LOS ANGELES — July 7, 2026 — Athletic Brewing Company, America's largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer, has joined the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience (AFCE) as a sponsor of its 2026 California Coast Classic Bike Tour.
Launched commercially in 2018, Athletic Brewing has rapidly grown from one of the smallest breweries in the country to the sixth-largest craft brewer and the 15th-largest brewing company in the United States. Founded by Bill Shufelt and John Walker, Athletic pioneered a proprietary method for producing non-alcoholic beer, re-engineering nearly every step of the brewing process through hundreds of small-batch trials. This innovative approach has made Athletic the most highly awarded non-alcoholic brewer of the past decade, earning more than 190 prestigious taste awards.
Arthritis Foundation Cycling produces premier multi-day bike tours that serve as both nationally recognized destination fundraising events and powerful community-building experiences in support of the Arthritis Foundation's mission. Bringing together cyclists, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters from across the country, these fully-supported tours deliver bespoke riding experiences, personal challenge, and meaningful impact.
The Athletic Brewing sponsorship will support AFCE's mission to raise critical funds for the Arthritis Foundation's advocacy, scientific research, and life-changing programs for the 1 in 4 people in the U.S. who live with arthritis, the nation's #1 cause of disability.
Shannon Marang Cox, National Senior Director of the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience, noted that non-alcoholic beverages are increasingly popular with AFCE riders.
"Teaming up with Athletic Brewing takes our rider experience to the next level," she said. "This sponsorship meets the moment by providing a wide range of delicious non-alcoholic brews for riders to enjoy at our tours. It gives them more choices, more inclusivity, and more ways to celebrate every mile. We're excited that Athletic Brewing is supporting our riders and our mission."
AFCE's upcoming bike tours are:
● The California Coast Classic Bike Tour (Sept. 26–Oct. 3, 2026): An award-winning eight-day, 525-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles along iconic Highway 1.
● The Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour (May 20-23, 2027): A four-day road biking adventure across the Blue Ridge and Upstate regions of North and South Carolina that includes hotel lodging for all participants.
To learn more and register, visit arthritis.org/cycling.
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About the Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience
The Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience (AFCE) believes that movement is medicine, bringing together passionate cyclists to make a difference for the 1 in 4 people in the U.S. who have arthritis. AFCE produces two premier destination fundraising bike tours that fuel the Arthritis Foundation's advocacy, scientific research and life-changing programs: the Carolina Hills Classic Bike Tour and the California Coast Classic Bike Tour. It also engages cyclists through Ride Your Way, a virtual option that helps people support the Foundation by enjoying any type of riding, in any location, at any time of year. Its in-person tours are e-bike friendly and offer fully supported routes designed for cyclists of all experience levels, providing unforgettable riding experiences while making a lasting impact. The Carolina Hills Classic, held May 20–23, 2027, is a four-day road biking adventure across the Blue Ridge and Upstate regions of North and South Carolina that includes hotel lodging for all participants. The California Coast Classic, held Sept. 26–Oct. 3, 2026, is an award-winning 8-day, 525-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles along the iconic Highway 1. For more information and to register, please visit: arthritis.org/cycling.
About Athletic Brewing Company
Athletic Brewing Company is America's largest dedicated non-alcoholic brewer. Athletic is revolutionizing how modern adults drink by crafting full-flavored NA brews that can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere. Launched commercially in 2018, Athletic is the number one non-alcoholic beer brand in America1 and a top 15 U.S. brewing company2. Its award-winning brews are available nationwide at over 75,000 retail locations. Athletic operates custom breweries in Connecticut and California and donates up to $2 million annually to protecting and restoring outdoor spaces across the globe via its Two For The Trails program. Athletic is proudly a Certified B Corporation™. Learn more and shop at www.athleticbrewing.com.
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For more information, please contact:
For Arthritis Foundation Cycling Experience:
Julie Kelly, SPEC PR / 760-672-2527 / julie.kelly@specpr.com
For Athletic Brewing Company:
Jack Taylor PR | athleticbrewing@jacktaylorpr.com
