Where
The Arthritis Foundation's California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour sponsored by Amgen is a scenic bike ride offering a fabulous 8 day, 525 mile tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles with a 2 day, 150 mile option from Buellton to Los Angeles. The tour is a full-service ride which provides the framework for one of the most incredible experiences of a lifetime. Offering something for both the beginner and the experienced rider, each cyclist will enjoy one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world as they meander alongside famous wineries, majestic lighthouses and quiet beaches.

When
The 8 day tour begins Sunday, September 9, 2012 in San Francisco. The tour shadows the coastline making the Pacific Ocean a familiar companion nearly every day of the ride. The 2 day tour begins Saturday, September 15th in Buellton. A celebratory dinner on Friday the 14th will welcome our 2 day riders and acknowledge the ride to date for our 8 day participants. All riders will reach their final destination on Sunday, September 16th in Santa Monica where you will be greeted with a victory party to celebrate your astounding achievement.

What
We provide you with a carefully designed, pre-determined route featuring either two or 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 will highlight the route to each overnight stop. 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 every 15-25 miles provide nutrition, hydration and encouragement from volunteers and staff.
• Commemorative jersey, t-shirt 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 nation 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 8 day rider is required to meet the fundraising minimum of $3000 (registration fees excluded). The fundraising minimum for the 2 day tour is $500 plus the registration fee. 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: Call us today (coming soon online).

Training Dates: May - September

Ride Dates:

EIGHT DAY RIDE - Sunday, September 9 - Sunday, September 16, 2012
TWO DAY RIDE - Saturday, September 15 - Sunday, September 16th, 2012

The California Coast Classic Bike Tour offers two tour packages to our registered riders. A 2-day, 150-mile ride from Santa Ynez to Los Angeles 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.

Start 8 Day Ride Sunday, September 9 Day One:	San Francisco to Santa Cruz READY...SET...PEDAL! All 8 day cyclists begin in San Francisco and cycle down the coast into Santa Cruz, completing a total of 85 miles.
Monday, September 10 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.
Tuesday, September 11 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.
Wednesday, September 12 Day Four:	Big Sur to San Simeon As you wind your way through the scented forests of Big Sur, you will continue into San Simeon after enjoying a brief rest stop near the world-renowned Hearst Castle. At this point, you've cycled a total of 66 miles!
Thursday, September 13 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.
Friday, September 14 Day Six:	Pismo Beach to Buellton As you make your way through the wine country made famous by the movie Sideways, you will enjoy quiet roads and beautiful vineyards. After 66 miles of incredible riding, a special dinner is prepared to celebrate your journey to date and to welcome our 2 day tour members.
Start 2 Day Ride Saturday, September 15 Day Seven:	Buellton to Ventura Whether you are just joining the tour or going on day six, this spectacular day winds through Solvang, into Santa Barbara through Hope Ranch, then along the coast and finishing at the beach in Ventura after 90 miles.
Sunday, September 16 Day Eight:	Ventura to Los Angeles Congratulations! After the final 60 miles, you 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.