Let's ride!
Be part of history and pedal with us in the inaugural Pfizer People's Coast Classic! Click below to go to our online registration tool.
Or, if you prefer the old-fashioned way, download the offline registration form.
Day-by-day description
Want to know what you’ll be in for if you choose to ride with us? The day-by-day description will take you through it, one day at a time.
Need answers?
Do you have about The Pfizer People’s Coast Classic? Check out the FAQ’s section of this page to get answers to some of the more common questions.
What is The Pfizer People’s Coast Classic?
The Pfizer People’s Coast Classic bicycle tour to benefit the Arthritis Foundation is a spectacular 363-mile, 6-day tour from Astoria to Brookings. 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 Pfizer People’s Coast Classic offers a fully supported tour to all registered riders.
When is The Pfizer People’s Coast Classic?
Leaving Astoria as a group on Sunday, September 12, 2010, the tour follows the coastline, making the Pacific Ocean a familiar scene nearly every day of the ride. Our last day of the trip will conclude on Friday, September 17, in Brookings. You will be greeted with a finish line festival to celebrate your incredible achievement on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation.
What do you get when you register
Your package includes a well established cycling route featuring six 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 will be available with a fully stocked, mobile professional bike shop and friendly mechanics each day of the ride. 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 (full of recommendations for clothing and equipment).
- Rest stops everyday allows both the scenery and camaraderie of old and new friends to be enjoyed.
- Commemorative jersey and water bottle.
- Fundraising tools and a personalized fundraising website.
- Local training opportunities and detailed recommended training guide available.
- Incentive prizes for additional fundraising beyond the minimum.
Why you should participate
As a participant of The Pfizer People’s Coast Classic, you will be joining hundreds of cyclists from across the country who are raising money to further the mission of the Arthritis Foundation. Each rider is required to meet the fundraising minimum of $2500. Arthritis Foundation 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 Dates
There may be organized training sessions in your area leading up to this event to help you prepare until second week in September. Be sure to follow The Pfizer People’s Coast Classic on Twitter to keep posted on all the event details including training rides.
Day–by–Day Description
The Pfizer People’s Coast Classic offers an amazing week for all registered riders: A 6-day, 363-mile ride from Astoria to Brookings. There are challenges for all levels of riders from the beginners to seasoned cyclists.
Day One: Sunday, September 12 - Astoria to Garibaldi
Let’s go! 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 and into Garibaldi where we will stay at the Old Mill RV Park on the Old Mill Marina. Celebrate as you’ve already got 56 miles in your legs!
Day Two: Monday, September 13 - Garibaldi to Lincoln City
Riding past the famous Tillamook cheese factory and over Cape Meares, Cape Lookout and Cape Kiwanda, all having amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and Netarts Bay. Pack your camera for this picturesque day! For 65 miles, you’ll enjoy some of the most scenic viewpoints along the Oregon Coast. This evening, we stay in Lincoln City, home to glass art studios, antique shops and kite flying venues.
Day Three: Tuesday, September 14 - Lincoln City to Yachats
Once out of Lincoln City, you will ride through Depoe Bay, Otter Crest Loop past Cape Foulweather and into Newport with the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. 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 52-mile day.
Day Four: Wednesday, September 15 - 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.
Day Five: Thursday, September 16 - North Bend to Port Orford
This 58-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. Pedal onward to Port , our overnight stop, and enjoy the eight galleries, Port Orford Wetland Interpretive Walkway or visit the only open-water port on the Oregon Coast.
Day Six: Friday, September 17 - Port Orford to Brookings
The final 59 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who participates?
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 Pfizer People’s Coast Classic program is customized 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. The actual bike tour is a symbolic effort of your commitment to the Arthritis Foundation's mission, and your reward for meeting the campaign's fundraising requirements. Each rider is required to raise a minimum of $2500 in order to be eligible to ride in the tour.
Q. What if I can't participate in The Pfizer 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 funds are non-transferable. 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 Pfizer People’s Coast Classic?
If you have completed the fundraising program by the deadline, you are entitled to participate in The Pfizer 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 Pfizer 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 Pfizer 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.
Q. What type of bike should I use?
We recommend that you bring a road-worthy bike, such as a road bike or a mountain bike with slick tires. Your bike should be mechanically 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 will 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.
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.
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 triple crankset or a larger cog on the cassette.
Q. Will the tour be particularly hilly?
Part of what The Pfizer 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 to the starting line and home from the finish line?
We have identified an outstanding bike shop in Astoria, Bikes and Beyond. (www.bikesandbeyond.com). You can pack and ship your bike to them prior to the start of the tour and arrange for them to assemble or you can assemble it yourself in their shop. Bikes and Beyond also has shop services available to get your biked tuned and ready for the week of The Pfizer People’s Coast Classic. Visit their website to view their services. We are fortunate to have an excellent shop in Astoria to handle bike shipping and service for a nominal fee. At the end of the tour, we will identify a shop or handle bike shipping to assist you with getting your bike home safely. More information about this service will be provided to you in the coming months.
If you would prefer to ship your own bike to the starting line and from the finish line, you’re welcome to do so. The options above are offered to simplify the process for you. If you are riding the bus back to Astoria, we will transport your bike for you on a truck.
Q. How do I get back to my car after the ride?
On Friday afternoon, your bike will be loaded onto a truck and riders will board plush motor coaches in Brookings and enjoy the ride back to your vehicles in Astoria. Once on board, enjoy the camaraderie of fellow riders or get some well-deserved rest. Back in Astoria, you will be reunited with your bike.
Q. Where do I park my car in Astoria?
TBD
Q. What are the overnight lodging accommodations?
The Pfizer 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. A shuttle service, if needed, will be provided to take you to and from your accommodations. It will only be offered to those hotels on the recommended list provided to you. More information on this option will be provided to you in the coming months.
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.
Camping your way down the Oregon Coast is a brand new experience for many cyclists. We will be sharing some camping techniques with you in the months to come via the Rider Handbook. It will provide both the experienced and inexperienced camper with information to best prepare for your week-long adventure on the Oregon Coast.
Q. Can you tell us about showers and other amenities at the campsites?
As part of your registration fee, hot showers and portable restrooms will be located at all camp locations. Our massage team will be on-site at the campsites to help you work out sore muscles for a small fee.
Q. Where can I send donations?
Please make checks payable to:
Arthritis Foundation
3876 Bridge Way N # 300
Seattle, WA 98103-7951.
Tax ID# 91-0859367.
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 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, we will do our 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 Pfizer People’s Coast Classic.
Q. Do I need to bring food?
Breakfast and dinners are provided for every rider each day of the tour. We will provide water, energy bars and lots of snacks and electrolytes at the mid-point of each day. Participants are responsible for their lunch and we encourage you to engage the local communities along the route for these services.
Q. How do I get to the start line in Astoria?
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. What should I expect at registration on Saturday evening at packet pick-up?
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 the $2,500 minimum, you will be on your way in a matter of minutes!
If you have not reached the fundraising minimum, 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 Thursday, September 9 before the ride.
Q. Can I bring a personal support vehicle?
No. We request that riders do not have personal “sag wagons” that will follow them along route. However, The Pfizer 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. Can I bring others along with me?
Family and friends are invited to send you off at the starting line at the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria on Sunday morning, September 12. On Friday, September 17 they are welcome to see you arrive at the finish line in Brookings to help you celebrate your amazing accomplishment. We strongly discourage you to invite any unregistered guests to ride along with you at any time during the event. 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 and not the efforts of others.
Q. Where in Brookings can I watch the finish of The Pfizer 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.
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