Golden State Challenge Event Information and Registration

Ride Overview

October 3 - 9, 2010

Travel down the beautiful and scenic Highway 1, while enjoying stunning views of the Pacific Coast at every turn! From San Francisco the pacific ocean will be off your right shoulder as you head south through great cities like Santa Cruz, Big Sur, San Simeon, Pismo Beach, Solvang and Ventura.

The ride will leave the San Francisco VA and will finish at the West Los Angeles VA with a concert featuring veterans and their families. The American Legion Riders will provide a motorcycle escort during the event and several Posts will sponsor rest stops and dinners including the Elks and City of Solvang, which will host a fundraising dinner on Thursday, October 7.

The rides will be limited to 200 participants with a minimum $3200 donation. Your $75 registration fee is applied to your fundraising goal. All injured veterans ride for free. There is an active duty Military or VA employee discount. The riders will receive a Ride 2 Recovery jersey, socks, and T-shirt. The donation will also include hotel housing, limited rider support, luggage transportation (70lbs max), daily route guides, marked course, rest stops, snacks, meals. There may also be nighttime entertainment on selected evenings.

California Challenge 2008 Slide Show: Read the California Challenge Ride Blog:

Register Now!

Ride 2 Recovery Golden State Challenge

Oct. 3-9, 2010 - San Francisco to Los Angeles

Ride 2 Recovery One Day Ride - Golden State Challenge Challenge

Oct. 3-9, 2010 - If you cannot join us for the whole ride, but would like to join us for ANY One Day during the tour.

Ride Schedules

Ride Guide

Golden State Challenge: San Francisco to Los Angeles

Sunday, Oct. 3

Day One:

San Francisco VA to Santa Cruz View Interactive Map

READY…SET…GO!! All cyclists begin at the VA in San Francisco and cycle down the coast into Santa Cruz, completing a total of 75 miles.

Monday, Oct. 4

Day Two:

Santa Cruz to Carmel Highlands View Interactive Map

This leg of the tour measures 50 miles and takes you through the dramatic landscape of the California countryside before resting for the night in picturesque Carmel Highlands.

Tuesday, Oct. 5

Day Three:

Carmel Highlands to San Simeon View Interactive Map

As you negotiate your way through the scented forests of Big Sur, you will continue into San Simeon after enjoying a brief rest stop in the locale of the world-renowned Hearst Castle. For those of you keeping count, you’ve just cycled a total of 90 miles!

Wednesday, Oct 6

Day Four:

San Simeon to Pismo Beach View Interactive Map

Absolutely beautiful. If the pedaling doesn’t take your breath away, the scenery will! A mere 50 miles, this leg of the tour will allow you to soak up your surroundings as you cycle along world famous beaches.

Thursday, Oct 7

Day Five:

Pismo Beach to Solvang View Interactive Map

Enjoy the breathtaking views and pleasant surroundings as you wind your way into Solvang. There really is no better place to stop than Solvang. This 65-mile leg takes in the wine country of central California made famous by the movie Sideways.

Friday, Oct 8

Day Six:

Solvang to Ventura View Interactive Map

You’re almost there! Be sure to explore the Danish-flavored town of Solvang as you make your way towards the day-end destination of Ventura. Today’s total mileage is an impressive 60 miles. Great riding!

Saturday, Oct 9

Day Seven:

Ventura to West Los Angeles VA View Interactive Map

Congratulations! You’ve done it! Having cycled a final 60 miles, you will cross the finish line in Los Angeles to fanfare and an emotional welcome. A USO party will help you celebrate this unique trip and reflect on your outstanding achievement.

To sponsor a rider, please visit the Rider Sponsorship Page

If you are have already registered, be sure to visit your Rider Page for Fundraising tips, other useful tools and to see your fundraising totals.