FAQ

How many cyclists participate?
The ride is capped at 250 riders since we go to seaside towns and quiet roads not open to larger groups.

How much training is required? Can I do this?! 
Absolutely! The CCC is a fully-supported ride open to novice to expert cyclists. If a rider is not feeling up to completing part of the ride or just wants a bump up a hill, our sag support is always at the ready to give a lift in our comfortable air-conditioned vans.

We provide a Training Plan and Calendar written by our CCC experts with ideal daily and weekly targets which build incrementally as the tour approaches. We will help you get ready to breeze down the coast. 

Is there a mass start time for each day?  A cutoff time for completion each day?
CCC is a tour, not a race. There is no mass start. Riders may ride out any time between within an hour window each morning (usually 7:30-8:30 am) and go at their own pace to the next base camp. We close the course as twilight approaches, so if anyone falls far behind due to a later start, an extra-leisurely pace and/or a long lunch, our team will bump them up to the next rest stop or camp before dark, but most arrive in camp/hotel between 2-5pm.

What do we eat? Are meals included?
The food provided on tour is healthful, delicious, plentiful and included in your Rider Package. Our incredible catering team serves a hot buffet breakfast and dinner each day in camp, which include items like made to order omelets, ribs, salmon and offer variety to satisfy a range of preferences and nutritional needs.

Rest Stops are placed every 20-25 miles and offer hydration, bars, gels, chews, PB&J sandwiches and lots of other refreshments to fuel your ride. Our route offers a bounty of outstanding restaurants in case you wish to treat yourself to a relaxing lunch as you ride through a town, You’ll receive our Must See Guide for reference.

We also host a Social Hour each night in camp featuring activities, snacks and local wine and beer tastings.

Do I have to join a team? Does it change my fundraising minimum if I join a team?
No, but teams have a lot of fun and often collaborate on training rides, fundraising events and helping new riders with logistics. Ask us for referrals if you are interested in joining a team.

Are there resources provided by the organization to assist participants toward the fundraising goals? 
You’ll receive a Fundraising Handbook brimming with advice, tips and ideas. Once you register, you’ll receive a personal fundraising website link to include in your emails, letters and social media posts. We are also fundraising experts who can help design a customized plan to reach the minimum fundraising goal. We have helped many who were nervous about reaching the minimum surpass it, so don’t be intimidated. It’s very attainable.

What are the Fundraising Minimums and Fees? What’s included in the Rider Package?Riders pay a registration fee from $55-125 to sign up. The fundraising minimum to participate is $3300-$3500 and includes the following:
• Official California Coast Classic Jersey, Wind Jacket and T-shirt
• Camping Fees (Hotels are available and optional at rider’s expense)
• Fully supported Rest Stops on the route to include all fuel needed to complete the ride: food, hydration, gels and snacks
• Mechanical Support
• SAG Vehicles and Shuttles
• 5-Star Catered Breakfasts and Dinners
• Nightly Entertainment and Social Hour
• Kick-Off Breakfast in San Francisco
• Closing Ceremony Celebration and Lunch for rider plus one guest in Los Angeles
• Daily Luggage Transfers
• An unforgettable adventure, breathtaking views, friendships and fond memories to last a lifetime!

If I do not reach the minimum fundraising goal by the one-month prior cutoff, am I disqualified from participating?
No, we just ask you to guarantee the difference on a credit card and you’ll have until November to continue fundraising to your goal. Some riders do the bulk of their fundraising during and after the ride when they can post photos to social media and include a recap of the journey in post ride emails and letters.

What are the details to send funds via check, donor-advised fund or a matching gift? 
The Arthritis Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization and our Tax ID is 58-1341679 and the corresponding address is:
Arthritis Foundation Home Office
1355 Peachtree St NE
Suite 600
Atlanta, GA 30309

Include a note with the gift: CCC Bike Tour for ________ (name of participant/rider)
Alternate mailing address for faster processing: 
***Note New Address As Of 7/1/19***
Arthritis Foundation LA Office
Attn: CCC Bike Tour/Your Name
3731 Wilshire Blvd. #305
Los Angeles, CA 90010

Send matching gift verification requests via email to [email protected].

Should I camp or hotel? What should I bring if camping out?
If you enjoy camping, we recommend you camp. Camping fees are included in the Rider Package and most of our riders choose this option. Our base camps are the center of activity and where meals, social hours, bike mechanics, massage teams and amenities are located. We provide nice shower trucks with plenty of hot water and a charging station for phones and other electronics. You’ll just need a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. There’s a suggested list in our Rider Handbook.

If you are not a camper, we have great hotels with negotiated rates that riders may book at additional expense (average of approximately $170 per night). Some choose to camp most nights and enjoy a hotel a few times during tour for the best of both worlds.

Are the campsites near hotels?  Is transportation provided from camp to nearby hotels?  Are there participant rates/reserved blocks of rooms at hotels near the campsites?
Yes, yes and yes! Campsites are located near host hotels, in some cases across the street. Luggage trucks will deliver your gear to your hotel or campsite each day.  Registered riders receive our Travel Planner with location, group rates and booking instructions. Logistics are all coordinated to make it a seamless experience for our riders.

How do I get my bike to San Francisco?
We work with a professional bike shipping company which offers fully-assembled transport between SF and LA, Pack-N-Ship service and rentals.

I still have questions! Call Shannon 909-489-2217 or Amanda 818-419-5047 and we will fill you in.