LAS VEGAS (BRAIN) — A host of industry companies have rallied in support of the 14th annual Arthritis Foundation's California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour—an eight-day ride down California's scenic Highway One or, as it's better known, Pacific Coast Highway.
The ride, which begins Saturday in downtown San Francisco, includes for the first time two electric Haibikes from Currie Technologies. Two riders will use the e-bikes to help them finish the 525-mile ride. Currie is a first-time supporter for the tour.
Other industry companies supporting the ride include Clif Bar, Gu, ElliptiGo, Primal Wear, Rocky Mounts and a newcomer to the industry, Rip van Wafels. Amgen, which also backs the Tour of California, is also the lead sponsor for the Classic.
More than 200 cyclists have raised almost $1 million for this year's event, which ends in Los Angeles Sept. 20. "We're thrilled that funds raised from this year's Classic will push us over the $13 million mark," said Manny Loya, chief executive officer of the Arthritis Foundation's Pacific Region.
The Classic is the largest single fund raising event in the nation for the Arthritis Foundation. Almost 53 million people, including 300,000 children, live with the pain and disability of arthritis.
Many of the cyclists on the tour suffer from arthritis or are riding for friends or family members affected by the disease. Cyclists range from beginner to expert riders and have helped raise money for research, advocacy and programs for those with arthritis.
