LOS ANGELES - March 7, 2023 - The California Coast Classic, known to cyclists for decades as "The Ride of a Lifetime" because of its epic route down the California Coast and its fully supported bike tour format, will once again be presented by Amgen in 2023. The 23rd edition of the tour, scheduled for September 30 to October 7, 2023, will span eight days of riding 525 miles down the California Coast and is expected to raise more than $1M for Arthritis Foundation's programs, research, and member support. Fewer than 100 spots remain, and the event is expected to sell out this year with more people across the country enjoying cycling than ever before.
"The California Coast Classic is the Arthritis Foundation's flagship fundraiser, bringing in more than $1M each year. For 22 years, Amgen's support as both a presenting sponsor and company team participant has benefitted the 60 million adults and 300,000 children that we serve," said Shannon Marang Cox, Ride Director and Associate Executive Director of the Arthritis Foundation. "The support we've received from Amgen is invaluable. It has provided critical assistance, created opportunities, and had positive impacts that will last for generations."
The California Coast Classic is a boutique, bucket-list bicycle tour that showcases the scenery of one of the world's most fabled coastlines as it travels the iconic California Highway 1. Last year, riders came from 25 U.S. states, Canada, and Great Britain and total fundraising topped $1.26 million.
Each rider and team raises critical funds, which allow the Arthritis Foundation to increase quality of life with support and advocacy, improve access to health care, provide kids' summer camps, arthritis conferences, and more – as well as fund research for better treatments and a cure for arthritis. Approximately 40% of CCC riders either have arthritis or are riding for a loved one with the autoimmune disease that affects one in four Americans.
Throughout CCC's long history, presenting sponsor Amgen, one of the world's preeminent biotechnology companies, has provided financial support for the ride and encouraged its employees to participate in it. In 2022 alone, Team Amgen brought 25 riders from seven states.
Unique to the CCC, supporters who cannot attend the in-person bike tour have the opportunity to participate in an Arthritis Challenge Experience (ACE), choosing their own adventure and participating from home while still connecting with the vibrant CCC community.
More information about the bike tour, including its detailed itinerary, is available at the California Coast Classic website and in this short video. The self-paced pedaling adventure is open to cyclists of all levels and welcoming of e-bike riders. It is Gran Fondo Guide's "Best Charity Bike Tour" and has been named one of "The 30 Best Road Biking Trips" by Outside Magazine.
The dates of the 2023 California Coast Classic are September 30 – October 7 and registration is available at this link.
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About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. As a Champion of Yes, the Arthritis Foundation's mission is to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, and provides ways for people to connect, break down barriers in health care and join the fight for a cure — uniting hearts, minds, and resources to change the future of arthritis. To join the fight to cure arthritis, visit arthritis.org.
About the California Coast Classic Bike Tour
The Arthritis Foundation's California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour Presented by Amgen, "The Ride of a Lifetime", is the winner of Gran Fondo Guide's Best Charity Bike Tour Award. It began in 2001 and is the flagship fundraising bike tour of the Arthritis Foundation, raising over $1 million dollars annually for resources and research to find better treatments and a cure for arthritis. Beginner and experienced cyclists are encouraged to join the 8-day, fully-supported, 525-mile journey down the coast of California from San Francisco to Los Angeles from September 30 – October 7, 2023 and registration information can be found here. Supporters who cannot come to the in-person tour are invited to join the Arthritis Challenge Experience, a choose-your-own adventure that connects participants to the vibrant CCC community. For more information, visit arthritis.org/californiacoastclassic.
