The 2026 CAF Cycling Club season brought riders together for two unforgettable experiences along California’s Central Coast. From the coastal roads of Monterey to the vineyard-lined routes of Paso Robles, participants shared miles, stories, and moments that reinforced what makes CAF Cycling so special.

While the scenery was memorable, the heart of each experience was the community. Every ride, meal, conversation, and fundraising effort reflected the mission at the center of the Challenged Athletes Foundation: expanding access to sport and bringing people together through a shared belief in what is possible.

Adapting and Finding New Opportunities

Originally planned as the Big Sur Prologue, this year’s adventure led riders to Monterey, where they discovered a new experience along California’s beautiful Central Coast. While the route changed, the spirit of the trip remained the same.

Riders explored iconic roads, reconnected with longtime friends, and welcomed new faces into the community. In many ways, the experience reflected something CAF athletes demonstrate every day: a willingness to adapt when the route changes, the determination to keep moving forward, and an openness to discovering what may be waiting along an unexpected path.

Monterey reminded the group that a change in plans can create space for new friendships, new memories, and new opportunities. No matter where the road leads, the strength of CAF Cycling comes from the people who ride it together.

Turning Scarcity Into Abundance

The trip began with a Welcome Dinner featuring Ajay Shenoy, who shared his personal journey and the impact CAF has had on his life. One line stayed with the group long after the evening ended:

“What CAF does is turn scarcity into abundance.”

Ajay Shenoy spoke about the high cost of adaptive sports equipment and the barriers it can create for athletes who want to participate in the sports they love or explore something new. Through the generosity of donors, fundraisers, and supporters, CAF helps turn those barriers into possibilities by expanding access to adaptive sports equipment, coaching, training, and meaningful athletic experiences.

His message served as a powerful reminder of why we ride. Every mile traveled and every dollar raised helps create opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to pursue their goals, build meaningful connections, and experience the life-changing impact of sport.

What It Means to Be Part of Team CAF

Before rolling out on the first morning, CAF athletes David Cooper and James Osborne shared what it means to be part of Team CAF.

David Cooper reflected on never playing sports and never experiencing what it felt like to be part of a team. Today, he embodies the spirit of Team CAF, bringing joy, positivity, and an irreplaceable sense of camaraderie wherever he goes. David Cooper has become an essential part of the CAF Cycling Club family, and the team experience he once missed is now something he helps create for everyone around him.

James Osborne’s impact on the community is equally meaningful. As both a CAF athlete and ride leader, he is a passionate advocate who helps support and grow CAF Cycling on and off the bike. Whether he is leading a ride, mentoring a new rider, or welcoming someone into the community, James Osborne leads with encouragement and an authentic desire to help others know they belong.

Together, David Cooper and James Osborne reminded the group that Team CAF is about far more than cycling. It is about belonging, showing up for one another, and knowing there will always be a place for you here.

Riding the Monterey Peninsula

The riding showcased some of the best of California’s Central Coast. Riders experienced the scenic beauty of 17-Mile Drive, the rolling roads of Fort Ord, and sections that brought back memories of CAF’s 2018 Million Dollar Challenge.

Cool mornings, crisp coastal air, and beautiful riding conditions provided the backdrop for memorable days in the saddle. Along the way, riders exchanged stories, strengthened friendships, and formed new connections.

The scenery made the routes memorable, but the people made the trip meaningful. That sense of connection continues beyond Monterey, bringing riders back together and welcoming new people into CAF Cycling with every experience.

Paso Robles Cycling Experience

You’re Now Entering CAF Country

The Paso Robles trip brought together riders from across the CAF Cycling community for shared miles, meals, and memories. Members of the SoCal, NorCal, and National Cycling Clubs came together for a week of riding and connection, creating opportunities for familiar faces to reunite and new friendships to take root.

A few cowboy hats, plenty of western-themed fun, and perhaps a few too many on-theme jokes paid tribute to the group’s Paso Robles surroundings. But what stood out most was the immediate sense of connection.

Riders came from different backgrounds, different parts of the country, and different stages of their cycling journeys. Before long, laughter, stories, and good-natured banter filled the room as old friends picked up right where they left off and new riders quickly felt at home.

That spirit was beautifully captured by Mike Pinard, who shared what CAF has meant to him and his wife, CAF athlete Michelle Pinard. He spoke candidly about the ups and downs their family has navigated and the unwavering support they have received from the CAF community throughout it all.

Mike Pinard reflected on how cycling became much more than riding a bike. Had Michelle Pinard not encouraged him to get on a bike, he may never have discovered this remarkable community. Through life’s challenges and celebrations alike, the people of CAF continue to show up with friendship, encouragement, and support when it matters most.

His story served as a reminder of what makes CAF Cycling so special. While the group came together in Paso Robles to ride, they left with something even more meaningful: a deeper connection to one another and a community where everyone belongs.

The CAF Wishing Well: Small Acts, Big Impact

That sense of community carried throughout the trip, beginning with CAF athlete George Sutherland securing the first donation of the week and placing the first coin into the CAF Wishing Well.

George Sutherland shared a perspective that resonated deeply with the group. Within CAF Cycling, every rider encounters challenges. He reflected on the experience of facing a difficult climb and looking around to see other riders working through that same challenge beside him. Some days, one rider may lead the way up the hill. On another day, someone else may be out front. In every moment, the group continues supporting one another and moving toward the same goal.

His message spoke to what makes CAF Cycling special. People are valued for who they are, supported through life’s challenges, and welcomed exactly as they are. It was a fitting way to begin a week centered on connection, gratitude, and community.

Throughout the trip, riders added donations and messages of gratitude to the Wishing Well. The tradition reflected two pillars of CAF Cycling: creating opportunities through fundraising and celebrating the people who make the community so meaningful.

Every coin placed into the Wishing Well represented more than a donation. It represented adaptive sports equipment, coaching, training, and opportunities that help athletes with physical disabilities pursue their goals and experience the transformative impact of sport.

Day One: Vineyard Classic Ride

The riding began on some of Paso Robles’ most iconic roads as participants made their way through Peachy Canyon and Hog Canyon. Rolling vineyards, quiet country roads, and sweeping countryside views created a memorable introduction to the region.

Riders spent the day sharing miles, stories, and plenty of laughter. The pace groups quickly became communities of their own, with riders encouraging one another through every climb and celebrating each accomplishment along the way.

Day Two: Cayucos Coastline Ride

Day two brought riders to the coastal town of Cayucos, where ocean views, lunch on the beach, and an essential stop for coffee and cookies offered a completely different riding experience. A beachside lunch overlooking the Pacific quickly became a favorite moment of the trip for many participants.

That evening, riders traded their cycling kits for captain’s hats and gathered at Vina Robles Amphitheatre for a night with Yachtley Crew. The music, laughter, and enthusiastic singing created memories that would last far beyond the final mile of the trip.

Day Three: Creston Countryside Ride

The third day took riders through the agricultural roads of Creston, showcasing another beautiful side of California’s Central Coast. Riders traveled along smooth country roads past ranchland, grazing cattle, local wildlife, and expansive countryside views.

The peaceful setting created space for conversations to flow as easily as the miles. After the ride, participants returned to the hotel to relax, recharge, and prepare for a community dinner centered on personal accomplishments, stories from the road, and the people who make CAF Cycling special.

Day Four: Community Loop Ride

The final ride brought everyone together for a celebratory Community Loop. Riders had the opportunity to share miles with CAF athlete Mohamed Lahna, continuing conversations from the night before and learning more about his journey across America.

At the final SAG stop, the group gathered in the shade to escape the warm Paso Robles sun, refuel, and enjoy a local olive oil tasting. It was an opportunity to slow down, connect, and appreciate the simple moments that make these trips so memorable.

The ride concluded with Farewell Brunch, but the relationships formed throughout the week did not end with the route. They continue through future rides, lasting friendships, and a community ready to welcome the next person.

The CAF Recovery Zone

While the rides brought everyone together, some of the most meaningful moments happened after the bikes were put away.

Nestled among the hotel’s garden spaces and pool area, the CAF Recovery Zone became a gathering place for riders, spouses, family members, and supporters to relax, recover, and reconnect after a day on the road.

Conversations that began during the ride continued poolside. New friendships formed, longtime friends caught up, and people had the opportunity to connect without a route, pace, or schedule. Many participants shared that these candid, unplanned moments were among their favorite parts of the trip.

The CAF Recovery Zone was a reminder that cycling may bring people together, but time spent off the bike often strengthens the relationships that keep the community connected.

Saturday Night: Celebrating Community

Saturday evening brought everyone together to celebrate the people who make CAF Cycling what it is.

CAF Cycling Ride Leader Paul Saam received the Golden Sweeper Award in recognition of his commitment to ensuring no rider is ever left behind. It was a fitting honor for someone who consistently demonstrates the supportive and inclusive spirit of the community.

The evening also included a special celebration for David Cooper, who achieved two personal bests during the trip: his longest ride and his fastest pace, both in one ride. To commemorate the accomplishment, James Osborne organized a signed route map from the day’s ride and presented it to David Cooper during dinner.

The moment reflected something special about CAF Cycling. Personal achievements are never celebrated alone. They are recognized by a community that understands the effort behind them and takes genuine joy in seeing another person reach an important milestone.

CAF athlete Lance Weir also spoke about the power of teamwork and the support system surrounding every CAF Cycling experience. He recognized the mechanics who keep the bikes moving, the ride leaders who guide the way, and the support crews who show up on and off the bike.

His message was a reminder that success is rarely achieved alone. It becomes possible through the kindness, encouragement, and commitment of people who believe in one another

One More Person

Before the evening concluded, James Osborne issued a challenge to the group: One More Person.

He encouraged every rider to invite one more person to put on a CAF jersey and join a future experience.

One more rider. One more friend. One more person who could discover purpose, possibility, and belonging through CAF Cycling.

If every member welcomed one new person into the community, the impact could extend far beyond a single trip. More athletes could gain access to opportunities. More people could form meaningful connections. More riders could experience what it feels like to be part of Team CAF.

The evening concluded with a conversation featuring Mohamed Lahna, Ryan Goldman, and Ru Chen. Together, they shared stories from Mohamed Lahna’s triathlon journey across America and answered questions from riders eager to learn more about his experience.

Their conversation echoed a theme that had carried throughout the week: extraordinary things become possible when people support one another.

Sharing Miles With Mohamed Lahna

The conversation continued the following morning when Mohamed Lahna joined riders on the road.

Participants shared miles, conversation, laughter, and encouragement with him, creating a memorable close to the riding experience. The morning offered one more reminder that the most meaningful part of a route is often the person riding beside you

Farewell Brunch

As riders gathered one final time for Farewell Brunch, the CAF Wishing Well was opened. Its coins were counted, and the stars carrying handwritten messages were distributed throughout the room.

The coins represented donations that help fund CAF grants. The stars carried messages of gratitude, recognition, and appreciation for fellow riders, supporters, and friends.

Together, they told the story of the trip: shared miles, personal accomplishments, new friendships, a community united through support and belonging, and the extraordinary generosity that turns scarcity into abundance.

By the end of the trip, the CAF Wishing Well had generated an additional $20,040, bringing the CAF Cycling Club’s fundraising total to $307,092. That placed the club at 38 percent of its $800,000 fundraising goal, with six months remaining

The impact of the week, however, extended far beyond a fundraising total. It could be found in the friendships formed, the miles shared, the stories exchanged, and the growing community committed to creating opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities through sport.

Although Farewell Brunch marked the end of the Paso Robles experience, it did not mark the end of the connections made there. The friendships continue, the encouragement carries forward, and the invitation to be part of CAF Cycling remains open.

Whether someone joined the group in Paso Robles, rides with a local club, supports from the sidelines, or is still considering their first CAF experience, there is a place for them in CAF Cycling.

The trips may end, but the community continues to grow, one ride, one relationship, and one more person at a time.

Onward Together.