SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Aug. 17, more than 80 cyclists – including eight physically challenged athletes – will depart Sausalito for the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s third annual Back to Back Century Challenge - Northern California and begin a 200 mile journey to raise funds and awareness for physically challenged athletes.
Covering some of Northern California’s most scenic yet demanding terrain, the Back to Back Century Challenge – Northern California is not just another ride. It is a cycling adventure that combines a deep passion for the sport with the chance to change perceptions – and lives. Participants will get to cycle alongside inspirational and accomplished challenged athletes – including amputees riding both upright bikes and handcycles – and witness first-hand the impact of their support. The funds raised through the CAF Back to Back Century Challenge - Northern California directly contribute to CAF’s mission and provide funding to those with physical disabilities through grants for adaptive equipment, training and competition expenses.
The 2013 sold-out CAF Back to Back Century Challenge - Northern California seeks to raise more than $380,000 to support greater numbers of challenged athletes, including dozens in Northern California. Participants in the event include inspiring challenged athletes such as:
- Willie Stewart – an above the elbow amputee and CAF spokesperson who lost his arm in a construction accident at age 18;
- Daniel Riley – a veteran of both the Iraq and Afghan conflicts who lost both legs above the knee to an IED blast in the Marjah Valley; and,
- Alan Shanken – a CAF Board Member and below-knee amputee who is dedicated to helping challenged athletes stay active and pursue sports.
Making a guest appearance at the event for the second year in a row will be Brianne “Breezy” Bochenek, an 11-year-old who lost her leg to cancer last year. Breezy’s father and brother will be riding in the event and she will be there to show her support for her family and CAF.
“The fact that this third-year event sold out again speaks volumes for how inspiring this event is and the one-of-a-kind opportunities it creates for positive interactions between challenged and able-bodied athletes,” said Virginia Tinley, Executive Director of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. “Aside from the epic scenery and world-class amenities, the icing on the cake for this magical ride is continuing to help challenged athletes around the world receive the gifts of freedom and sport.”
The Back to Back Century Challenge - Northern California will get underway on Friday, Aug. 16 at 6:00 pm as participants enjoy a welcome dinner and overnight accommodations at Cavallo Point Lodge. A festive departure ceremony will see the riders off Saturday morning at 7:00 am as they set off through open grasslands, winding vineyards and quaint Wine Country towns. Saturday evening will treat the riders to a stay at the DoubleTree Hotel in Santa Rosa before their return journey to Cavallo Point brings the weekend to a close with a final ride-in celebration.
The Dodge brand is the Presenting Sponsor of the CAF Back to Back Century Challenge - Northern California and Gold Sponsors include the Spinner Family, Access Metals, Maxim Integrated Products, VMG Partner, and Alan Shanken & Allison Caccoma.
For more information visit www.challengedathletes.org/cycleb2bnorcal.
Challenged Athletes Foundation
The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) is a world leader in helping individuals with physical challenges get involved – and stay involved – in sports. CAF believes that participation in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life. Since 1994, more than $40 million has been raised and almost 6,000 funding requests from challenged athletes in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied. Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles every opportunity to compete in the sports they love. To learn more, log on to www.challengedathletes.org or call 858-866-0959.
About the Dodge Brand
For nearly 100 years, Dodge has defined passionate and innovative vehicles that stand apart in performance, style, emotion and technology. Building upon its rich heritage of muscle cars, racing technology and ingenious engineering, Dodge offers a full-line of cars, crossovers, minivans and SUVs built for top performance – from power off the line and handling in the corners, to high-quality vehicles that deliver unmatched versatility and excellent fuel efficiency. Only Dodge offers such innovative functionality combined with class-leading performance, exceptional value and distinctive athletic design. With the all-new 2013 Dodge Dart that achieves up to 41 miles per gallon, the all-new Dodge Charger four-door muscle car paired with the ZF eight-speed transmission that achieves a class-leading 31 miles per gallon, the new 2014 Durango and the significantly revamped Grand Caravan – inventor of the minivan – Journey, Avenger and iconic Challenger, Dodge now has one of the youngest dealer showrooms in the United States.
