What is The Amgen People’s Coast Classic?
The Amgen People’s Coast Classic is a spectacular fully-supported charity ride down the Oregon coast. Participants can now choose from our original Six-Day ride or new shorter North Coast and Central-South Coast options. Rugged coasts, secluded beaches, wildlife, lighthouses, amazing viewpoints, quaint towns and the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast are all part of your daily travel experiences. The Amgen People’s Coast Classic offers a fully supported tour to all registered riders.
Astoria to Brookings on September 9-14, 2012. $2,500 minimum fundraising goal OR Team Fundraising Promo (see below). Must reach half of minimum goal by August 3, 2012. Includes round-trip ground transportation from and returning to Portland, Oregon. Pickup mid-day Saturday, September 8. Drop-off late Friday, September 14.
Astoria to Newport on September 9-11, 2012. $1,300 minimum fundraising goal limited to first 25 people. Must reach half of minimum goal by August 3, 2012. 150 miles over two days of riding. North Coast riders start with Six-Day riders in Astoria and end in Newport with our Party on the Beach! Includes round-trip ground transportation from and returning to Portland, Oregon. Pickup mid-day Saturday, September 8. Drop-off Tuesday evening, September 11.
Four-Day Central-South Coast Ride
Newport to Brookings on September 11-14, 2012. $1,700 minimum fundraising goal limited to first 25 people. Must reach half of minimum goal by August 3, 2012. 210 miles over four days. Start off your ride with our Party on the Beach in Newport and then join the Six-Day riders down to Brookings. Includes round-trip ground transportation from and returning to Portland, Oregon. Pickup early Tuesday, September 11. Drop-off late Friday, September 14.
What do you get when you register?
Your package includes a well established cycling route featuring overnight stops along the Oregon coast, a kickoff dinner and finish line festival, reserved campsites each night, delicious breakfasts and dinners every day, hot showers and restroom facilities. You will also receive daily cue sheets that direct the cyclist to each overnight stop via a descriptive set of directions and a map of the route.
Mechanical support is provided by Bike Newport, a mobile professional bike service based out of Newport, Oregon. Technical support and rider relief vans ensure a fun ride for everyone, including a lift for the tired cyclist.
Additional support provided for each rider includes:
- A detailed rider-handbook.
- Mid-day rest stops.
- Commemorative jersey upon registration. Water bottle upon check-in.
- Fundraising tools and a personalized fundraising website.
- Local training opportunities and/or personalized coaching support.
- Incentive prizes for additional fundraising beyond the minimum.
Why you should participate
As a participant of The Amgen People’s Coast Classic, you will be joining hundreds of cyclists from across the US that raise money to further the mission of the Arthritis Foundation. Our staff will provide you with the tools you will need to reach this fundraising goal. For fundraising information please click on our fundraising page!
How to Register
Register online by clicking here, or download and print the offline registration form and send it in.
Training Rides
There will be organized training sessions in Seattle (and possibly Portland) leading up to this event to help you prepare until second week in September. Be sure to follow The Amgen People’s Coast Classic on Blogger to keep posted on all the event details including training rides.
Day–by–Day Description
The Amgen People’s Coast Classic offers an amazing experience for riders of all capabilities. With our Six-Day, North Coast, and Central-South Coast ride options, you can either come out to the Oregon coast for a few days or join us for the full week!
Day Zero: Saturday, September 8 – Portland to Astoria
We’ll pick up all our participants mid-day at the Portland Union Amtrak/Greyhound station with a motor coach and cargo vans for bikes/gear. This location accommodates all our participants, whether you arrive by bus, light-rail (connects to airport), or train. If you choose to drive, parking is available at Station Place parking structure right around the corner for $6/day. The structure is attended 24/7. Please make sure to remove all valuables from your vehicle.
A scenic ride along the Columbia River takes us to Astoria for rider check-in from 3-5 pm at Rogue Ales Astoria Public House, built on a pier over the river. Spend the evening exploring beautiful Astoria, including a trip up to the Column for a breathtaking view of the region.
Day One: Sunday, September 9 – Astoria to Tillamook
Let’s go! For Six-Day and North Coast riders, the ride begins from the Columbia River Maritime Museum and follows the gorgeous coastline through Seaside and the majestic beaches of Cannon Beach. Your journey continues through Manzanita, Nehalem, Garibaldi and Tillamook. Don’t forget to stop at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for an afternoon treat! Our first night will find us on the outskirts of Tillamook after a 68-mile day.
Day Two: Monday, September 10 – Tillamook to Newport
Start your day with the Three Capes Scenic Route to Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda. You’ll want to stop in Pacific City for lunch, a walk on the beach, and maybe even some whale watching! We’ll roll through Lincoln City and past Cape Foulweather, continuing onto Newport for 82-miles of riding. We’ll be camping inside the Oregon Coast Aquarium, right next to their famous shark tanks!
Day Three: Tuesday, September 11 – Newport to Yachats
This is a “rest day” for The Amgen People’s Coast Classic. Spend the morning exploring lovely Newport with an optional chartered boat tour, seeing lighthouses, or just walking on the beach. Join us for lunch with our Party on the Beach in Newport, where we’ll say goodbye to our North Coast riders and welcome our Central-South Coast riders shuttled in from Portland Union Station (Pickup at 7 AM). Stop by Seal Rock to enjoy the chainsaw sculptures, blown art glass and fudge shops, then onto Yachats for our overnight stay. Yachats is a vacation destination resort village located at the mouth of the Yachats River. We will camp at Yachats Community Park after a 23-mile day.
Day Four: Wednesday, September 12 – Yachats to North Bend
Today’s ride covers 73 miles including the majestic coastline out of Yachats. Take a break at Sea Lion Caves before riding into Florence. Once in Florence, check out the world’s first sand board park. From there, continue your journey onto Winchester Bay and then to our overnight stop in North Bend. Riders will be dealt playing cards all day for a chance to win a free room this evening at The Mill Casino!
Day Five: Thursday, September 13 – North Bend to Arizona Beach
This 69 mile day will take you to many beaches and a great lunch stop in the Old Town district of Bandon, the Cranberry Capital of Oregon. Take a break at West Coast Game Park Safari. Pedal onward to Port Orford and enjoy the eight galleries, Port Orford Wetland Interpretive Walkway or visit the only open-water port on the Oregon Coast. We’ll be setting up camp at Arizona Beach, a perfect place to catch sunset after dinner.
Day Six: Friday, September 14 – Arizona Beach to Brookings
The final 45 miles of your trip includes a short ride off of US 101, along the Old Coast Road before rolling over the Rogue River bridge and into the town of Gold Beach. Enjoy a jet boat ride up the Rogue River before heading south to Brookings. Once in Brookings, celebrate your achievement at the finish line festival with your new friends and enjoy the food and celebration! We’ll get everyone onto a motorcoach back to Portland Union Station after the festivities.
