Levi's GranFondo — The Geysers
Levi's GranFondo's hardest distance — 86 miles through Sonoma's geothermal backcountry with 6,500 ft of climbing past active steam vents. Serious terrain.
The vibe
Geothermal climbs, sweeping wine country views
Named for the geothermal power plant region in Sonoma’s backcountry, The Geysers is the GranFondo route that separates those who came to ride from those who came to suffer productively. At 86 miles and 6,500 feet of climbing through terrain most tourists never see, it’s a completely different experience from the event’s shorter distances — the roads narrow, the traffic disappears, and the active steam vents rising from the hills remind you that you’re somewhere genuinely unusual.
Four aid stations support riders across the course. The climbing comes in sustained efforts rather than brutal single pitches, which means pacing well in the first half pays serious dividends in the back half. The descent out of the Geysers territory is one of the best payoffs in California gran fondo riding — fast, smooth, and with views that make the climb worth every pedal stroke.
Levi Leipheimer built this event around the full character of Sonoma County’s backcountry. The Geysers distance is the closest thing to what he’d ride on a personal training day. Register early — it fills faster than the other distances. A wider tire setup isn’t required but those with 28mm or more will appreciate it on the backcountry sections.