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Organizers Predict Sellout for 2019 California Coast Classic Bike Tour Presented by Amgen 

Six and a half months in advance of its flagship fundraising ride, the California Coast Classic Bike Tour presented by Amgen, representatives from the Arthritis Foundation report that fewer than 100 spots are available for registration.

Photo: California Coast Classic

Photo: California Coast Classic

“There’s been tremendous interest in this year’s ride, now that the road through Big Sur has reopened,” explained Shannon Marang Cox, the ride director. “We’re seeing increased registration from returning and new riders alike.”

With the code GFG19, Gran Fondo Guide readers will receive a $25 discount on registration from now until 6/30/19, though Marang Cox guesses that the ride could sell out well before then.

Photo: California Coast Classic

Photo: California Coast Classic

The CCC is an 8-day, 525-mile, self-paced pedaling adventure from San Francisco to Los Angeles that is open to cyclists of all levels. It follows a coastal route along, and parallel to, California’s iconic Highway 1, and is capped at 250 riders.

The short video below shows what the CCC is about and explains why the ride is so important to the Arthritis Foundation and those it serves. The 19th edition of this boutique, bucket list ride, named by Outside Magazine as one of “The 30 Best Road Biking Trips”, takes place Sept. 21-28, 2019.

All participants enjoy expert sag support, professional mechanical repair, luggage service, catered meals, and a nightly choice of campground or hotel lodging. Registration also includes an official CCC jersey, wind jacket, and t-shirt.

Additionally, participants receive a training calendar, a personal fundraising website, group training rides, access to a Facebook group, and the camaraderie of coming together to lead the fight for the arthritis community, which includes one in four adults and 300,000 children in the United States.

Photo: California Coast Classic

Photo: California Coast Classic

Last year, Nancy Travis (second from left), the actress famous for leading roles in the film So I Married an Axe Murderer, the Fox TV show Last Man Standing and the Golden Globe-winning Netflix series The Kominsky Method, rode the CCC to honor her mother, who had arthritis. She is hoping to ride again this year, schedule permitting.

Like Ms. Travis, all participants of the CCC commit to a $3,500 fundraising goal. Collectively, CCC riders raise more than a million dollars for the Arthritis Foundation each year. The funds raised help to provide life-changing tools and resources for people living with arthritis, address the unique needs of children with arthritis, accelerate the path to better treatments – and ultimately a cure, and break down barriers to care at the state and federal levels.

Photo: California Coast Classic

Photo: California Coast Classic

September’s weather along the California coast is cool and temperate - perfect for pedaling among waves, woods, and wineries. Riders experience quaint towns, stunning views, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, 17-Mile Drive, Big Sur, and Morro Bay.

The Itinerary of the 2019 California Coast Classic Bike Tour is:

9/20 Arrival and Registration in San Francisco
9/21 San Francisco to Santa Cruz, 85 miles
9/22 Santa Cruz to Monterey, 51 miles
9/23 Monterey to Big Sur, 47 miles
9/24 Big Sur to Cambria, 68 miles
9/25 Cambria to Oceano, 58 miles
9/26 Oceano to Buellton, 66 miles
9/27 Buellton to Ventura, 87 miles
9/28 Ventura to Los Angeles, 63 miles

Photo: John Dlugolecki

Photo: John Dlugolecki

“What’s amazing about this ride, is that in addition to the experience of biking California’s beautiful and inspiring coast, riders form lifelong bonds and friendships,” explained Marang Cox. “They support each other throughout the ride, and long after it.”

Photo: California Coast Classic

Photo: California Coast Classic

2019 marks the 19th year of the California Coast Classic, and while it attracts many repeat riders, it also maintains a friendly and welcoming vibe for newbies.

Join the California Coast Classic Bike Tour for the “Ride of a Lifetime” 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 is America’s #1 cause of disability.

Register today with code GFG19 and save $25.