Where
The Arthritis Foundation's California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour sponsored by Amgen is a spectacular 500-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, 500 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 20, 2008, 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 25, 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, September 27, 2008, – 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 25 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 $2,950. 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 last week in August

Ride Dates: Saturday, September 20, 2008 – Saturday, September 27, 2008 (Optional finish Thursday, September 25, 2008 in Solvang.)

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, 500 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 20 Day One:	San Francisco to Santa Cruz READY? SET? PEDAL!! All cyclists begin at the bustling Fisherman's Wharf / Pier 39 in San Francisco and cycle down the coast into Santa Cruz, completing a total of 85 miles.
Sunday, September 21 Day Two:	Santa Cruz to Monterey This leg of the tour measures 53 miles and takes you through the dramatic landscape of the California countryside before resting for the night in picturesque Monterey.
Monday, September 22 Day Three:	Monterey to Big Sur Say goodbye to Monterey and head south. A short 40 miles will bring you into the spectacular landscape of Big Sur.
Tuesday, September 23 Day Four:	Big Sur to San Simeon As you negotiate your way through the scented forests of Big Sur, you will continue into San Simeon after enjoying a brief rest stop in the locale of the world-renowned Hearst Castle. For those of you keeping count, you've just cycled a total of 66 miles!
Wednesday, September 24 Day Five:	San Simeon to Pismo Beach Absolutely beautiful. If the pedaling doesn't take your breath away, the scenery will! A mere 60 miles, this leg of the tour will allow you to soak up your surroundings as you cycle along world famous beaches.
Thursday, September 25 Day Six:	Pismo Beach to Solvang For those of you riding package one, this 60 mile leg will complete your California Coast Classic Bike Tour. Enjoy the breathtaking views and pleasant surroundings as you wind your way into Solvang. Once there, you will mark your official completion of the tour by crossing the finish line. Get ready to celebrate your achievement. The victory party will allow you to reflect on your accomplishment and cement your new friendships. For those of you riding package two, there really is no better place to stop and re-group than in Solvang.
Friday, September 26 Day Seven:	Solvang to Ventura You're almost there! Be sure to explore the Danish-flavored town of Solvang as you make your way towards the day-end destination of Ventura. Today's total mileage is an impressive 85 miles. Great riding!
Saturday, September 27 Day Eight:	Ventura to Los Angeles Congratulations! You've done it! Having cycled a final 60 miles, you will cross the finish line in Los Angeles to fanfare and an emotional welcome. A victory party will help you celebrate this unique trip and reflect on your outstanding achievement.