Levi Leipheimer isn't the only only one putting on a Gran Fondo event. Phil Gaimon has established one (3 courses) for November 6 in the Thousand Oaks area. The courses run down towards the ocean with lots of climbing and timed sections. Looks like a lot of fun especially if Phil Gaimon is putting this together. Here is the link -
http://www.philsfondo.com/