Arthritis Foundation Announces 2026 Cycling Experiences

Three ways to ride and support the arthritis community

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Arthritis Foundation is preparing for its 2026 Cycling Experiences, featuring the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour, the California Coast Classic Bike Tour, and an expanded 'Ride Your Way' option. Together, these three ways to participate give cyclists and supporters nationwide the opportunity to challenge themselves, build community, and raise critical funds for the nearly 60 million adults and children in the U.S. who have been diagnosed with arthritis.

Why it matters

The Arthritis Foundation's cycling events are designed to remove geographic and scheduling barriers, making the Cycling Experience more accessible so more individuals and teams of family and friends can join the movement and support the fight against arthritis, the nation's #1 cause of disability.

The details

The Carolina Hills Classic returns to Asheville, North Carolina, and its originally-planned route, restoring signature experiences that were unavailable due to Hurricane Helene. The California Coast Classic remains one of the Arthritis Foundation's longest-running and most recognized fundraising events, showcasing dramatic Pacific Coast scenery, including the return of the traditional Day 4 route from Big Sur to Cambria following the reopening of Highway 1 at Regent's Slide, closed since 2022. The Arthritis Foundation is also expanding participation through 'Ride Your Way,' a virtual option that allows supporters to fundraise and complete miles from anywhere.

  • The Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour will take place May 14-17, 2026.
  • The California Coast Classic Bike Tour will take place September 26-October 3, 2026.

The players

Arthritis Foundation

The leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against arthritis, the nation's #1 cause of disability.

Steven Taylor

President and chief executive officer of the Arthritis Foundation.

Shannon Marang Cox

National senior director of the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience.

Fuel Goods

The sports nutrition marketplace designed to simplify fueling for endurance athletes, serving as the Official Fueling Partner of the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience.

Laura Jorgensen

CEO and Co-Founder of Fuel Goods, serving as Mission Ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience.

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What they’re saying

“The Carolina Hills Classic and California Coast Classic represent the power of movement and community in action. These rides bring people together from across the country to support a mission that affects millions of families, while proving that arthritis does not define what's possible.”

— Steven Taylor, President and chief executive officer of the Arthritis Foundation (digitalmedianet.com)

“Whether you're riding along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway, through the Carolina hills or participating virtually, every rider is part of something bigger. These events are about unforgettable experiences, but they're also about fueling hope and progress for those living with arthritis.”

— Shannon Marang Cox, National senior director of the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience (digitalmedianet.com)

What’s next

Registration details, fundraising information and Ride Your Way options for both events are available online at arthritis.org/cycling.

The takeaway

The Arthritis Foundation's 2026 Cycling Experiences provide multiple ways for cyclists and supporters nationwide to challenge themselves, build community, and raise critical funds to fight against arthritis, the nation's #1 cause of disability.