More Than 230 Cyclists to Ride in Amgen California Coast Classic Bike Tour to Raise $1.3 Million for Arthritis ...( Cyclists from across the country wi...)

Cyclists from across the country will bike down the California coast to

raise funds and help those affected by arthritis

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 230 cyclists will kick off the seventh annual Amgen California Coast Classic Bike Tour on Saturday, September 29 in San Francisco. Participants, who will cycle down the California coastline over eight days, aim to raise more than $1.3 million this year for the Arthritis Foundation. The Amgen California Coast Classic will finish in Santa Monica at the Yahoo! Center on Saturday, October 6, after covering more than 520 miles.

"We are so proud that the Amgen California Coast Classic Bike Tour will be celebrating its seventh anniversary this year," said Dr. Robin Dore, chair of the Arthritis Foundation, Southern California Chapter, which organizes the Tour. "Since 2001, this event has raised more than $4 million, which continues to help the Arthritis Foundation support its research, education and advocacy for people living with arthritis. It has also been a great way for us to provide outreach to those suffering from arthritis, and their families."

The Amgen California Coast Classic Bike Tour is open to people of all ages and athletic ability. The goal of the event is to raise money to support arthritis research to find a cure, as well as to improve the quality of life for those who are affected by the more than 120 forms of arthritis. Arthritis is the country's leading cause of disability, afflicting nearly 46 million Americans, including more than 300,000 children. Arthritis-related diseases, such as lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis and scleroderma, can be seriously debilitating and sometimes life-threatening.

Deb Kennedy, a resident of San Ramon in Contra Costa County who will be riding in the Amgen California Coast Classic for the first time in 2007, said, "I'm pleased to be riding in 2007 as it marks my 10th year of liv
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