Companies from diverse industries are lending their support to ensure the success of the Arthritis Foundation’s 14th annual California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour (CCC) presented by Amgen. Amgen, the world’s largest independent biotechnology company, will continue to serve in its premier role as presenting sponsor of the CCC for the 12th year and sponsor their team. Safeway’s Northern California Division, led by President and CCC corporate honoree, Karl Schroeder, will head up Team Safeway on the tour that is expected to raise more than $1.0 million to help find a cure for arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability.

The California Coast Classic is an eight-day, fully supported ride along beautiful Highway One, starting in San Francisco on September 13 and ending in Los Angeles on September 20. More than 200 cyclists will complete the scenic 525-mile course while raising funds to support the Arthritis Foundation’s vital research, advocacy and programs for those with arthritis.

“We are thrilled to partner with such a diverse set of sponsors for the 2014 ride,” said Amy Robertson, Vice President of Development of the Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic. “Arthritis affects people from a variety of backgrounds nationwide, so it speaks volumes to gain the support of a multitude of outstanding companies with a variety of brand audiences. Thanks to the support and donations from these wonderful partners, the tour is on track to be a wonderful success.”

In addition to financial support, many sponsors are providing products for use by the riders and volunteers as they make their way down the coast to the finish line.

This year’s CCC sponsors include Amgen, Safeway Inc., Clif Bar & Company, Currie Technologies, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Dole, ZICO, GU Energy Labs,The SOUND, Elliptigo, ViaSat Inc., The Cement Bloc, Green Earth Enterprise, Wally’s Bicycle Works, AQUAhydrate, Primal Wear, DAVIDStea, Rip van Wafels, Mama’s Boy, 99 Cents Only Stores and Zinka Sunblock.

New sponsors are encouraged to donate funds or products to the California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour.  For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Monica Caraballo of the Arthritis Foundation at mcaraballo@arthritis.org or 909.731.7312.

To learn more about the California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour, visit the website at www.CaliforniaCoastClassic.org or join the conversation on the CCC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/afcccbiketour.

Logo courtesy Arthritis Foundation