In one month, I will embark on a journey down the California coast, a ride that holds deep personal significance and serves a greater cause—the Arthritis Foundation. This journey is more than just a personal challenge; it represents my commitment to a cause that affects millions of lives, including my own.
When I first joined the California Coast Classic (CCC) in 2013, I had no idea how profoundly this event would shape my life. Back then, I was a 32-year-old new parent, stepping into a world entirely unfamiliar to me. I didn’t realize that this ride would lead to lifelong friendships, a fulfilling career, and a personal connection to the very cause we ride for—arthritis.
In 2014, while serving on the support staff, I was given the chance to ride the Big Sur to Cambria segment, which turned out to be one of my most memorable experiences on a bike. The iconic views along Highway 1 were breathtaking, but what truly stood out was the young woman I met while climbing two of the day’s most challenging inclines. She had overcome juvenile arthritis—a condition that had kept her bedridden as a teenager. Her story of resilience, fueled by the dream of riding in the CCC, left an indelible mark on me. As we crested the second summit, her determination and courage became clear to me, solidifying my understanding of the impact this event can have.
By 2015, I had transitioned from a support role into the position of Tour Director, a responsibility I embraced fully, though I couldn’t foresee the extent of its demands. This role led to the creation of Sentio Cycling, a company dedicated to crafting unique cycling experiences. Sentio Cycling played a vital role in local events like the Emerald Mountain Epic, SBT GRVL, and the Moots Ranch Rally, along with rides across the country. However, from its inception, the CCC was always considered our cornerstone event.
My journey hasn’t been without challenges. In 2017, I was diagnosed with an arthritic condition that flares up unpredictably, sometimes leaving me unable to walk for weeks. This diagnosis transformed my role from simply organizing the event to being deeply connected to its cause. I knew then that this event wasn’t just another job—it was a mission, one that I was personally invested in.
For many years, I poured my heart and soul into making the CCC the most incredible experience for riders and the most successful fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation nationwide. A crowning achievement came when Gran Fondo Guide recognized the event as the Best Charity Bike Tour.
What made the CCC such an extraordinary experience was not just the picturesque routes but the incredible sense of community among everyone involved. The only comparison I can make is to the strong sense of community we enjoy in Steamboat. Although a ride of 250 cyclists, staff, and volunteers is much smaller than our local population, the family-like feel and pride associated with this event mirror what it means to be an active member of our local community. Similar to the “Yampa Valley Curse,” many participants initially plan to do this ride just once as a bucket list item but find themselves coming back year after year—some now preparing for their 5th, 10th, or even 20th ride. That’s why each year, embarking on a new adventure down the California coast felt very much like returning to a “home away from home.”
But in early 2022, now with two children at home, the youngest entering elementary school, I realized that my personal life and professional commitments were no longer in harmony. After much reflection, I made the difficult decision to make that year my last with Sentio Cycling. It seemed only fitting to bookend that era of my life, both personally and professionally, with the ride that started it all. The 2022 CCC would be my final event with the company.
As I closed this chapter, I had one last opportunity to stand before my CCC family and announce my decision. On the eve of my final day as a cycling event producer, as the sun set in Ventura, I assured my CCC family that this wasn’t a final farewell. In that moment, I committed to returning as a rider, though I didn’t know when that would be.
After undergoing knee replacement surgery in November of 2023, I decided there would be no better motivation for my physical therapy journey than the prospect of riding down the California coast less than a year later. When I return, despite my 10 years of experience working the event, my bike will carry a rider tag that signifies I am a “First-Year Rider.” This means I will be free from the responsibilities that once defined my role on this journey. As opposed to being the person who had all the answer, and was subsequently asked all the questions, first-year riders generally don’t get asked any questions because they still don’t know what they don’t know about the event. In a new role, I’ll get to fully enjoy the experience I always tried to create for those who were truly doing the hard work—raising over a million dollars annually for the cause. Many veteran riders have not been shy about reminding me how much more difficult the famed hills of San Francisco, and other climbs farther down the coast, are from the saddle rather than behind the steering wheel.
This cause is important not just to me but to the millions of people living with arthritis—an often invisible disease that affects people of all ages. For many years in my 30s, when I told people that I had arthritis, they often expressed surprise, saying I was “too young” for a disease perceived to affect only older populations. I used that opportunity to explain that arthritis doesn’t check your ID before attacking. Juvenile Arthritis, in particular, is a devastating variety of the disease that robs children of active youths and can even lead to death.
Even though the ride I’m about to embark on is in California, this cause should resonate with all Coloradans. It’s estimated that 23% of Colorado residents—nearly one million people—are affected by arthritis. As much as we like to think of Steamboat as a bubble of paradise, we are not immune to this disease. Arthritis does not discriminate by geography; it impacts lives in every community, including ours. Supporting this cause is about showing solidarity with those who live with pain, helping them find hope, and contributing to the vital work that the Arthritis Foundation does in research, education, and patient care.
As I prepare for this ride, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey that has brought me here and the opportunity to give back in a new way. The California Coast Classic is more than just a ride; it’s a movement—a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of community. I hope to inspire others to join me in this cause, whether by riding alongside me, supporting the event, or simply spreading awareness about the fight against arthritis.
Starting September 21st, I will post daily blogs about my journey along the coast of California and the people I meet along the way, many of whom, like me, will be riding with arthritis.
- Day 1 – Saturday, September 21: San Francisco to Santa Cruz
- Day 2 – Sunday, September 22: Santa Cruz to Monterey
- Day 3 – Monday, September 23: Monterey to Big Sur
- Day 4 – Tuesday, September 24: Big Sur to Cambria
- Day 5 – Wednesday, September 25: Cambria to Oceano
- Day 6 – Thursday, September 26: Oceano to Buellton
- Day 7 – Friday, September 27: Buellton to Ventura
- Day 8 – Saturday, September 28: Ventura to LA
Support my journey to find a cure for Arthritis by donating any amount you feel comfortable with on my fundraising page!