In The News

Redding, CA — The Lemurian Classic Mountain Bike Race returns to Redding on May 9, with Friesen Group, formerly Owens Healthcare, stepping into the role of Title Sponsor for this year’s event—continuing a long-standing commitment of support for one of California’s most iconic endurance races.

Originally founded in 1987, the Lemurian Classic has long been a cornerstone of the North State cycling community. In 2018, when the Lemurian Classic faced an uncertain future, Friesen Group stepped in to manage and sustain the race during a critical transition period. After couple of years, the race event was passed to Redding Trail Alliance, where it now serves as the largest fundraiser supporting local trail systems.

While stewardship of the race was later passed to the Redding Trail Alliance (RTA), Friesen Group has remained a committed sponsor every year, supporting the race and its mission to strengthen local trail systems and outdoor recreation.

This race wouldn’t exist today without Friesen Group stepping in. Nate Knudsen, Executive Director of Redding Trail Alliance. Their ongoing support and their leadership as Title Sponsor this year—reflects a deep, consistent commitment to this community and its trails.

Built on Resilience

The Lemurian Classic’s history mirrors the resilience of the community it serves. Since its founding, the race has adapted to changing conditions and locations—often due to wildfire impacts—moving from Shasta Dam to French Gulch, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, and now the Swasey Recreation Area. Through each transition, the race has persevered while maintaining its reputation as one of California’s longest‑running endurance mountain bike events.

Today, the Lemurian Classic draws approximately 350 riders from across the West, bringing athletes, families, and visitors to the region to compete, recreate, and support local businesses.

Since becoming a fundraiser for Redding Trail Alliance, the Lemurian Classic has raised over $173,000 since 2019, with proceeds directly reinvested into trail advocacy, construction, and maintenance. Funded projects include:

• Salt Creek & Salt Creek Heights Trails
• Canyon Hollow trail system expansions
• Mule Ridge and Swasey Trail Development
• The Redding Bike Park

These efforts have helped establish Redding as a premier destination for mountain biking and outdoor recreation.

Looking Forward

As Title Sponsor, Friesen Group is helping ensure the continued success of the Lemurian Classic and the trails it supports. Funds raised through the 2026 race will contribute to upcoming trail expansions, bike park features, and future trail system planning throughout the region.

The Lemurian Classic reflects Friesen Group’s commitment to building strong communities through investment in trails, outdoor access, and projects that improve quality of life, said Todd Dodds, COO of Friesen Group. We’re proud to continue supporting an event that creates long‑term benefits for our region.

About Friesen Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Redding, California, Friesen Group, formerly Owens Healthcare, is a family‑owned organization that provides management and strategic support to a diverse portfolio of companies serving the healthcare and community sectors. The Friesen Group family of companies includes Owens (durable medical equipment and respiratory services), Lifemed (long-term care pharmacy), Wellscript (infusion pharmacy), and J3 (commercial real estate investment and management). Friesen Group has been consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work®, an honor based directly on employee feedback and organizational culture. To learn more about Friesen Group, visit www.FriesenGroup.com.

About The Friesen Foundation

The Friesen Foundation is a private family foundation supporting a broad range of community development projects across the North State, from outdoor recreation and trail systems including the Salt Creek Trail Expansion, Colby Mountain Recreation Project, and the Gateway Trail Project, to cultural arts, and educational scholarships. Learn more about current and completed projects at: www.friesenfoundation.org.