Riders will cycle 620 miles, departing San Francisco on Saturday, October 17 and arriving in San Diego on Friday, October 23, 2009. Participants also have the option of riding an inspirational final stage on the 56-mile bike course being used for the San Diego Triathlon Challenge on Sunday, October 25. The collective accomplishment of the Million Dollar Challenge riders will play a memorable role in that day’s “celebration of abilities.'

Each day of the ride the participants will cycle up to 119 miles across (and over!) some of the most scenic – and demanding – terrain in California. Each day will conclude with an inspirational group dinner and celebration.

Each participant will raise $10,000 for CAF and in return will enjoy a fully supported ride, including hotel accommodations for seven nights, daily breakfast, lunch and most dinners, tour leaders, sag wagons, mechanical support, massage, first aid, and bike transport from Southern California to San Francisco prior to the start of the ride. Each rider will be outfitted daily with 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 progam.

During the Million Dollar Challenge, participants will ride alongside athletes who may be missing an arm or leg … who are paralyzed and utilizing a handcycle to cover the miles … or who are vision-impaired and are riding tandem with a pilot who serves as their “eyes”. Together, they will deliver a message that will reverberate across California – and across our nation: people with physical challenges can be athletes, too and all that’s standing in the way of their dreams is a chronic and pervasive lack of funding.

In order to reach our goal of over $1 million, each participating rider in the MDC must raise $10,000 for the Challenged Athletes Foundation! Together we can make difference.