The Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience Celebrates Milestones
The Arthritis Foundation celebrates 25 years of the California Coast Classic Bike Tour and launches the inaugural Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour.
Jan. 30, 2025
For 25 years, the award-winning California Coast Classic Bike Tour has been a cornerstone event for cyclists and arthritis advocates alike, offering an unforgettable journey along the stunning Pacific coastline. In 2025, the Arthritis Foundation commemorates this remarkable milestone while expanding its legacy with the launch of the Carolina Hills Classic, a new cycling experience set against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Together, these events aim to raise critical funds to support the nearly 60 million adults and hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. with arthritis.
Carolina Hills Classic: A New Cycling Experience in the Blue Ridge Foothills
The Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour will debut June 12 to 15, 2025, offering a four-day cycling event beginning in Greenville, South Carolina and winding through breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. Building on the legacy of the California Coast Classic, this event aims to raise $250,000 in its inaugural year.
“This is an exciting time at the Arthritis Foundation. The Carolina Hills Classic builds on the success of the California Coast Classic Bike Tour, bringing the same unforgettable experience to the Southeast,” says Arthritis Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer, Steven Taylor, who has participated in the California Coast Classic since 2022. “Whether your bucket list includes the California Coast or the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, these events provide an opportunity to support those living with arthritis while participating in a unique adventure.”
The Carolina Hills Classic (the CHC for short) blends a hub-and-spoke and point-to-point format, with SAG support, professional assistance and local highlights throughout. Participants will cycle through winding roads, scenic climbs and vibrant communities in Brevard, North Carolina and Clemson and Greenville, South Carolina — destinations known for their natural beauty, dynamic arts scenes and welcoming culture.
Registration is open now at carolinahillsclassic.org with a fundraising goal of $4,000 per rider. The ride is limited to 250 people.
California Coast Classic: 25 Years of “The Ride of a Lifetime”
Affectionately called "The Ride of a Lifetime," the California Coast Classic offers a fully supported, scenic journey along the iconic Pacific coastline. The 2025 event will take place Sept. 6 to 13 and celebrate its silver anniversary with a fundraising goal of $1.5 million to support arthritis research and community programs.
"We are ecstatic to celebrate our 25th anniversary with dedicated riders, volunteers and Arthritis Foundation staff. With nearly 60 million adults and hundreds of thousands of children in the United States diagnosed and living with arthritis, the need to raise critical funds for research and support programs continues to grow," says Shannon Marang Cox, National Senior Director of Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience. "Spots fill quickly, so we encourage early registration."
The eight-day, 525-mile journey takes riders from San Francisco to Los Angeles, following California's renowned Highway 1. Participants enjoy expert support and gear (SAG), professional mechanical assistance, luggage transport, catered meals and evening accommodations at campgrounds. Hotel lodging is available at the rider’s expense. Riders commit to raising a minimum of $3,500, with many surpassing their goals thanks to the Arthritis Foundation’s fundraising tools and resources.
Since its inception, the California Coast Classic (often called the CCC) has raised more than $23 million, directly funding arthritis research and support programs. Nearly 40% of riders either live with arthritis or ride for a relative or loved one affected by the disease. Registration is open online at californiacoastclassic.org. The ride is limited to 250 people.
For 25 years, the award-winning California Coast Classic Bike Tour has been a cornerstone event for cyclists and arthritis advocates alike, offering an unforgettable journey along the stunning Pacific coastline. In 2025, the Arthritis Foundation commemorates this remarkable milestone while expanding its legacy with the launch of the Carolina Hills Classic, a new cycling experience set against the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Together, these events aim to raise critical funds to support the nearly 60 million adults and hundreds of thousands of children in the U.S. with arthritis.
Carolina Hills Classic: A New Cycling Experience in the Blue Ridge Foothills
The Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour will debut June 12 to 15, 2025, offering a four-day cycling event beginning in Greenville, South Carolina and winding through breathtaking scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills. Building on the legacy of the California Coast Classic, this event aims to raise $250,000 in its inaugural year.
“This is an exciting time at the Arthritis Foundation. The Carolina Hills Classic builds on the success of the California Coast Classic Bike Tour, bringing the same unforgettable experience to the Southeast,” says Arthritis Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer, Steven Taylor, who has participated in the California Coast Classic since 2022. “Whether your bucket list includes the California Coast or the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, these events provide an opportunity to support those living with arthritis while participating in a unique adventure.”
The Carolina Hills Classic (the CHC for short) blends a hub-and-spoke and point-to-point format, with SAG support, professional assistance and local highlights throughout. Participants will cycle through winding roads, scenic climbs and vibrant communities in Brevard, North Carolina and Clemson and Greenville, South Carolina — destinations known for their natural beauty, dynamic arts scenes and welcoming culture.
Registration is open now at carolinahillsclassic.org with a fundraising goal of $4,000 per rider. The ride is limited to 250 people.
California Coast Classic: 25 Years of “The Ride of a Lifetime”
Affectionately called "The Ride of a Lifetime," the California Coast Classic offers a fully supported, scenic journey along the iconic Pacific coastline. The 2025 event will take place Sept. 6 to 13 and celebrate its silver anniversary with a fundraising goal of $1.5 million to support arthritis research and community programs."We are ecstatic to celebrate our 25th anniversary with dedicated riders, volunteers and Arthritis Foundation staff. With nearly 60 million adults and hundreds of thousands of children in the United States diagnosed and living with arthritis, the need to raise critical funds for research and support programs continues to grow," says Shannon Marang Cox, National Senior Director of Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience. "Spots fill quickly, so we encourage early registration."
The eight-day, 525-mile journey takes riders from San Francisco to Los Angeles, following California's renowned Highway 1. Participants enjoy expert support and gear (SAG), professional mechanical assistance, luggage transport, catered meals and evening accommodations at campgrounds. Hotel lodging is available at the rider’s expense. Riders commit to raising a minimum of $3,500, with many surpassing their goals thanks to the Arthritis Foundation’s fundraising tools and resources.
Since its inception, the California Coast Classic (often called the CCC) has raised more than $23 million, directly funding arthritis research and support programs. Nearly 40% of riders either live with arthritis or ride for a relative or loved one affected by the disease. Registration is open online at californiacoastclassic.org. The ride is limited to 250 people.
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