PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

We know that Levi’s King Ridge GranFondo can’t be beat as the main event for the weekend, BUT let us tell you that you are venturing into a veritable playground for foodies, wine lovers, and weekend warriors. Let us help show you the way.

Visitor Information

Definitely plan some outings using the Santa Rosa Convention and Visitor’s Bureau site: www.visitsantarosa.com. Better yet, stop in the very helpful Visitor’s Center located in the old Santa Rosa train depot at 9 4th St, Santa Rosa (707) 577-8674. The Visitor’s Center is in Historic Railroad Square, a great place to explore with many fine restaurants, pubs, boutique shops, and a large antique collective. www.railroadsquare.net

Sonoma County Bike Rides

For more rides in Sonoma County, see www.bikemonkey.net/rides and www.bikesonoma.org. Even better, stop in at one of our super friendly local shops and pick up a Sonoma County Bike Map. It’s even sweat-proof.

Sponsor Events

The FondoSonoma Festival is running from 10am – 6pm at the Finley Center, the start/finish of the ride. For those riders who are lucky enough to have bought dinner tickets, feast on your choice of Gerard’s Paella, Riviera Ristorante, or Taqueria Santa Rosa at the end of your ride.

D’Argenzio Winery welcomes King Ridge GranFondo participates and friends and families. To visit their winery for a complimentary taste of wine, please visit 1301 Cleveland Ave, Suite A; Santa Rosa 707-280-4658 www.dargenziowine.com

Grammy Award-winning guitarist Michael Ward will sign copies of his book, “Mike and the Bike Meet Lucille the Wheel” Sat 4-5 PM @ FondoSonoma Festival, Bike Monkey tent.

Dining

Riviera Ristorante - If you don’t have a place at the Friday Charity dinner with Levi and his pals at Riviera, dine another night at Riviera Ristorante this weekend. Giampaolo Pesce and his family serve truly delectable Italian meals. 75 Montgomery Dr. Santa Rosa; 707-579-2682 www.rivieraristorante.net

Guy Fieri is on an e-ticket ride on the Food Network. Johnny Garlic’s in Santa Rosa is the restaurant where he launched his career. Johnny Garlic’s, 1460 Farmers Ln, Santa Rosa. www.johnnygarlics.com

Coffee

As ranking near the top of most cyclists’ daily needs, coffee is essential. The Flying Goat Coffee in Santa Rosa and Healdsburg serve the finest coffee in Sonoma County. They roast premium coffees from around the world and serve incredible espresso, teas, and french press. It was THE spot for the Astana team training camp and the pros of the Tour of CA this year.

Brews and Pubs

Russian River Brewing Company in downtown Santa Rosa is big supporter of cycling in Sonoma County and serves great food and fine microbrews. They’re open for lunch and dinner. Happy hour runs 4-6:30 during the week and all day Sunday.725 4th Street, Santa Rosa. www.russianriverbrewing.com

Toad in the Hole Pub serves the best fish and chips and burgers in town. Combine their great meals with cask-conditioned ales and you’ve created a recipe for the perfect after-ride barley recovery program. www.thetoadpub.com

Massage

Book your appointments now with Brenda Phelps, CMT 707-292-3818 or 707-538-2492, brenphelps@yahoo.com.

Other events

The annual Sonoma County Harvest Fair kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday, 10am-7pm. Taste from more than 500 wines, sip microbrews, watch chef demos, stomp grapes, experience the best of fall’s harvest, all at Sonoma County’s Harvest Fair. It’s all going down October 2-4 at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa. Check your swag bag for a discount coupon! www.harvestfair.org

Pink Martini is playing Thursday, Oct. 1; Carlos Mencia is Friday, Oct. 2; both at Wells Fargo Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa. You can probably get tickets if you’re creative.