Story:
Experiential shows up in many ways these days, and we’re bullish on people’s need to get outside now more than ever. For SPEC, this can look like an off-roading or overlanding trip giving journalists a chance to test ride new vehicles or other products. It can mean riding ATVs through the Rockies as fall colors turn the Aspens yellow for content creation and photo and video shoots. But recently, it looked like chasing hundreds of cyclists down the California Coast on what’s known as “The Ride of a Lifetime,” or more formally, The California Coast Classic, sponsored by Amgen.
This year was the 25th running of this bucket list bike ride, and it firmly solidified the Arthritis Foundation’s flagship fundraiser as the premier bike tour in California. Each year, hundreds of cyclists ride for eight straight days over more than 500 miles and raising a whopping $1+ million for the Foundation. All said, this annual bike tour, which started as a humble group of cycling enthusiasts who wanted to ride the Coast from San Francisco to Southern California together, has raised more than $25 million for arthritis research and programs. And, over the years, it’s attracted riders from across the US and around the world, because of its epic location and fully-supported format.
“The California Coast Classic has become known as ‘The Ride of a Lifetime’ over the past 25 years because of its unforgettable route along the coast, its fully-supported format, exceptional catering, and the welcoming and inclusive community that embraces and lifts up our riders,” said Shannon Marang Cox, national senior director of the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience, the event’s organizer.
The Route:
The California Coast Classic is unique in that it hugs the state’s dramatic coastline along Highway 1, a world-class cycling route that larger groups can’t access, creating a VIP cycling experience. Over 8 days, the tour’s self-paced daily rides can be anywhere between 47 and 87 miles with varying elevation. Daily camps provide central locations for meals, presentations and camaraderie before and after each day’s ride.
Fully Supported with Ample Rest Stops, SAG Support, and Professional Mechanics:
Riders can take confidence knowing that the ride provides full support including rest stops at approximately every 25 miles each day and SAG support when riders need a break or a day off. Professional mechanics travel with the tour providing repairs and adjustments along the bike route and in camps each day. Support crews move the traveling event including shuttling riders’ luggage to each base camp or host hotel daily. All of the support services and camping are included at no additional cost; riders who opt to stay in hotels pay those costs additionally and can customize their overnight accommodations with a mix of hotel and camping.
Catering:
From happy hour to sit down meals, camps feature full catering for breakfast and dinner complete with all-you-can-eat omnivore, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Rider favorites include BBQed tri-tip, omelet bar and paella.
Inclusive Community:
From hard core roadies to new cyclists and recreational riders on traditional bikes, e-bikes, recumbents or even unicycles, the California Coast Classic welcomes everyone who brings 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. Some riders have participated in the California Coast Classic for decades, and they are happy to offer advice and guidance to newcomers. The low-pressure vibe adds to the community spirit creating a positive atmosphere from start to finish.
Fundraising:
At its core, the California Coast Classic is a fundraising event for the Arthritis Foundation and has the distinction of being the Foundation’s largest national fundraiser. Riders commit to fundraising minimums and receive support, resources, advice, and community to help them achieve their fundraising goals. Some riders self-fund and come for the bucket-list cycling experience, and others elevate their fundraising efforts to capture well over the minimum requirement of $3,500. All participants support the Foundation’s mission of supporting the nearly 60 million adults and hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. with at least one form of doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
The Event:
The California Coast Classic is a fully supported 8-day bike tour between San Francisco and Los Angeles that showcases California’s renowned Highway 1, with overnight stops in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Big Sur, Cambria, Oceano, Buellton and Ventura, while also visiting popular destinations like Paso Robles, Pismo Beach Santa Barbara and Malibu. It includes expert SAG support, professional mechanical repair, luggage service, catered meals and a nightly choice of campground or hotel lodging. Each rider commits to raising $3,500 for the Arthritis Foundation and is provided the fundraising tools and support to reach their goal. Many participants far exceed the minimum requirement.
The Arthritis Foundation has championed the fight to conquer arthritis, the nation’s number one cause of disability, for more than 75 years. Since 1948, the Arthritis Foundation has invested over half a billion dollars in research, with more than $25 million coming directly from the California Coast Classic.
The next edition is scheduled for September 26 to October 3, 2026. The event caps rider participation at 250 riders to maintain its coastal routes and VIP experience. Learn more at http://californiacoastclassic.org