Experience the Ride of A Lifetime!

Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour

By Sarah Steinwand

There is no better way to experience the iconic California coastline than by bike, especially when it supports an important cause. On September 13, 2014, approximately 250 cyclists will begin the 14th annual California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour (CCCBT) presented by Amgen, to do just that. The eight-day, fully-supported ride along Highway One takes cyclists 520 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles, all with a goal of raising over $1 million for the Arthritis Foundation.

Almost 53 million people, including 300,000 children, live with the pain and disability of doctor-diagnosed arthritis in the U.S., with two-thirds of them under the age of 65. Money raised during the CCCBT supports the Arthritis Foundation’s advocacy, programs and vital research to find a cure for those who suffer from this debilitating disease.

The CCCBT takes riders across the breathtaking landscapes and towns along the Pacific coast. From the hills of San Francisco to the beaches of Santa Cruz and Monterey, along a dramatic coastline of 17 Mile Drive and Big Sur and the rolling hills of wine country, to the palm tree-lined boulevards of Santa Barbara, and finally to the scenic Los Angeles beach community of Malibu, the CCCBT is truly unlike any other ride experience.

Because the ride is fully supported, all riders have to do is pedal, stopping to enjoy phenomenal scenery, the occasional bakery, locally-sourced produce, and stunning wildlife along the way. Every day ends at a designated campground with wonderful post-ride meals surrounded by waves, wineries or redwoods.

“What could be more rewarding than riding a bike down one of the most beautiful highways in the world while making a difference in someone’s life?” said Manny Loya, CEO of the Arthritis Foundation, Pacific Region. “We are thrilled that this 14th year of the California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour will push us over the $13 million mark in funds raised from this event.

We are extremely grateful to our riders, sponsors, donors and volunteers for supporting the Bicycle Tour and our mission to help those affected by arthritis. We truly believe that the CCCBT changes lives, not only for people with arthritis who benefit from our work, but also those who are riding to support our cause.”

For more information on participating in the CCCBT and supporting the great work of the Arthritis Foundation, visit www.CaliforniaCoastClassic.org. Limited spots are available for the Tour. Your participation goes to fund arthritis research, advocacy and programs to improve the quality of life of those living with arthritis.

Awareness Readers can take $25 off the registration fee by entering the code AWARENESS online until July 30th.