Tag Archives: Ride 2 Recovery

Great Lakes Challenge Makes a Strong Finish at the Legion Convention

Posted on August 30, 2010 by | Leave a comment

With a flatter course than yesterday and everyone excited about the Packer's game, Day 4 was a fast day in the saddle. The group made it all the way to Lambeau Field in under 5 1/2 hours of riding time! (Photo courtesy of Ride 2 Recovery Facebook page)

Wounded cyclists, and others who joined them in support, traveled from Wasau to Green Bay to Sheboygen and – finally – to Milwaukee for the second half of Ride 2 Recovery’s “Great Lakes Challenge.” As usual, riders new and experienced shared powerful stories of healing and transformation through the experience.

As reported by the Green Bay Press Gazette: “Rider Jen Dreizehn, a 15-year military veteran, has not only been riding with her biking family, but also seeing her real family in her first trip back to Wisconsin over that time. Her family cheered her along at several stops on Thursday and planned to attend the Green Bay Packers game with her.

The Shawano native, who grew up in Mountain, is stationed with the Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Eustis, Va.  ’I haven’t ridden a bike since I was 12 years old, so this has just been great and a real challenge,’ Dreizehn said. ‘Challenge is definitely the word to use. I’m really glad I did it.’”

The final day of the Great Lakes Challenge saw the cyclists heading into Milwaukee, and then riding in the American Legion parade. (Photo courtesy of Ride 2 Recovery Facebook page)

The final day of the ride was especially poignant, as the group greeted attendees at the The 92nd Annual American Legion National Convention and later participated in a parade.  Marty Callahan reported the following: “About 50 cyclists – veterans and servicemembers – arrived in Milwaukee Aug. 28 at The American Legion National Convention, completing a six-day, 426-mile journey from Minneapolis. The cyclists are part of the national Ride 2 Recovery program that helps veterans overcome their wounds and inspire others to do the same.

‘This kind of event does tremendous things for the mental and physical rehabilitation of the wounded warriors,’ said John Wordin, founder and president of Ride 2 Recovery. ‘Whatever kind of injury they may have – amputations, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, PTSD – cycling helps them to recover. Events like this create such a bond and camaraderie – it’s a great group therapy session.’”

Click here to watch as the cyclists enter the convention, and check out a great video clip from WLUK-TV below!

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Ride 2 Recovery’s “Rocky Mountain Challenge” Wraps Up!

Posted on August 9, 2010 by | 3 Comments

Riders take a break in front of a B-52 at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, August 5, 2010. (Photo courtesy of Ride 2 Recovery Facebook page)

Six days and many miles later, cyclists with Ride 2 Recovery completed their “Rocky Mountain Challenge,” and what a trip it was!  Here’s a recap from one of the riders:

“The Rocky Mountain Challenge presented by UnitedHealthcare finished up on Thursday, Aug. 5 as the Ride 2 Recovery entered Ft. Carson with all of the Ft. Carson WTU participants leading us into the base. It was a fitting end to a great 6 day event.

Wednesday’s ride started with the governor of Colorado singing the praises of R2R - a cycling program for injured active duty and retired troops on the mend - and a short ride with Lance Armstrong and the UHC pro cycling team members Chris Baldwin and Eric Baralev.  The group then headed to Colorado Springs and a ride thru the Air Force Academy and a short reception at the North Gate B-52 display. Before the group finished for the day before a late summer thunderstorm hit.

A civilian, Brady Allen was driving on the Interstate 25.  He saw a stream of cyclists in their R2R kits heading toward the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.  He paused for a second and then quickly turned around to follow. Allen wasn’t sure, but a hand cyclist he saw just might be one of his buddies from the war in Iraq — Nate Hunt. “It was weird,” Allen, who knew his old pal was riding in events like these, says. “There was no freaking way.”

Then an amazing thing happened when we got to the B-52, under the shadow of the old bomber on the academy grounds: there was Nate Hunt, grinning.  Hunt was talking to a man who helped save his life in Iraq on May 10, 2008.  That’s when the Buffalo Heavy Armored vehicle that Hunt commanded was hit by a particularly nasty sort of improvised-explosive device — an explosively-formed penetrator, or EFP — during a late-night patrol not far from his forward-operating base in Baghdad.  ”We just didn’t see them and two blew up and hit the truck,” says Hunt, who retired as an Army staff sergeant.

It used to be tougher for Hunt to talk about what happened in Iraq — the story of how he became a double-above-the-knee amputee. He says he’s become more comfortable telling his story since joining Ride 2 Recovery.  He adds that he feels telling his story has helped other riders share what happened to them.

This day was the hardest of the Challenge with 2000′ of climbing out of Denver into a very stiff 20 mph wind. Needless to say, everyone was looking forward to a nice dinner and some sleep.  We were treated to some great hospitality by Frankie’s Too, a great restaurant in the Colorado Springs area.  The military community members were in attendance, along with NFL Hall of Fame Linebacker Randy Gradishar.  The event was sponsored by Give an Hour, a non-profit that supports R2R and some of the PTSD riders that take part in each Challenge.

The riders finished all together at Ft. Carson, but before they got there, they had a rest stop at the Garden of the Gods, where they took perhaps the best group photo in the history of R2R, August 5, 2010. (Photo courtesy of Ride 2 Recovery's Facebook page)

This ride will be remembered by everyone who took part for the amazing scenery, the difficult nature of the course, and the tremendous progress and difference it made in the lives of all who participated. We are truly amazed how much emotion is displayed at the end of the ride and how much it truly means to those who take part. Until the next time…”

Congratulations to all of the cyclists who completed the Challenge and to each of the groups and individuals that rode with them along the way.  Check out video of the ride below!

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Ride 2 Recovery’s “Rocky Mountain Challenge”

Posted on August 2, 2010 by | 6 Comments

Cyclists participating in Ride 2 Recovery's "Rocky Mountain Challenge" head out on August 1, 2010. (Photo courtesy Ride 2 Recovery Facebook Group)

Ride 2 Recovery’s “Rocky Mountain Challenge” – presented by UnitedHealthcare – took off from Cheyenne, Wyoming, with riders leading off the annual Frontier Days Patriot Parade!   The first day’s ride would culminate at Fort Collins, and it was an especially poignant ride for one cyclist.  Enjoy this great story from one of the ride leaders:

“The highlights of each ride are the wounded warriors that come to the rides to find out something about themselves or try to break through their place in their rehabilitation. One such new rider is Camille from the Ft. Carson WTU. She was injured in an ATV accident in El Paso, TX while stationed at Ft. Bliss. She shattered her right knee in the accident and had to undergo major knee reconstruction.

When Camille showed up in Cheyenne, it was typical of a R2R newbie, part wide-eyed gung ho and part what the heck have I gotten myself into. She was sent with a handcycle. It has been the mission of R2R to work with the Medcom folks to educate them on the proper bike for the specific type of injury a warrior is facing. All too often, the default is to put them on a handcycle. Sometimes that is a good thing and sometimes not.

Camille is all smiles as she heads across Colorado during the Ride 2 Recovery "Rocky Mountain Challenge." (Photo courtesy of Ride 2 Recovery's Facebook Group)

As was the case with Camille, she needed something different. When the R2R staff took a look at her, the question immediately was why a handcycle? It is a fact that leg muscles are bigger and more powerful than the arms. It is the philosophy of R2R to put a warrior on a bike that will give that warrior the most benefit as part of their rehab and the most enjoyment. With Camille, her knee injury and rehab was tailor made for a road bike. After all, one of the first things they do with knee rehab is put them on a stationary bike.

We convinced Camille to try a road bike and in fact to ride tandem with Jim Penseyres. After just a couple of miles, Camille was sure she made the right choice and by the time we reached the day’s USO lunch stop in Nunn, Camille had a grin ear to ear and said she could not stop smiling she was having such a great time.

Another great R2R story and a great example of the warrior can do spirit…”

Day 2 took riders from Ft. Collins to Estes Park through the Big Thompson Canyon. It was 32 miles from the turn in Loveland until the riders found the hotel in Estes Park…and almost all of that 32 miles was uphill! The grade varied from 1 or 2 % up to 6% in the steeper sections. It made for a challenging – but ultimately rewarding – day.

The three hand cyclists and one trike rider had a tall order on day 2, in order to make it over the pass and into Estes Park. he ride started at just over 5,000' and climbed to over 7200'. For anyone riding a handcycle or a 3 wheel trike, it is a tall order! (Photo courtesy of Ride 2 Recovery Facebook Group)

Stay tuned for more pictures and stores as the “Rocky Mountain Challenge” continues…

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Patriotic Festival a Huge Success!

Posted on June 6, 2010 by | 1 Comment

Ride 2 Recovery participants show that perserverance and teamwork make all things possible, as they complete their six-day Memorial Ride, ending at the Patriotic Festival in Virginia Beach, VA.

USO Hampton Roads was thrilled to be a part of this year’s Virginia Beach Patriotic Festival.  The three-day event “is a salute and celebration of the U.S. Military.  This is a time for the Hampton Roads region…to remember the men and women of the United States Military for their heroism and their sacrifices they make for Americans.” Other sponsors included The City of Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, and Produced by Whisper Concerts.

Thousands of festival-goers enjoyed concerts, food, fun, and more, but the biggest motivator behind it all was an opportunity to say “Thank You” to those who serve.  “The largest concentration of military in the word is in Hampton Roads,” Bruce LaLonde from the USO told WAVY.com. “We are taking time to say thanks.”

Timed to coincide with the start of the festival was the final leg of the Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge.  After six days of cycling through 350 miles of Virginiaroads , the 100+ riders arrived at Virginia Beach to enjoy the festivities and relax after their incredible journey.

Also part of the Festival was the 100,000th reading of United Through Reading’s Military Program, which is administered through USO Centers around the world.  We’ll have more on that milestone tomorrow, and in the meantime, enjoy the videos below that captured this fantastic weekend for the Troops!

more about “Wounded vets bike into Virginia Beach“, posted with vodpod

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Wounded Warriors Embark on 6-Day Bike Ride

Posted on June 2, 2010 by | 1 Comment

Riders gather on Fort Myer's Whipple Field for day one of the 2010 Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge on May 31, 2010. (Ride 2 Recovery Photo by Dick Brock)

We’ve told you about Ride 2 Recovery before, but this week’s ride is really special.  They began their ride on Memorial Day at Fort Myer’s Whipple Field, these wounded warriors.  And along the 350-mile trek they’re being joined by special guest riders, including Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. George Casey Jr., and the USO’s own Sloan Gibson.

“I stepped on a land mine in Vietnam,” said Jim Penseyres to News Channel 8.  Jim Penseyres returned from Vietnam without a leg. He transformed himself into an elite ultramarathon cyclist, who for the next several days will steer for Commander Scotty Smiley. “Oh, this is great. This is what I’ve waited 42 years to do,” shared Penseyres.  “It’s a continual recovery process. I think every day we take one foot and step it in front of the other, that we are continuing in that recovery,” said Smiley.

Over the course of six days, the riders will travel through Mt. Vernon, Manassas, Richmond, and end their journey in Virginia Beach on Saturday.  You can follow along at home, and even download GPS maps of their routes, by following Ride 2 Recovery’s Facebook page.  Ride safe and strong, everyone!

We have more pictures below and be sure to check out this video of the ride:

more about “Wounded Warriors Embark on 6-Day Bike…“, posted with vodpod

(L-R) The USO's John Pray, Senior Vice President, Entertainment; Jeffrey Hill, Vice President of U.S. Operations; Sloan Gibson, president and CEO; Richard Bruder, Board of Directors for USO of Illinois; and Brian Coyle, Director of Chartered Center Relations, joined the first day of Ride 2 Recovery's 2010 Memorial Challenge, traveling 48.5 miles from Arlington, Va. to Manassass, Va. (Ride 2 Recovery Photo by Dick Brock)

Riders travel down a Virginia hill on May 31, 2010, for day one of the 6-day Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge, sponsored by United Healthcare and the USO. (Ride 2 Recovery Photo by Dick Brock)

(L-R) Admiral Gary Roughead, chief of US naval operations; Delvin McMillian, a retired airmen who lost his legs and an arm to a virus; General Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff; and General George Casey, Army Chief of Staff gather on Fort Myer to kick off the 2010 Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge on May 31. (Ride 2 Recovery Photo by Dick Brock)

Over 200 Wounded Warriors gathered on May 31, 2010, to ride in the 6-day Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge, sponsored by United Healthcare and the USO. (Ride 2 Recovery Photo by Dick Brock)

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Ride 2 Recovery Wraps Up the Texas Challenge!

Posted on April 13, 2010 by | 2 Comments

You’ve probably already read about the beginning and middle of Ride 2 Recovery’s “Don’t Mess with Texas” Challenge.  Now read the final chapter on this amazing experience!

The group headed from Fort Hood to Waco on day four.  The support was overwhelming, including a special visit from Maj. Gen. Will Grimsley, deputy commanding general for III Corps and Fort Hood.  ”This is really a ride for inspiration for the rest of us,” Grimsley said.

One rider explained how the time together on the road was affecting the cyclists:  ”The groups are really starting to solidify and the group camaraderie could not be higher. The wind really helped out. There are so many great stories to tell. One rider…is riding a hand cycle. He has never used a handcycle until this ride and so far has made every mile.

Riders were welcomed by Fort Hood's senior leadership and then cheered on by thousands of motivated troops, who lined the road for 4 1/2 miles on both sides of the road.

Day five the riders were starting to appreciate the finer points of pack riding, mastering skills that even accomplished riders have a hard time with.  Groups of recreational cyclists showed their support by joining the group along the way, the biggest being ”Team Texas,” a group led by Tony and Big Ed. They have really helped out and organized he warriors into impressive formations. By riding in the group, the participants are able to stay together and better enjoy the countryside.  Support from the American Legion riders, and the Legion Auxiliary was tremendous.  The dinners were especially appreciated!

The biggest group of recreation cyclists to ride along since the beginning has been the "Team Texas" group led by Tony and Big Ed. They really helped out and organized he warriors into impressive formations. By riding in the group, the participants were able to stay together and better enjoy the countryside.

The final day found the riders on the road from Cleburne to Arlington.  Their final destination was Arlington Ranger’s Ballpark, where special guest Nolan Ryan was waiting to greet the group at the finish ceremony, along with Duane Wagner, a highly decorated Viet Nam Veteran, who would throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game.

Before arriving at the ballpark, though, it was time for one more special group of cyclists to join along: the Texas Rangers brought ‘em home in another R2R first, as the group rode together for the last 20 miles instead of the usual five. Lots of laughter and nostalgia filled the air.

Welcome to Arlington.

As the riders left the town of Cleburne on their way to Arlington, the town in between - Keene - had a special welcome for the riders. They had lined the street with American flags and the Mayor and other civic leaders had a ceremony to welcome the participants.

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