Participation includes a fully supported ride, including hotel accommodations for seven nights, daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, tour leaders, sag wagons, mechanical support, first aid, massage, and bike transport from Southern California to San Francisco prior to the start of the ride. Each rider will be outfitted daily with MDC-branded cycling apparel and have the opportunity to take part in a 20-week training program, including group rides in San Diego, indoor cycling classes and a customized training manual.
Equipment that allows these individuals to engage in active lifestyles is very expensive –in fact, for many, it’s costprohibitive. A single handcycle runs upwards of $2,500 and a prosthetic running foot can average between $10,000 and $15,000. Adaptive training and competition expenses can make moving to the “next level” of athletic performance an insurmountable barrier for many challenged athletes.
Funding provided by CAF helps make it possible for thousands of physically challenged individuals to gain access to this equipment, and through CAF programs, mentorship and outreach they can experience the enhanced self-esteem that comes from participation in sports.
The Million Dollar Challenge offers a unique opportunity to ride with some of the top pros from the Garmin-Transition’s professional cycling team. These pro cyclists, challenged athletes and CAF fundraisers will ride side-by-side down the California coastline to help raise funds and awareness for CAF.
“It was one of the most rewarding weeks of cycling I have ever experienced. It was amazing to ride for a cause that helps change the lives of so many athletes, and gives them the chance to enjoy what we do every day. In the end, I think I left the most inspired." Christian Vande Velde, Garmin-Transitions
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE:
Evening Check-in and Orientation: San Francisco, CA 10/15/2010
Day One: San Francisco to Santa Cruz (86 miles) 10/16/2010
Day Two: Santa Cruz to Big Sur (86 miles) 10/17/2010
Day Three: Big Sur to San Luis Obispo (114 miles) 10/18/2010
Day Four: San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara (119 miles) 10/19/2010
Day Five: Santa Barbara to Santa Monica (89 miles) 10/20/2010
Day Six: Santa Monica to Newport (53 miles) 10/21/2010
Day Seven: Newport to La Jolla (72 miles) 10/22/2010
Optional Ride: 56 mile bike course of the San Diego Triathlon Challenge
