Celebrate Arthritis Awareness Month and the 8th Annual Arthritis Bike Classic – Oregon, May 23, 2017, at Oregon Wine LAB

Eugene, OR – Celebrate Arthritis Awareness month and the 8th Annual Arthritis Bike Classic – Oregon (ABC-OR) coming to the Willamette Valley on May 23, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Oregon Wine LAB, 488 Lincoln St., Eugene. The evening will include wine tastings, small appetizers and information about the 2017 ABC-OR. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation. 
 
Register by contacting Allison Bailey at [email protected] or 503-245-5695.
 
Named one of the Top 10 Rides in Oregon by ORBike, ABC-OR is a three or six-day, full-service and fully supported bicycle ride. The 2017 event will be held September 16-22, 2017, and feature a new route that will take riders through some of the most majestic parts of Oregon, from the iconic covered bridges of the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway to the winding Willamett River and award winning Willamette Valley wine region, named Wine Enthusiasts’ wine region of the year. The event includes overnight accommodations in Cottage Grove, Eugene, Corvallis and Champoeg State Park, and special in and out-of-saddle experiences, from riding the Aufderheide to soaking tired bones in hot springs, wine tastings and more. Beginners and experienced riders are welcome. 
 
Proceeds from the ride will support the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to conquer and cure arthritis. More than 50 million Americans have arthritis, including 849,000 adults and 3,400 kids in Oregon. 
 
“I participate in this ride to raise awareness for the hundreds of children and adults I have met over the years who have more severe arthritis than I do and who can’t ride a bike due to their condition,” said Dave Hall, three year ABC-OR veteran and fundraising mentor. “I ride to raise money for research, advocacy, fellowship programs and camps for kids. I ride because I can and because I have a story to tell.”
 
“Arthritis is more than just a few minor aches and pains. It’s a debilitating disease that robs people of their dreams,” says Senior Development Director Kim Lowry. “When you support the Arthritis Bike Classic - Oregon, you not only experience an amazing bike ride through the beautiful and scenic Willamette Valley, but you also help us fund critical research and resources for those living with arthritis. Whether you are close to the disease or simply looking for an inspiring charity event that truly makes a difference, the ABC - OR is a great way to experience the power of standing together and giving back to the community. Together, cyclists, volunteers and supporters will help us reach our goal of raising $200,000.”
 
Register for the 2017 ABC-OR online at www.arthritis.org/OregonBikeClassic or call 503-245-5695. 
 
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org) is the Champion of Yes. Leading the fight for the arthritis community, the Foundation helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science and community connections. The Arthritis Foundation’s goal is to chart a winning course, guiding families in developing personalized plans for living a full life – and making each day another stride towards a cure. The Foundation also publishes Arthritis Today, the award-winning magazine that reaches 4 million readers per issue.