Arthritis Foundation California Coast Classic Sponsored by Amgen Attains Highest-Ever Impact in 2025

December 18, 2025

25th Edition of California’s Premier Multiday Bike Tour Contributes Nearly $1.5M to Arthritis Foundation Research, Programs, and Support

LOS ANGELES (December 18, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic sponsored by Amgen, an eight-day bike tour from San Francisco to Los Angeles, reached a new fundraising milestone in 2025, raising $1.48 million.

“The California Coast Classic is our flagship event, known as ‘The Ride of a Lifetime,’ and one of two bike tours under the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experiences banner,” said Shannon Marang Cox, national senior director of the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience, the event’s organizer. “The money we raise each year goes directly to critical research, programs, and support for the 60 million people in the U.S. who have arthritis, including 300,000 children with juvenile arthritis. A huge thanks goes out to our riders, volunteers, leadership and partners who made 2025 an historic year.”

Fundraising:

Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience events, including the 25-year running California Coast Classic and the new Carolina Hills Classic, are national destination cycling events that generate critical funds for the Arthritis Foundation. All participants contribute to the Foundation’s mission of supporting the nearly 60 million adults and hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. who live with at least one form of doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

“The California Coast Classic is a community of riders that’s spent the past 25 years championing our mission, and this year they raised the bar yet again,” said Steve Taylor, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “At a time when federal investment in critical research and support programs for chronic conditions like arthritis is falling short, the commitment of the CCC community sends a powerful message. We are grateful to everyone who stepped up to sustain this work and make lifesaving programs possible for those who live with arthritis.”

The California Coast Classic:

The California Coast Classic is the premier multiday cycling tour in California hosting hundreds of cyclists over eight days and 525 miles each fall. As the Foundation’s largest annual national fundraiser, the event collects more than $1 million each year for resources and research to find better treatments and a cure for arthritis, the #1 cause of disability in the United States.

The next edition is scheduled for September 26 to October 3, 2026, and registration is open at http://www.californiacoastclassic.org/. The event caps rider participation at 250 riders to maintain its coastal routes and VIP experience.

Traveling from San Francisco to Los Angeles each fall, the ride showcases California’s renowned Highway 1, with overnight stops in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Cambria, Oceano, Buellton, and Ventura, and visits to popular destinations like San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Santa Barbara, and Malibu. It includes expert SAG support, ample rest stops, professional mechanical repair, luggage service, catered meals, camping accommodations, and commemorative event apparel.

The California Coast Classic’s unique route hugs the state’s dramatic coastline along Highway 1, a world-class cycling route that larger groups can’t access, creating an unparalleled cycling experience.

The Carolina Hills Classic:

Building on the popularity of the Arthritis Foundation’s California tour, the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour brings “The Ride of a Lifetime” to the Blue Ridge region, a mecca for road cycling. The springtime event’s unique format showcases the riding in Asheville and Brevard, NC, and Greenville, SC, with scenic overlooks, river crossings, and waterfall sightings. The four-day, 250-mile route celebrates the Carolinas’ renowned cycling community, Southern hospitality, food and culture.

The 2026 Carolina Hills Classic will take place from May 14 to 17. Riders will enjoy nightly hotel accommodations and all the concierge-level accoutrements of the California bike tour, including fully stocked rest stops, SAG support, professional bike mechanics, commemorative apparel, luggage transportation and meals throughout the tour. More details and registration are at carolinahillsclassic.org.

Inclusive Community:

From hard core roadies to new cyclists and retired recreational riders, riding traditional bikes, e-bikes, recumbents or even unicycles, the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience welcomes all riders who bring with them a positive attitude and adventurous spirit. Each year, approximately 40% of riders have some form of arthritis or are riding for a loved one with arthritis. The low pressure vibe adds to the community spirit creating a positive atmosphere from start to finish.

About the Arthritis Foundation

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against arthritis – the nation’s #1 cause of disability. Through groundbreaking scientific research, patient-centered programs, advocacy at all levels of government and robust community engagement, the Foundation empowers people to live their best lives while relentlessly pursuing a cure. With a presence in communities nationwide, we amplify the voices of those affected and work to drive lasting change. Learn more at arthritis.org.

About the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience

The Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience believes that movement is medicine, bringing together passionate cyclists to make a difference for the 1 in 4 people in the U.S. who have arthritis. AFCE produces two premier destination fundraising bike tours that fuel the Arthritis Foundation’s advocacy, scientific research, and life-changing programs: the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour and the California Coast Classic Bike Tour. Both events are e-bike friendly and offer fully supported routes designed for cyclists of all experience levels, providing unforgettable riding experiences while making a lasting impact. The Carolina Hills Classic, held in May, is a four-day road biking adventure in the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge region that includes hotel lodgings for all participants. The California Coast Classic, held in September, is an award-winning 8-day, 525-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles. For more information and to register, please visit: events.arthritis.org/cyclingexperience.

About the California Coast Classic Bike Tour

The Arthritis Foundation California Coast Classic Bike Tour, “The Ride of a Lifetime”, is the winner of Gran Fondo Guide’s Best Charity Bike Tour Award. It began in 2001 and is the flagship fundraising bike tour of the Arthritis Foundation, raising over $1 million dollars annually for resources and research to find better treatments and a cure for arthritis. Beginner and experienced cyclists are encouraged to join the eight-day, fully-supported, 525-mile journey down the coast of California from San Francisco to Los Angeles from September 26 to October 3, 2026, and registration information can be found here. Supporters who cannot come to the in-person tour are invited to join the Arthritis Challenge Experience, a choose-your-own adventure that connects participants to the vibrant CCC community. For more information, please visit www.californiacoastclassic.org.

About the Carolina Hills Classic

The Arthritis Foundation Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour is a fully supported, four-day road biking adventure traversing the Blue Ridge region from Asheville, North Carolina, to Greenville, South Carolina. In 2026, it will be held from May 14 to 17. With a goal of raising $225,000, funds from the Carolina Hills Classic support the fight against arthritis, the #1 cause of disability in the United States, while raising awareness and support for the nearly 60 million adults and children in the U.S. who have doctor-diagnosed arthritis or a related condition. For more information and to register, please visit CarolinaHillsClassic.org.

Media Contact:

Julie Kelly, SPEC PR
760-672-2527
julie.kelly@specpr.com