Click here for Day by Day Description

Where
The Arthritis Foundation's California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour sponsored by Amgen is a spectacular 525-mile, 8-day tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Sun, rugged coasts, quiet beaches, lighthouses, giant forests, famous wineries and world-class cities are also daily travel experiences. The California Coast Classic Bike Tour actually offers two tour packages to all registered riders. A 6-day, 355-mile ride from San Francisco to Solvang or if your schedule permits, an 8-day, 525 mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Whether you choose tour package one or two, both rides have something to offer the beginner as well as the experienced cyclist.

When
Leaving San Francisco as one group, Saturday, September 25, 2010, the tour shadows the coastline making the Pacific Ocean a familiar companion nearly every day of the ride. Our first leg of the trip will conclude on day six, Thursday, September 30, in Solvang. For those of you who choose to go the distance, we will continue our trip, winding our way to reach our final destination on Saturday, October 2, 2010, – Los Angeles – where you will be greeted with a victory party to celebrate your astounding achievement.

What
Your package includes expertise from Backroads, a touring company with 30 years of experience in biking vacations. We provide you with a carefully designed, pre-determined route featuring eight scenic stops along the California coast, opening and closing ceremonies, reserved campsites each night, energizing breakfasts and hearty dinners every day for each participant, hot showers and restroom facilities. You will also receive daily route guides (DRG's) that direct the cyclist to each overnight stop via a well-written set of directions and a map of the route. Rest assured that a fully stocked, mobile professional bike shop and mechanical support also will be available each day. Technical support and rider relief vans ensure a fun ride for everyone, including a lift for the tired cyclist. Additional support provided for each rider includes:

  • A detailed rider-handbook (full of recommendations for clothing and equipment).
  • Rest stops everyday allows both the scenery and camaraderie of old and new friends to be enjoyed.
  • Commemorative jersey, windbreaker, bandana and water bottle awarded to each rider.
  • Scheduled fundraising clinics and handbooks and online an fundraising tool are available to provide both the training and tools needed to meet fundraising goals.
  • Local training opportunities and detailed recommended training guide available.
  • Fabulous prizes awarded to the top fundraisers.

Why
As an Arthritis Foundation California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour rider your primary responsibility is to join hundreds of others from across the state who are raising money to help support research to find the cure for and prevention of arthritis as well as improve the quality of life for those affected by arthritis. Each rider is required to meet the fundraising minimum of $3000. The Arthritis Foundation staff will provide you with the tools and training you will need to reach this fundraising goal. For fundraising information please click on our fundraising page!

Registration: OPEN NOW! Register online by clicking on the home page, or print the registration form on the registration/contact page

Training Dates: until 2nd week in September

Ride Dates: Saturday, September 25, 2010 – Saturday, October 2, 2010 (Optional finish Thursday, September 30, 2010 in Buellton.)

How
SIGN UP TODAY

Day by Day Description

The California Coast Classic Bike Tour offers two tour packages to all registered riders. A 6-day, 355-mile ride from San Francisco to Solvang or if you really want to go the distance, an 8-day, 525 mile ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Whether you choose tour package one or two, both rides have something to offer the beginner as well as the experienced cyclist.

Saturday, September 25
Day One:		 San Francisco to Santa Cruz
Start your engines!  The ride begins from world-famous Fisherman’s Wharf and follows the gorgeous coastline into Santa Cruz.  You’ve already got 85 miles under your belt!
Sunday, September 26
Day Two:		 Santa Cruz to Monterey
This is Steinbeck Country.  For 47 miles, you’ll meander through the rich farmland and coastal marshes that inspired some of America’s greatest artists.  At night, you stay in picturesque Monterey Bay.
Monday, September 27
Day Three:		 Monterey to Big Sur
Hop on your bike, cycle 40 miles down the Monterey Peninsula and make the breathtaking climb into Big Sur.  At night, slumber in an ancient forest beneath majestic redwoods.
Tuesday, September 28
Day Four:		 Big Sur to San Simeon
The rugged coast is your companion as you cycle 64 miles to magical San Simeon.  Sleep beside William Randolph Hearst’s private pier as the lights of world-famous Hearst Castle twinkle above you.
Wednesday, September 29
Day Five:		 San Simeon to Oceano
Enjoy beaches, quaint shops and even a wildlife refuge on this delightful 52 mile leg of the trip.  When you arrive in camp, enjoy the dunes of Pismo Beach.
Thursday, September 30
Day Six:		 Oceano to Buellton
This is wine country!  Pedal past vineyards before dropping into the unique Danish community of Solvang.  Here, enjoy delectable baked goods, explore one-of-a-kind boutiques and check out windmills that are part of the everyday landscape.  A few turns of the pedal and you’ll reach the day’s destination in Buellton, home of horseback rides, hitching posts and world-famous pea soup!  For those of you who will be riding for six days, this 65-mile day completes your tour, and your new Coast Classic friends will be on hand to celebrate your achievement with you!  If you’re continuing, this victory party is a great time to stop and savor your experience.
Friday, October 1
Day Seven:		 Buellton to Ventura
Today’s ride covers 85 miles of hills, towns and beaches as it winds its way from the green Santa Inez Valley past the beaches of Santa Barbara to your camp in Ventura.  Go to sleep to the sounds of the waves crashing on the nearby shore.
Saturday, October 2
Day Eight:

Ventura to Los Angeles
Your final 63 miles takes you past the surf beaches of Malibu and into Santa Monica.  There, you and your fellow cyclists will cross the finish line amid fanfare and celebration.  Enjoy friends, food and a fantastic victory celebration.  You’ve earned it!