Who participates?

Riders 18 years and older of all occupations and athletic ability.

I've never participated in a bike tour before. Can I do it?

Yes, you can! The Arthritis Foundation's California Coast Classic program is customized for individuals of all fitness levels, even for people who have never participated in and/or completed a bike tour.

What if I don't complete the fundraising?

We have designed this program so that you will be successful. However, always remember the real reason you are raising funds. The actual bike tour is a symbolic effort of your commitment to the Arthritis Foundation's mission, and your reward for meeting the campaign's fundraising requirements. Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $3000 in order to be eligible to ride in the tour.

What if I can't participate in the California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour because of work or other commitments?

Again, please assure your donors that all of your raised funds will go directly to programs & services of the Arthritis Foundation. All funds are non-transferable. It is important that your donors know that their dollars will make an important difference regardless of your completion of the campaign.

Can I bring someone?

You are more than welcome to invite any family members, friends, etc. to the starting line to send you off and to the finish line to welcome you back and celebrate your outstanding achievement. We strongly discourage you to invite any guests to ride along with you, even for part of a day. Through your fundraising efforts, each of you has earned the right to make this one of the most unique experiences of your year, and we have designed a program that supports your efforts and not the efforts of others

What if I can't do, or complete, the California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour?

If you have completed the fundraising program by the deadline, you are a part of the California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour and are entitled to participate in the tour. If it's a matter of not being able to participate in the bike tour due to injury, etc. we always need volunteers with cheering and support at the finish lines. If it's a matter of not being able to complete the tour, remember that the California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour is a fun, recreational event. It is not a race. You can cycle at your own pace and if you get tired, take a rest in one of the SAG vans monitoring the route at all times.

How much training do I need to do?

Your current fitness and experience levels dictate how much training you need to prepare for the Arthritis Foundation's California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour. However, there is no substitute for training time in the saddle, regardless of your experience level. A structured training schedule provided to each of you allows your fitness level to enter into the equation. The schedule will allow you to move at your own pace while making you stronger. It is highly recommended that you follow it closely, especially the rest days. Moderation means safety and although you may feel that you need to do more to prepare, remember riding too much or too hard can not only harm performance, it might even threaten your health.

What type of bike should I use?

It's not so much the type of bike that is important but rather that the bike you choose fits you correctly. To ride your best, it is essential that your bike fits you as perfectly as possible. The key is to fit your bike to your body rather than force your body to conform to the bike. If you are unsure, take your bike to your local bike store to ensure a proper fit.

What equipment do I need to bring with me?

Apart from your bike, you will need to bring a tent, sleeping bag and all the clothes you will need during the length of your ride. All your gear, except for your tent, should fit into one bag measuring approx 15x15x36, or two medium bags. Your space aboard the gear trucks is limited, so use it wisely. Also remember, even though the gear truck will haul your gear from one location to another, you will have to haul it from the truck to your campsite (or room) and back each day.

What gearing do I need on my bike?

We recommend that every rider install a triple crank resulting in 18 to 24 gears. This provides the low gearing necessary for a seated cyclist to climb hills while maintaining 90 revolutions per minute – the ideal cadence for energy efficient riding. It is also important to note that stress-related knee injuries have been reduced with the invention of the triple crank. If you don't like it, you can always remove it after the tour.

Will the tour be particularly hilly?

Part of what the California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour offers you is the chance to cycle through some of the most spectacular countryside you will see west of the Mississippi. Some of this terrain will contain hills, some more challenging than others. However, these particular challenges are a key element of your training schedule. Follow that, and you will find yourself quite capable of negotiating them. You may even find yourself looking forward to them!

Will I be able to ride my mountain bike?

Absolutely, but like any other type of bike, there are pros and cons for doing so. Whereas mountain bikes provide for a more upright riding position, shock absorbers and flat resistant tires, their wide, deeply grooved tires make for slower and tougher pedaling on pavement.

How do I get to the starting line and home from the finish line?

It is your responsibility to get to the starting line in San Francisco and home from the finish line. However we will provide you with a Travel Planner that will help you make travel and bike shipping transportation arrangements. More information about this service will be provided to you in the coming months.

How do I get my bike to the starting line and home from the finish line?

In addition to the option outlined above, we identify a number of bike shops in your area where you can have your bike broken down and shipped to the starting line for re-assembly. Likewise, at the end of the tour, there will be a number of bike shops identified that will ship your bike back. More information about this service will be provided to you in the coming months.

If you would prefer to transport your own bike to the starting line and from the finish line, that is perfectly fine. The decision is entirely yours. The options outlined above are merely offered to simplify the process for you.

What are the accommodations along the tour?

The California Coast Classic is a camping trip. Campsites will be reserved ahead of time for all registered riders.

If you prefer to stay in hotel/motel accommodations during the entire tour, we will provide you with a number of hotel choices at each of our overnight locations. This option will be at your own expense and you will be responsible for calling ahead and reserving your room. A shuttle service, if needed, will be provided to take you to and from your accommodations. It will only be offered to those hotels on the recommended list provided to you. More information on this option will be provided to you in the coming months.

Are tents provided?

Tents are not provided, so be sure to bring your own if planning to camp. If you don't own one now and are planning on purchasing one for the tour, a 2-person dome-type tent is inexpensive, roomy, stands on its own, and most important, is quick and easy to put up and take down. Be sure that it has mosquito netting and a waterproof rainfly.

Camping your way down the California coastline is a brand new experience for many cyclists. We will be sharing some camping techniques with you in the months to come via your Rider Handbook. It will spend some time helping both the experienced and inexperienced camper be as comfortable as possible thus enhancing the experience. It's a blast!