Ride and Give to Charity!
SoCal Bike Events in 2013
SoCal residents love riding their bikes and giving to charities. Why not combine both? There are lots of events coming up in 2013 that SoCal residents can join, from Diabetes Charity rides to sight-seeing tours, from Newport Beach to Long Beach and beyond. What a great way to see the natural wonders of SoCal and help others at the same time.
First up on April 28th we have the Ship to Shore Tour de Cure in Long Beach. This Charity ride benefits those living with Diabetes, and anyone can join. You can even join up with a team if you don’t want to ride by yourself! There are 5 routes you can choose, from 8 miles to 100, and each route is unique. For instance, the 8 mile route takes place along Long Beach’s picturesque waterfront; The 11-mile route includes an exclusive “Harbour Cruise”, which includes a relaxing Harbour Cruise back to the start line. These two routes are a great way to get involved without straining yourself if you are a new rider, but still want to help out, or if you just a relaxing day with a great view. There will also be complimentary breakfasts at the Queen Mary, complimentary lunch, live music, kids activities and an opportunity to visit with our sponsors and learn more about the latest diabetes news.
http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR?fr_id=8669&pg=entry
Next up on May 11th is the Tour of Long Beach, an event that supports Pediatric Cancer Research at the Jonathan Jaques Children’s Cancer Center at Miller Children's Hospital Long Beach. This event includes a 4 mile Family Fun Ride, a 31-mile Tour, a 62-mile Metric Century and a 100-mile Cruz Gran Fondo. All Tour riders receive a goody bag, water bottle, event t-shirt, finisher's medal and entry into the finish line Bike Festival. The course will take cyclists along the Tour route then down PCH through Huntington Beach and Newport Beach before returning. Professional Cyclist Tony Cruz will be leading the ride along with members of Long Beach's Cruz Cycling team. Riders will finish along Shoreline Drive where finisher's medals, food and refreshments are available, including a Craft Beer Garden!
http://www.touroflongbeach.com/
On July 14 we have the 3rd Annual Beach Babe Bicycling Classic, a new favorite in the SoCal area. Join hundreds of women as they ride to support HealthCorps, a program created by Dr. Oz to help combat Childhood Obesity. Bike riders of all levels and ages will enjoy the 15 and 36 mile “out and back” courses that wind along the beach from Long Beach, through the Peninsula, through Naples, to Seal Beach, Sunset Beach, and then Huntington Beach. Aqualink Water Taxis are available should you throw in the towel. Ride includes full rest stop support, delicious food, tech support, course lead and sweep, finisher’s gift and bragging rights! There’s also a Beach Party and Expotique at the finish line.
http://www.beachbabecycling.com/
On November 30th we have the Long Beach Aids Ride, which benefits HIV/AIDS services at the Center Long Beach and the CARE Program. It’s a fundraising event produced by and benefiting the Gay and Lesbian Center of Long Beach and the Comprehensive AIDS Resource and Education (CARE) Program at St. Mary Medical Center. The ride starts in Long Beach at the Junipero parking lot and goes through Irvine, Laguna Beach, and back up the coast. There is a 40 mile and a 75-mile loop, depending on your fitness level.
http://www.beachcalifornia.com/events/long-beach-aids-ride.html
That’s just a few of the many great events happening this year in the Newport and Long Beach areas. Why not hop on your bike, or rent one at Newport Cruisers, and make a day of it by yourself, friends, or with the whole family? Just make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Good Cycling!