Having ridden through mountain passes, into cold coastal winds and in the pouring rain, over 200 injured military veterans completed more than just another ride. In this case a 450-mile ride from San Francisco to Santa Monica (just west of LA), CA. Even though these folks had already proven themselves as survivors with tenacity and the grit of perseverance, it was still great to see them as they came to the finish, some on special bikes to accommodate amputated limbs and others burdened with the mental scars of battle. Luckily they had nice sunny southern California weather when they rode in on last Saturday.
So, what exactly is the Ride2Recovery? Held in partnership with the Fitness Challenge Foundation, the R2R raises money to support Spinning Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at military and Veterans Administration locations around the U.S. to help injured veterans overcome the obstacles the face.
Cycling is an important part of the recovery and rehabilitation program for two reasons:
- Cycling is an activity that almost all patients with mental and physical disabilities can participate.
- Participation in the Ride2Recovery Program helps speed up the recovery and rehabilitation process.
John Wordin, president and founder of Ride 2 Recovery, said he launched the program because of the benefits he knew former military officers would get from cycling. "Cycling is for anyone, anywhere, anytime," Wordin said. "It provides people with freedom and independence, which is something you lose when you're injured."
"This was a great way to end this amazing, challenging, inspiring ride," said Chatsworth resident Adam Volchok. Volchok, an Army medic who was stationed in Afghanistan from 2002 through 2003, was one of more than 200 injured military veterans who participated in the ride that took cyclists from the coast of San Francisco to Santa Monica in seven days. Volchok admitted the ride presented him with one of the biggest challenges he'd ever had, especially as he tried to make his way through the hills of Big Sur during a 93-mile leg of the ride. But the 30-year-old said as he neared the end of the ride, he felt like he could go for another 60 miles. "You just get this great feeling when you're riding with your fellow veterans, you're relaxing on your bike with the scenery ... everybody is talking and telling stories," Volchok said.
But it was also the camaraderie from bonding with fellow riders that most participants called the best part of the massive ride, which raises money for other Ride 2 Recovery programs to help wounded veterans. "There were so many points where I wanted to quit, but you see the person next to you or in front of you and they are pushing you, they are handing you water ... they don't let you quit," said Percy Banks, a Van Nuys resident and Navy veteran.
Cheering the riders on, and shielding them from highway traffic, were dozens of American Legion riders and United Services Organization volunteers who also made sure that all riders ate during scheduled breaks. "It just feels good to help these guys and girls who served our country," said Dave Avant, vice president for the American Legion riders chapter of Oxnard. "We're on our motorcycles, but these guys are pushing bikes ... but it's great to see these guys take this challenge the same way they took the challenge and served our country."
We at Price Point were more than happy to help out by outfitting a bunch of this crew with clothing for training and for the ride itself. Check out these pictures and you'll see them sporting the fine, and very affordable, kits that you can find exclusively from Price Point.
Check out the great deals on Price Point clothing by clicking here.
If you'd like to ride with, donate or learn more about the Ride2Recovery program, click here.
My name is First Sergeant Robert Ferrara and on behalf of all us wounded warriors stationed at Fort Bliss Texas, I would like to thank Price Point for their generousity. The gear that they supplied us was awesome. The day that we chose to wear our Price Point gear it was rainy and about 57 degrees. The gear kept us warm and dry.
ReplyDeleteWe are sending another group to the Ride 2 Recovery Challenge in Florida next month. We received enough gear to outfit those riders as well. Thanks for your help!!!