LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Following June’s unexpected California Transportation Department announcement that a stretch of Highway 1 will reopen months ahead of schedule, organizers of the California Coast Classic Bike Tour presented by Amgen have rerouted the eight-day flagship fundraising ride for the Arthritis Foundation.

The ride will return to its “traditional” coastal route this Sept. 22 to 29.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Shannon Marang Cox, ride director for the CCC Bike Tour. “Not only are we returning to our beloved route, our participants will have the once-in-a-lifetime distinction of being among the very first cyclists to ride 13 acres of brand new California coastline!”

Marang Cox continued, “Registration for the ride is still open, but only sixty spots are left. We expect that this unique development for 2018 will help us sell out and reach our goal to raise over a million dollars for the Arthritis Foundation. There’s still plenty of time for training and fundraising and we encourage everyone to consider joining us.”

Heavy winter storms in 2017 compromised the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge in Big Sur, resulting in its closure and rebuilding.

The subsequent Mud Creek landslide in May 2017 obliterated a swath of Highway 1. Both events caused the CCC Bike Tour to detour inland through King City and Paso Robles last year, and organizers announced last month that the 2018 ride would follow a similar route.

However, in the wake of the surprise CalTrans announcement, the group acted swiftly to secure lodgings in Big Sur and Cambria and reroute back to the coast.

The new itinerary for the California Coast Classic Bike Tour, which covers 533 miles from San Francisco to Los Angeles, will include overnight stops in Santa Cruz, Carmel, Big Sur, Cambria, Oceano, Buellton, and Ventura.

Participation in the California Coast Classic, named one of “The 30 Best Road Biking Trips” by Outside Magazine, is open to beginner and experienced cyclists who register and commit to a $3,500 fundraising goal.

The eight-day, full-service, fully supported ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles raises funds to support the research, advocacy, and programs of the national Arthritis Foundation.

More information including a training calendar, fundraising resources, and a map of the 2018 route is available at www.californiacoastclassic.org.