I was there for the 103 mile route, flew over from the UK specially. I can honestly say it was AWESOME. Coleman Valley Road was nasty and the wind coming in off the Pacific was mean. But the scenery is out of the world. This easily makes it into my top 10 best experiences.

Obviously I meant the scenery is out of THIS world.

Levi's Gran Fondo was an absolute Blast! I decided I wasn't in shape enough to do the 103 mile route, so I did the Medio Fondo. Believe me there was still plenty of climbing! Coleman Valley Road was my biggest challenge all year! Met lots of wonderful people from all over. I knew the scenery would be spectacular (I live in Sonoma County) but the day was perfect...mild temperatures, some wind, but we deal with that here a lot, great food (the paella was to die for). All in all, a wonderful day. I'm already starting to train for next year, and my goal...to do all 103 miles!

I've done the Marin Double Metric Century and the Death RIde (aka Tour of the California Alps), two other organized rides in California that are known for their spectacular scenery and organization. Levi's King Ridge Gran Fondo ranked right up there with them. I was skeptical about the mass start (something most other rides eschew), but it really added to the spectacle. Rolling through the Redwoods with a couple hundred cyclists packed tight on the road ahead of me, and something like 3,300 more behind me, was an unbelievable experience. I was fortunate enough to ride with Levi from about mile 56-59 (until just before the descent to Hwy 1), but even without that bonus, I'd still rank the ride right up there with the best of them. Oh, and SmallerPlatypus, I'm pleased to here the trip was worth it for you. I hope the hospitality of my fellow Californians and cyclists matched the awesomeness of the ride. I hope to see you back out here for the Death Ride in the future, or maybe next year's King Ridge Gran Fondo.

I like the fact that the Americans are now pushing that they have great riding on their own doorstep. Maybe it's plus side of the recession. We should do this more in the UK. We have some stunning roads to rival the Continent, it's just different that's all.

Padova, please pamper yourself with more info, Sonoma has always been flooded with awesome rides; from Monterey, Sausalito, Point Reyes, Bodega Bay, Highway 1, Inverness to Napa's Ink Grade.

Coleman Valley, Marshall, and mention Big Sur on Highway 1 south of Monterey is amazingly beautiful, the weather is just fantastic year round.

Makes the chilly Autumn Epic I did on Sunday pale a bit - did enjoy, though. Can't beat the roads around the Elan valley for scenery, plus there was a 20% climb at one point - steeper than California, if not quite as warm!

I was there - like Mr. Platypus, I flew in from the UK specifically for this event - and it was unbelievable! Although I live in the North East of England now, I grew up in Marin County, just south of Sonoma County, and went to junior college in Santa Rosa, so I already knew exactly what I could expect in terms of the weather, route and scenery. But this event still managed to exceed my already sky-high expectations! Truly awesome and I will be back again next year, hopefully dragging along some clubmates from the UK next time if at all possible!