2016 California Coast Classic Bike Tour Raises Over $1 Million for Arthritis Foundation
Along the sandy shores of Ventura, California, over 200 riders made their way along the coast to the last overnight stop of the Arthritis Foundation’s 2016 California Coast Classic Bike Tour. Many stopped for water, snacks and samplings from a local winery and brewery that set up a fantastic happy hour as they wound down from a long day of riding. Approximately 475 miles in, cyclists and volunteers alike wore a smile on their face, excited for one last night before crossing the finish line on Saturday, October 1, 2016.
“It’s one of the best rides I’ve been on yet,” said Dennis Ehling, 11-year CCC veteran and chair of the Los Angeles Local Leadership Board. “It really is a ride of a lifetime riding down the coast from San Francisco, especially knowing we are raising critical funds for the Arthritis Foundation.”
Making his way around camp, second year rider Gavin Hough proudly wore his 2016 CCC t-shirt and asked each rider, volunteer and staff member for a signature. Gavin comes all the way from his home in Wigan, England, to participate in the CCC.
When asked what compelled him to come all the way from England to do this ride, Gavin said, “It started out as a ‘bucket list’ thing – I’ve always wanted to cycle down the coast of California. However, last year when I arrived and met the staff, volunteers and fellow cyclists – everything changed for me. I truly understood why we were doing this ride and why the funds we raise are so important. This group is truly special and has become my second family.”
After breakfast on Saturday morning, the riders set off on the last leg of their ride, heading down Highway 1 towards the finish line at Palisades Charter High school in the Pacific Palisades. As riders gathered and crossed the finish line together, family, friends and Arthritis Foundation supporters cheered their arrival, waving signs and ringing infamous CCC tour cowbells.
As riders ate lunch and gathered with their family and friends, they heard from Day 8 Youth Honoree Shoshana Nagibi, and top fundraisers Adrienne Rubin, Derek Engfelt, Kyle Berg, Dennis Ehling and Lee Ruttenberg, along with top teams Team Carter 4 a Cure, Also Touch, Team Billy, The Deviants and Team San Diego were recognized for their inspiring fundraising efforts. Rounding out the afternoon was news that the 2016 California Coast Classic Bike Tour raised over $1 million dollars (and still counting)!
We would like to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of the riders, their families, donors, supporters, volunteers and sponsors of the 2016 California Coast Classic Bike Tour!
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the California Coast Classic Bike Tour, registration for the 2017 California Coast Classic is now open! We hope to see you next year!
“It’s one of the best rides I’ve been on yet,” said Dennis Ehling, 11-year CCC veteran and chair of the Los Angeles Local Leadership Board. “It really is a ride of a lifetime riding down the coast from San Francisco, especially knowing we are raising critical funds for the Arthritis Foundation.”
Making his way around camp, second year rider Gavin Hough proudly wore his 2016 CCC t-shirt and asked each rider, volunteer and staff member for a signature. Gavin comes all the way from his home in Wigan, England, to participate in the CCC.
When asked what compelled him to come all the way from England to do this ride, Gavin said, “It started out as a ‘bucket list’ thing – I’ve always wanted to cycle down the coast of California. However, last year when I arrived and met the staff, volunteers and fellow cyclists – everything changed for me. I truly understood why we were doing this ride and why the funds we raise are so important. This group is truly special and has become my second family.”
After breakfast on Saturday morning, the riders set off on the last leg of their ride, heading down Highway 1 towards the finish line at Palisades Charter High school in the Pacific Palisades. As riders gathered and crossed the finish line together, family, friends and Arthritis Foundation supporters cheered their arrival, waving signs and ringing infamous CCC tour cowbells.
As riders ate lunch and gathered with their family and friends, they heard from Day 8 Youth Honoree Shoshana Nagibi, and top fundraisers Adrienne Rubin, Derek Engfelt, Kyle Berg, Dennis Ehling and Lee Ruttenberg, along with top teams Team Carter 4 a Cure, Also Touch, Team Billy, The Deviants and Team San Diego were recognized for their inspiring fundraising efforts. Rounding out the afternoon was news that the 2016 California Coast Classic Bike Tour raised over $1 million dollars (and still counting)!
We would like to give a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of the riders, their families, donors, supporters, volunteers and sponsors of the 2016 California Coast Classic Bike Tour!
If you or someone you know is interested in participating in the California Coast Classic Bike Tour, registration for the 2017 California Coast Classic is now open! We hope to see you next year!