View a la Fondo

Seen from the escort helicopter hovering over Broadway, nearly 2,000 bicyclists mass for the start of the Echelon Sonoma Gran Fondo, the fundraising bike race that made its Sonoma debut on May 12. The rides of 11, 50 and 75 miles were followed by a food and music festival on the Plaza. “It was an off-the-charts success,” said event producer Hunter Zeising. “We love the town and want to come back. This could really become a signature event.”

Among the top fundraising teams were Sweetwater Spectrum, with $4,486 in pledges, Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation ($2,475) and Pets Lifeline ($2,180).