[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 28, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING LEVI LEIPHEIMER'S GRANFONDO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Levi 
Leipheimer for his work to create the GranFondo cycling event, taking 
place this year on October 1, 2016, which has enjoyed great success in 
the cycling community and has raised funds to support many local 
charitable organizations in our community.
  Mr. Leipheimer led an impressive cycling career from 1997 until his 
retirement in May 2013. His accomplishments include three Amgen Tour of 
California victories from 2007 to 2009 and a bronze medal at the 
Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics in the road time trial. Mr. Leipheimer 
later finished as the Tour de France Stage 4 winner in 2009 and won the 
Tour de Suisse in 2011.
  Mr. Leipheimer began ``Levi's GranFondo'' in 2009 to welcome cyclists 
of all ability levels from around the world to our community and to 
raise funds for important local causes. The GranFondo has achieved 
incredible success under Mr. Leipheimer's leadership, raising nearly $2 
million for philanthropic causes over the past eight years. 
Furthermore, publications including Red Kite Prayer, Road Bike Action 
and Outside Online have recognized the GranFondo as one of the best 
organized cycling events in the world.
  The GranFondo has raised nearly $2 million for the King Ridge 
Foundation which supports numerous programs that address the needs of 
at-risk youth in our community. For example, the foundation provides 
funding to the Forget Me Not Farm and the B-RAD Foundation which teach 
children and teens team-building and leadership skills through farming 
and outdoor adventures. The Social Advocates for Youth program, also 
supported by the foundation, provides housing, counseling and job 
training to young adults at risk for homelessness.
  The King Ridge Foundation also creates opportunities for our young 
people to become involved in cycling through its 50 Bikes for 50 Kids 
program, which supplies bikes, helmets and locks to 50 underserved 
youth in our community each year. The GranFondo has also helped our 
community in times of need, raising over $60,000 for the Valley Fire 
relief efforts in Lake County.
  Mr. Speaker, Levi Leipheimer has created an impressive event that 
provides resources for young people in need. He is a true friend of our 
community and a good friend of mine. It is therefore, fitting and 
proper that we honor him here today and recognize the tremendous value 
of his GranFondo event for our local community.

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