Arnold Rides in 'Best Buddy' Challenge!

Arnold Schwarzenegger took part in the annual Best Buddy Cycle Challenge at Hearst Castle, on September 8th, along with wife, Maria Shriver. Other celebrity attendees included legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood, Lacey Chabert of Mean Girls and TV's Party of Five, and The Bachelor's Andy Baldwin and Tessa Horst.

Actor Rob Lowe, current star of hit ABC television series Brothers and Sisters led hundreds of riders through the first 20 miles of the challenging 100 mile ride along the Pacific Coast Highway in an Audi RS4.

"I believe strongly in Best Buddies' cause, so the opportunity to drive a high-performance Audi through Northern California and lead so many people that I admire both personally and professionally was one I couldn't pass up," Lowe said.

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Founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989, the Best Buddies Challenge is a nonprofit that provides opportunities for one-to-one friendship and integrated employment to participants in more than 1,300 chapters in 32 countries. Audi and Best Buddies proudly announced their new partnership in June of 2007. For the next five years, Audi will be the exclusive automotive sponsor of Best Buddies within the Americas and support numerous projects and fundraising events in Europe and overseas.

The challenge took riders from Chateau Julien in Carmel to the Hearst Ranch in San Simeon. California's First Lady, Maria Shriver, served as Honorary Chairperson and also rode in the event.

Riders departed Chateau Julian at 7am on September 8th. An exclusive post- ride celebration was held at the Hearst Castle Ranch, featuring a barbeque cookout and private concert by classic rock icons Cheap Trick for all ride participants and special guests.

Global Arnold Staff