SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beginning Sept. 22, more than 60 cyclists – including five physically challenged athletes – will depart Solana Beach for the Challenged Athletes Foundation’s second annual Back to Back Century Challenge – a 212 mile journey to raise funds and awareness for physically challenged athletes.
The course, which includes some of Southern California’s most scenic yet demanding terrain, is more than an average ride. It is a journey that combines the passion for cycling with the chance to change perceptions about ability. Participants will get to cycle side-by-side with inspirational and talented challenged athletes who are paralyzed, missing a leg or visually impaired, and will witness firsthand the impact of their support. The funds raised through the CAF Back to Back Century Challenge directly aid CAF’s mission to support those with physical disabilities with grants for adaptive equipment, training and competition expenses.
The goal of this sold out event is to raise over $140,000 to support challenged athletes by providing access to sports as a means of success and independence. Notable participants include elite triathlete Meghan Newcomer and inspiring challenged athletes such as:
- Andy Granda: Born deaf with a condition called Usher Syndrome Type 1, Andy was an elite soccer player and surfer until his vision began degenerating. Now both deaf and blind, Andy is an avid cyclist using a tandem bike funded by a CAF grant.
- Fred Liebel: A T-4 paraplegic after being run off the road by a motorcyclist, Fred is an avid monoskier, hand cyclist and triathlete.
- Sandi Rush: A paraplegic after a fall, Sandi Rush didn’t let her disability keep her from completing 2011 Boston Marathon and many other triathlon and cycling events.
“The fact that this event doubled in participants in just its second year is truly a testament to the quality of event and inspiring experience it provides,” said Virginia Tinley, Executive Director of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. “We hear story after story about what a life-changing experience it is to accomplish the physical and mental demands of the journey, all while helping to give the gift of freedom and sport to challenged athletes around the world.”
The event will begin Saturday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 a.m. as participants enjoy a send-off ceremony from Revolution Bike Shop in Solana Beach, Calif. They will then journey 106 miles along the coastline to Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, Calif. where they will receive complimentary massage, a dinner reception and full bike support before their ride back to Solana Beach the next day.
For more information visit www.challengedathletes.org/cycleb2bsocal
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.