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BREAKING NEWS: California Coast Classic Goes Back to Big Sur!

Join the 2018 California Coast Classic Bike Tour presented by Amgen and be among the first to ride California’s newest coastal road

The “Ride of a Lifetime” just got better. A recent and unexpected announcement that a stretch of Highway 1 closed by landslide will reopen months ahead of schedule means that participants of this year’s California Coast Classic Bike Tour presented by Amgen will have the unique opportunity to be among the very first cyclists to ride 13 acres of brand new California coastline this September as the ride returns to its traditional coastal route through Big Sur and Cambria.

Photo: California Coast Classic

Photo: California Coast Classic

CCC, as it’s called, is an 8-day flagship fundraising ride for the Arthritis Foundation that starts in San Francisco and takes cyclists 533 miles down the beautiful California coastline to Los Angeles. Along the way, riders enjoy a self-paced pedaling adventure with expert sag support, luggage service, catered meals, and a nightly choice of campground or hotel lodging.

This boutique, bucket list ride, named by Outside Magazine as one of “The 30 Best Road Biking Trips”, takes place Sept. 22-29, 2018 and is capped at 250 riders.

Registration for the ride includes an official CCC jersey, wind jacket, and t-shirt, plus training plans,

Registration for the ride includes an official CCC jersey, wind jacket, and t-shirt, plus training plans, a personal fundraising website, group training rides, teams to join, access to a closed Facebook group, and the camaraderie of coming together to lead the fight for the arthritis community.

Sign up for the Ride of a Lifetime before 7/4/18 and save 50% off the fee with code GFG!

Photo: California Coast Classic

Photo: California Coast Classic

The CCC is open to beginner and advanced cyclists who commit to a $3,500 fundraising goal. Collectively, CCC riders raise more than a million dollars for the Arthritis Foundation each year. 2018 marks the 18th year of the California Coast Classic, and while it attracts many repeat riders, it also maintains a friendly and welcoming vibe for newbies. Volunteers are needed, too! Anyone who can shake a cowbell, serve a PB&J, or count riders at checkpoints – for even a single day – is encouraged to come along.

Photo: California Coast Classic

Photo: California Coast Classic

September’s weather along the California coast is cool and temperate - perfect for enjoying its rolling hills, quaint towns, stunning views, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, and Morro Bay.

The Itinerary of the 2018 California Coast Classic Bike Tour is as follows:

  9/22 San Francisco to Santa Cruz, 85 miles
  9/23 Santa Cruz to Carmel, 76 miles
  9/24 Carmel to Big Sur, 33 miles
  9/25 Big Sur to Cambria, 73 miles
  9/26 Cambria to Oceano, 54 miles
  9/27 Oceano to Buellton, 69 miles
  9/28 Buellton to Ventura, 87 miles
  9/29 Ventura to Los Angeles, 57 miles

Photo: John Dlugolecki

Photo: John Dlugolecki

Join the California Coast Classic Bike Tour and make a difference by supporting the mission of the Arthritis Foundation to pursue a cure and provide life-changing resources, science, advocacy and community connections.  Arthritis affects 1 in 4 adults and 300,000 children, and is America’s #1 cause of disability.

Register now with code GFG and save 50% off the fee. Hurry! Code expires 7/4/18.