Hundreds of Cyclists Convened for the 25th Anniversary Ride Raising over $1.3M for Arthritis Foundation; Donations Accepted Through November 1, 2025
LOS ANGELES – September 24, 2025 – The Arthritis Foundation California Coast Classic sponsored by Amgen, known as "The Ride of a Lifetime", solidified its position as the premier multiday cycling tour in California this September with hundreds of riders pedaling 525 miles over 8 days and raising more than $1.3M for the Arthritis Foundation.
Donations are still being accepted through November 1, 2025, via the event's website.
"The California Coast Classic has become known as 'The Ride of a Lifetime' over the past 25 years because of its unforgettable route along the coast, its fully-supported format, exceptional catering, and the welcoming and inclusive community that embraces and lifts up our riders," said Shannon Marang Cox, national senior director of the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience, the event's organizer.
The Route:
The California Coast Classic is unique in that it hugs the state's dramatic coastline along Highway 1, a world-class cycling route that larger groups can't access, creating a VIP cycling experience. Over 8 days, the tour's self-paced daily rides can be anywhere between 47 and 87 miles with varying elevation. Daily camps provide central locations for meals, presentations and camaraderie before and after each day's ride.
Fully Supported with Ample Rest Stops, SAG Support, and Professional Mechanics:
Riders can take confidence knowing that the ride provides full support including rest stops at approximately every 25 miles each day and SAG support when riders need a break or a day off. Professional mechanics travel with the tour providing repairs and adjustments along the bike route and in camps each day. Support crews move the traveling event including shuttling riders' luggage to each base camp or host hotel daily. All of the support services and camping are included at no additional cost; riders who opt to stay in hotels pay those costs additionally and can customize their overnight accommodations with a mix of hotel and camping.
Catering:
From happy hour to sit down meals, camps feature full catering for breakfast and dinner complete with all-you-can-eat omnivore, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Rider favorites include BBQed tri-tip, omelet bar and paella.
Inclusive Community:
From hard core roadies to new cyclists and recreational riders on traditional bikes, e-bikes, recumbents or even unicycles, the California Coast Classic welcomes everyone who brings a positive attitude and adventurous spirit. Each year, approximately 40% of riders have some form of arthritis or are riding for a loved one with arthritis. Some riders have participated in the California Coast Classic for decades, and they are happy to offer advice and guidance to newcomers. The inclusive vibe adds to the community spirit creating a positive atmosphere from start to finish.
Fundraising:
At its core, the California Coast Classic is a fundraising event for the Arthritis Foundation and has the distinction of being the Foundation's largest national fundraiser. Riders commit to fundraising minimums and receive support, resources, advice, and community to help them achieve their fundraising goals. Some riders self-fund and come for the bucket-list cycling experience, and others elevate their fundraising efforts to capture well over the minimum requirement of $3,500. All participants support the Foundation's mission of supporting the nearly 60 million adults and hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. with at least one form of doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
The Event:
The California Coast Classic is a fully supported 8-day bike tour between San Francisco and Los Angeles that showcases California's renowned Highway 1, with overnight stops in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Cambria, Oceano, Buellton and Ventura, while also visiting popular destinations like Paso Robles, Pismo Beach Santa Barbara and Malibu. 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 $25 million coming directly from the California Coast Classic.
The next edition is scheduled for September 26 to October 3, 2026, and early registration is open at https://events.arthritis.org/events/1880. The event caps rider participation at 250 riders to maintain its coastal routes and VIP experience.
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is fighting for all people who live with arthritis. The Foundation's mission is to turn the obstacles arthritis causes into opportunities. The Arthritis Foundation champions life-changing solutions and medical advancements, and it also 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 conquer arthritis, visit arthritis.org.
About the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience
The Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience believes that movement is medicine, bringing together passionate cyclists to make a difference for the 1 in 4 people in the U.S. who have arthritis. AFCE produces two premier destination fundraising bike tours that fuel the Arthritis Foundation's advocacy, scientific research, and life-changing programs: the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour and the California Coast Classic Bike Tour. Both events are e-bike friendly and offer fully supported routes designed for cyclists of all experience levels, providing unforgettable riding experiences while making a lasting impact. The Carolina Hills Classic, held in May, is a four-day road biking adventure in the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains that includes hotel lodgings for all participants. The California Coast Classic, held in September, is an award-winning 8-day, 525-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. For more information and to register, please visit: events.arthritis.org/cyclingexperience.
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 26 to October 3, 2026, 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.
