Riders 18 years and older of all occupations and athletic ability.
Q. I’ve never participated in a bike tour before. Can I do it?
Yes, you can! The Amgen People’s Coast Classic offers customized training for individuals of all fitness levels, even for people who have never participated in and/or completed a bike tour.
Q. What if I don’t complete the fundraising?
We have designed this program so that you will be successful. However, always remember the real reason you are raising funds. Participation in the bike tour is symbolic of your commitment to the Arthritis Foundation’s mission and your reward for meeting the campaign’s minimum fundraising goal. Half of the minimum is due by August 3rd to reserve your spot and the full amount is due upon check-in on September 9th and 11th.
Q. What if I can’t participate in The Amgen People’s Coast Classic because of work or other commitments?
Again, please assure your donors that all of your raised funds will go directly to programs & services of the Arthritis Foundation. All fees and donations are non-refundable, but can be credited to another team member. It is important that your donors know that their dollars will make an important difference regardless of your completion of the campaign.
Q. What if I can’t do, or complete, The Amgen People’s Coast Classic?
If you have completed the fundraising program by the deadline, you are entitled to participate in The Amgen People’s Coast Classic. If it’s a matter of not being able to participate in the bike tour due to injury, etc. we always need volunteers with cheering and support at the finish lines. If it’s a matter of not being able to complete the tour, remember that The Amgen People’s Coast Classic is a fun, recreational event. It is not a race. You can cycle at your own pace and if you get tired, take a rest in one of the SAG vans monitoring the route at all times.
Q. How much training do I need to do?
We strongly recommend that you consult a medical professional before starting this or any training program. Your current fitness and experience levels dictate how much training you need to prepare for The Amgen People’s Coast Classic. However, there is no substitute for training time in the saddle, regardless of your experience level. A structured training schedule provided to each of you allows your fitness level to enter into the equation. The schedule will allow you to move at your own pace while making you stronger. It is highly recommended that you follow it closely, especially the rest days. Moderation means safety and although you may feel that you need to do more to prepare, remember riding too much or too hard can not only harm performance, it might even threaten your health.
The longest/hardest day at The Amgen People’s Coast Classic is Day 2 from Tillamook to Newport. At 82 miles with four major climbs, it can be considered challenging, even for experienced cyclists. If this proves to be too much of a challenge, we offer two ways of shortening your ride that day and you can jump into a passing SAG vehicle at any time.
Q. What type of bike should I use? (Updated recommendations for 2012)
We recommend that you bring a road-worthy bike, ready to handle the rigors of a week’s worth of riding on open roads. It is also recommended that you have the bike fitted correctly to you by a bike shop or professional fitter. Please keep in mind that we may be pulling riders off the road if they are not able to make it into each overnight location before a designated finish time. This is necessary to ensure that all riders complete the day’s route during daylight hours and that all riders are accounted for at each overnight location.
Road conditions along our route are mostly smooth, but please note that some of the scenic routes we follow may have rough/cracked pavement. For 2012, we’re recommending that cyclists consider using “touring” or “training” tires with added puncture resistance. We typically see more flats with “racing” tires due to their lightweight construction. We also recommend a higher volume tire for the sake of comfort and improved traction. 28-32mm tires are ideal for smoothing out “chip-seal” road surfaces and confidently descending dew-covered coastal byways. For the perfect style of bike to bring to the ride, see the Co-Motion Nor’Wester.
Q. What equipment do I need to bring with me?
Apart from your bike, you will need to bring a tent, sleeping bag and all the clothes you will need during the length of your ride. All your gear, except for your tent, should fit into one bag measuring approx. 15x15x36, or two medium bags. Your space aboard the gear trucks is limited, so use it wisely. Also remember, even though the gear truck will haul your gear from one location to another, you will have to haul it from the truck to your campsite (or room) and back each day. Don’t forget to bring a camera to catch the memories.
Mornings and evenings can be brisk along the coast. We recommend dressing in layers as you’ll likely shed a few layers of cycling gear by mid-day (you can leave it with our support crew and retrieve it at camp). You’ll likely want to have a warm mid-layer and wind/rain-resistant outer layer handy for hanging out in the evenings.
For safety sake, headlights and taillights are highly recommended, especially those with blinking patterns. We often encounter coastal fog for the first few hours of each day. You may also want to consider a high-visibility green or orange light jacket.
Q. What gearing do I need on my bike?
We recommend that you bring a bike that has sufficiently low gearing as the Oregon Coast can be very hilly in some sections. You may want to consider a compact/triple crankset or a larger cog on the cassette.
Q. Will the tour be particularly hilly?
Part of what The Amgen People’s Coast Classic offers you is the chance to cycle through some of the most spectacular coastlines in the world. Some of this terrain will contain hills, some more challenging than others. However, these particular challenges are a key element of your training schedule. Follow that, and you will find yourself quite capable of negotiating them. You may even find yourself looking forward to them!
Q. Will I be able to ride my mountain bike?
Yes. We recommend getting narrow and slick-tread tires if you choose to use a mountain bike. There are a few things to consider when using a mountain bike for long distance riding. First, road bike “drop” handlebars offer multiple hand positions, which helps prevent hand numbness. Mountain bike grips often will cause numbness in the hands on long rides. Second, mountain bikes may be heavier than road bikes if they have suspension forks and other features that road bikes don’t have.
Q. How do I get my bike, my gear and myself to the starting line and home from the finish line?
The event includes transportation from Portland to the start-line in Astoria, as well as return transportation to Portland from the finish-line in Brookings. Participants will be picked up and dropped off at the Portland Union Amtrak/Greyhound station, which is also an easy light-rail trip away from the airport. If you choose to drive to the start line, parking during the week is available at the Station Place parking structure just around the corner, which is attended 24/7 and costs $6/day.
Bikes can be brought to Portland Union station to be transported via cargo van, or be shipped to the start line using our bike concierge service through High Country Shipping. Bikes will be shipped to Bike Newport. Our mechanical support crew will either bring the bike to the start line for you to assemble, or assemble it for an optional fee.
Q. How do I get back to my car after the ride?
With our transportation plan, we suggest that participants find a way to get to Portland without having to leave their vehicle unattended during their time on the Oregon coast. Portland is an incredibly easy city to travel by Tri-Met light-rail and mass transit. Our pick-up location at Portland Union station makes it convenient for all riders to arrive via plane, train, bus, light-rail, and personal vehicle if necessary. Light-rail also services PDX airport, so out-of-town travelers should not need to rent a car. Should you need to park your vehicle, we are recommending participants park around the corner from Union Station at Station Place parking structure, which is attended 24/7 and charges $6/day.
Q. What are the overnight lodging accommodations?
The Amgen People’s Coast Classic is a camping trip. Campsites will be reserved ahead of time for all registered riders.
If you prefer to stay in hotel/motel accommodations during the entire tour, we will provide you with a number of hotel choices at each of our overnight locations. This option will be at your own expense and you will be responsible for calling ahead and reserving your room.
Q. Are tents provided?
Tents are not provided, so be sure to bring your own if planning to camp. If you don’t own one now and are planning on purchasing one for the tour, a 2-person dome-type tent is inexpensive, roomy, stands on its own, and most important, is quick and easy to put up and take down. Be sure that it has a waterproof rain fly.
Q. Can you tell us about showers and other amenities at the campsites?
When you arrive at camp each day, shower trucks will be ready. Your bags will be unloaded and waiting for you. Massage therapists will be set up to work on sore muscles. Our caterer has snacks ready by 4 pm. A charging station will be set up for your portable devices. While you’re waiting for dinner, recharge your phone, grab a beer, get a massage, hang out with your new friends, take a walk around town or on the beach!
Q. Where can I send donations?
Please make checks payable to:
Arthritis Foundation
115 NE 100th Street Suite 350
Seattle, WA 98125.
Online donations can be made at:
http://tapcc.kintera.org
Tax ID# 58 – 1341679.
Please be sure to note the participant’s name. We are a 501c(3) organization.
Q. What if I have a problem with my bike during the ride?
Basic mechanical assistance is included and will be available on the route and at each overnight location. Our mechanics from Bike Newport will do their best to get you back on the road. We recommend that you carry a roadside repair kit containing a spare tube, tire levers, multi-tool, and other essentials. If the damage to your bicycle is beyond repair, Bike Newport will do their best to arrange for additional parts and/or services to be provided at a nearby bike shop at the owner’s expense. It is highly recommended that you have your bike inspected and serviced prior to the event to ensure the best possible experience at The Amgen People’s Coast Classic.
Q. Do I need to bring food?
Ask any of our past riders and they will tell you that food is one of the highlights of this ride. Our caterer provides incredible breakfasts and dinners. We will provide water and lots of snacks at the mid-point of each day. Participants are responsible for their lunch and we encourage you to engage the local communities for these services.
Q. What should I expect at packet pick-up on September 8 and 11?
When you reach packet pick-up, a volunteer will ask you for your name. If you have pledges to turn in…great! If you have no pledges to turn in and you’ve already reached your minimum, you will be on your way in a matter of minutes!
If you have not reached your minimum fundraising goal, you will be asked to provide a check or credit card to cover the difference. We will have recorded your online pledges to you through Friday, September 7 before the ride.
Q. Can I bring others along with me?
YES! The Amgen People’s Coast Classic is a great opportunity for a family vacation! While the registered participant is riding, it’s a great opportunity for other family members to be exploring the beauty of the Oregon coast by car. Non-riding guests can dine and camp with us for an additional fee, or they’re welcomed to reserve lodging. Guest passes include dining, camping and showers with the event, as well as free and discounted access to attractions along the way. Guests can also choose to use dining and lodging services outside of our event at their own expense. Purchase Guest Passes online at the Merchandise Page.
Guests are not allowed to ride with our participants and will not be supported by the event on the road. Through your fundraising efforts, each participant has earned the right to make this one of the most exciting experiences of the year, and we have designed an event that supports your efforts. Unregistered guests accompanying participants will be asked to provide a donation matching minimum fundraising goals if they choose to continue riding, or will be requested to leave the event.
Q. Can I bring a personal support vehicle?
The short answer is no. We request that riders do not have personal “sag wagons” that will follow them along route, mile-by-mile. However, The Amgen People’s Coast Classic is a great opportunity to coordinate a family vacation along the beautiful Oregon Coast. You’re welcome to have your family members drive up ahead to the next city. Services and amenities will only be provided to registered participants, but we will provide optional lodging and restaurant recommendations in case your family wishes to take advantage of services outside of our overnight campsites.
Q. If we choose to drive to Astoria as part of a family vacation, how do we get there?
Highway 30
Take Hwy 30 all the way to Astoria, or take Interstate 5 to Longview and then take Exit 36. Follow the “truck route” off ramp to the Port of Longview, cross over the Lewis and Clark Bridge and head West on Hwy 30 (as you enter the Astoria City limits Hwy. 30 is also called Marine Drive). The Museum is on the right side of the road at 1792 Marine Drive just before entering downtown. There are 2 Museum entrances found on 17th and 18th street.
Highway 26
Take Highway 26 out to the coast. Then take Hwy. 101 to Seaside, continue North on 101 to Astoria. Continue through downtown on Highway 30 (also called Marine Drive) on the left at 1792 Marine Drive you will see the Museum. There are 2 Museum entrances found on 17th and 18th street.
Q. Where in Brookings can I watch the finish of The Amgen People’s Coast Classic?
The finish line festival will be at Azalea Park. Friends and family are welcome to cheer on riders at Azalea Park. Parking is available on Lundeen Rd. on the North side of the park. Click here for a map to Azalea Park.
