Bike Monkey
By Bike Monkey
Bike MonkeyJul 15, 2022
King Ridge Conversations: Levi Leipheimer
Join us for an in-depth interview with Levi Leipheimer, founder of Levi's GranFondo and Board President for the King Ridge Foundation. In this third episode of our KRC Podcast we delve into the origins, intent, and personal story of Levi and his work supporting at-risk youth via the King Ridge Foundation for the past 13 years. We explore how cycling has brought communities together around common causes, the importance of gathering en-mass to celebrate Sonoma County, and how for over a decade the King Ridge Foundation has made possible countless supportive interventions and experiences for at-risk youth across our region and beyond.
We are also excited to announce an incredible opportunity for deserving youth to receive a brand new bike and helmet from our GranFondo partners at Specialized. This holiday season, King Ridge and Specialized will be donating 40 bikes and helmets to kids in need during our 2022 King Ridge Foundation Bike Drive. Please nominate a deserving youth by clicking here or share with your friends and community so we can support kids this fall with the best holiday gift we think possible. One kid at a time and stoked with every smile we are committed to making a difference for all the right reasons. Join us for the bike drive, donate to our Give These Kids A Chance online fundraiser, and ride for a purpose that extends well beyond what we still refer to as the "greatest day on two wheels," April 22nd, 2023.
King Ridge Conversations: TLC Child & Family Services
The King Ridge Foundation is committed to organizations who support at-risk youth across our North Bay Region. This month we focus on another of our partner beneficiaries, TLC Child & Family Services. Since 1975, they have provided foster and adoption programs, residential treatment, therapeutic counseling, a non-public school setting, and young adult housing for at-risk youth. Serving nearly 600 individuals across our region each year, TLC exemplifies the care and support the King Ridge Foundation is committed to making happen. Jeremiah recently sat down with Susan Fette, CEO, and Gaby Holmes, Director of Academics for TLC and Journey Academy. The scope of their efforts across multiple levels of service is nothing short of amazing. Over the past four and half decades, TLC has served over 16,000 youth navigate across the vast spectrum of challenges at-risk kids face every day. Please enjoy this second episode of our King Ridge Conversations as we celebrate TLC Child and Family Services.
King Ridge Conversations: Forget Me Not Farm
For over a decade Levi’s GranFondo has remained one of the premier cycling events in the world drawing thousands to Sonoma County. The region’s endless ribbon roads, towering redwoods, expansive vineyards, and glorious coastal mountain ranges bring riders from around the globe to share in what we continue to refer to as “the best day on two wheels.” From its inception, 13 seasons ago, the Fondo has always been more than just a ride. From former and current pro’s to families enjoying their first GranFondo experience, we pride ourselves in connecting with not only our participants, but to endeavors of love and purpose for those who need it most. The King Ridge Foundation, the non-profit behind Levi’s GranFondo, is committed to supporting local organizations that give at-risk kids a chance to break free from cycles of abuse, neglect, and hardship.
This past year, we highlighted the efforts of three such organizations. Outride, TLC Child and Family Services, and Forget Me Not Farm. We want you to know their stories and the people behind the hard work and good deeds done daily. This first episode of our new series, The King Ridge Conversations, shares the story of Carol Rathmann, Executive Director, and Nathan Rathmann, Director of Operations, for Forget Me Not Farm in Santa Rosa CA. For over 30 years, they have helped thousands of at-risk kids through animal therapy and rehabilitative support. They are the original beneficiary of Levi’s GranFondo. Their story is a compelling narrative as to why the King Ridge Foundation exists to support those who need it most. We hope you enjoy this short excerpt from a conversation with Carol and Nathan on a beautiful July afternoon on the farm.