue, new (lower) prices and new events over three days.

The roads will stay the same.

Registration is open for the 10th anniversary of the gran fondo based in Santa Rose, CA, which will happen on October 7.

It is being described as an "epic rebirth", which is impressive for an event that makes almost everyone's bucket list.

The pack heads out. Credit: Levi's Gran Fondo/Bike Monkey
"I've been working with Carlos Perez and the rest of the Bike Monkeys on next year's 10th edition behind the scenes for awhile now, and I'm really excited to see what we can do," said Levi Leipheimer in an announcement Wednesday. "We're dreaming big and going for it - it's time for a new challenge."

The organizers have announced that the ride will top off three days of "the best of all that Sonoma County has to offer" including a music festival over all three days, a "regional food and wine experience", and 5K and 10K runs.

"I'm thrilled with how far we've come, yet I can never be completely satisfied. That's what is driving me and my team at Bike Monkey to raise the bar and create something new. Something even better," said Levi.

The on-bike marshals muster for the start. Credit: Levi's Gran Fondo/Bike Monkey
Charity is part of the Gran Fondo and it supports the King Ridge Foundation, which raises awareness for and supports youth programs. The foundation's major partners are Forget Me Not Farm, SAY (Social Advocates For Youth) and B-RAD Foundation.

"I strive to grow King Ridge Foundation and the support we are able give to at-risk youth. Looking back on this year I am proud of what you helped us achieve. 2017 was our highest fundraising year ever,"said Levi.

Registration

The organizers say that they have made "significant rate reductions" in order to make the event more accessible, made possible by commercial partnership deals.

Current discounted pricing: il Regno $125, Gran $110, Medio $95, Piccolo $50, Family Route (Adults) $25.

As was the case in 2017, riders under the age of 24 ride for free thanks to support from Specialized.

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