Since its first running in 2009, a core goal of the Levi’s GranFondo was to get more kids interested in riding bikes, to strengthen the cycling community and solidify the future of our sport. So for 2020, their youth cycling focus continues with the return of the U24 Ride Free program. Any rider that’s under 24-years-old when the event rolls back around on October 3, 2020 rides for free. As for Families Ride Free, the organizers also want to get the entire family out riding, so a beginner 8.8 mile beginners route will also be free for everyone in the family – young & old.
2020 Levi’s GranFondo U24 & Families Ride Free
Full Press Release:
U24 Ride Free: Investing in the Future of Cycling at Levi’s GranFondo.
Riders under 24 years old ride FREE at America’s Premier Gran Fondo.
Race along the edge of the continent on Saturday, October 3, 2020.(Santa Rosa, CA) – Since 2009, Bike Monkey (the production company behind Levi’s GranFondo and other top-tier cycling events) has endeavored to improve the cycling community through their support of youth programs. To this date, they have donated over $3.5 million to local at-risk programs through their nonprofit King Ridge Foundation. But their efforts don’t stop there – they are proud to announce the return of their popular U24 Ride Free program, an initiative that allows all riders under the age of 24 to ride in the massively popular event for free. As race founder Levi Leipheimer puts it: “My goal from day 1 with Levi’s GranFondo was to create a safe and inclusive experience for anyone to join me on a bike ride, and I mean anyone. If this is your first ever cycling event, all the better.”
In years past, Levi’s GranFondo sponsors were able to underwrite the U24 Ride Free program – there are some considerable insurance and hard production costs to implement, given its demand. In 2020, Bike Monkey has resolved to support the U24 program themselves to promote and support the growth of cycling. As executive director Carlos Perez puts it, “We wish to support all youth as indiscriminately as possible, knowing that their entry into expensive activities can be a barrier to progress in our sport. After all, more kids on bikes means our community is healthier, happier, and more committed to protecting our environment.”
All riders who are under 24 years of age as of October 3 are encouraged to register online at the following address: LevisGranFondo.com/u24
Is your company interested in sponsoring the U24 Ride Free program? Please contact us at: info@bikemonkey.net.
FAMILIES RIDE FREE
Expanding on their successful formula of getting more people on bikes, Bike Monkey is taking what it created with Levi’s GranFondo and opening up the Family route to anyone absolutely free of charge. This 8.8-mile route is a great beginner option with virtually no climbing at all. Families are invited to partake in the fanfare of the mass-start, but turn back before the road pitches up. The final 75% of this route is entirely on a dedicated bicycle path. Nurture the love for cycling in a fun and safe setting!
Learn more about the coastal Sonoma County, California festival event, the race element, the 11 routes available for cyclists of all levels, and register at: LevisGranFondo.com
