LOS ANGELES – January 16, 2024 – The California Coast Classic, known as "The Ride of a Lifetime" for its fully supported format and epic route from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the California Coast, is back for 2024 with a bigger-than-ever fundraising goal of $1.5 million.
"With nearly 60 million adults and hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. diagnosed with arthritis, the need to provide funding for research and support programs is greater than ever," said Shannon Marang Cox, National Senior Director of the California Coast Classic Bike Tour at the Arthritis Foundation. "We had a banner year in 2023 with increased ridership and fundraising, and we're already off to a great start with more than 115 registrations as of January 1. We sell out at 250 riders, so anyone who's considering this event should sign up soon."
The California Coast Classic (CCC) is a fully supported event that travels California's renowned Highway 1 through Monterey, Big Sur, and Cambria en route to Los Angeles. It includes expert sag support, professional mechanical repair, luggage service, catered meals, and a nightly choice of campground or hotel lodging. Each rider commits to raising $3,500 for the Arthritis Foundation and is provided the fundraising tools and support to reach their goal. Many participants far exceed the minimum requirement.
The Arthritis Foundation has championed the fight to conquer arthritis, the nation's number one cause of disability, for more than 75 years. Since 1948, the Arthritis Foundation has invested over half a billion dollars in research, with more than $23 million coming directly from the CCC. Typically, at least 40% of California Coast Classic riders either have arthritis or are riding for a loved one with the autoimmune disease.
"Before you think arthritis is just something old people get, I learned during the tour that arthritis can and does affect children and teenagers. Many of the 2023 Mission Ambassadors were well under 50, and one was just 7 years old," wrote Heather Lea in an article she shared on GearJunkie.com after riding the 2023 tour on an e-bike.
This year's dates are September 21-28. Register online at http://californiacoastclassic.org
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, "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 21 – 28, 2024, 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, please visit arthritis.org/californiacoastclassic.
