It was the start of another great day in Texas as the R2R group was strengthened by the arrival of several new riders including Preston from the League of American Bicyclist, Ryan from Team Astana, and 12 members of the Army Cycling Club.
As we left Austin, the local elementary school gave us a big sendoff as they lined the road to greet the wounded warriors. They really got into it as we did a second pass through the kids giving high fives and waving signs.
Last night, several of the riders paid a visit to a local bike shop to get some gear. Among the most common purchase was new shoes. For those of you who do not ride much, cycling specific shoes make a big difference in both power and efficiency. Comfort also improves greatly with harder soled shoes. If you try to ride a 6 day ride with tennis shoes, your feet are going to hurt. One of our CFI riders was not sure he was even going to ride, did not know if he even liked to ride, and just came along at the last minute. Ryan Clark is an amazing person. He is an engineer and has a Master’s degree. When he is discharged, he will have lots of job offers and as engineers are, very analytical about making decisions.
After a lot of lobbying, he decided to invest a modest sum into a pair of cycling shoes. After a brief tutorial on how to use his pedals and cleats, he was ready to ride. After about an hour, he was the happiest man in the group. 100% better he gleamed as he headed off the front of the group.
The riders were outfitted with deFeet arm warmers as part of the gear they received at the beginning of the event. It should come as no surprise that arm warmers are being used for very creative uses by the wounded warriors. check out this photo as arm warmers are used as sun protector’s…..
One of the new rider’s today was General Gary Cheek. He is the director of all of the WTU’s for the Army. The WTU’s (Warrior Transition Unit) are where all of the wounded warriors goes as they rehab. Most of the wounded warriors that participate in Road 2 Recovery come from WTU’s. As the Commander, he is very interested in programs that help rehab the soldiers, whether it is physical or mental rehab that is needed. He had heard some things about R2R and wanted to see first hand about how the program worked.
Gen. Cheek got the full blown Wayne Stetina treatment, kitted up and spent the day talking to the wounded warrior participants to get their perspective on how the program helps or not their recovery.
The ride was fast today with the big tailwind and we got to the finish more than 1 hour early, which gave everyone a chance to get some extra rest before heading off to Ft. Hood for a gala event with Commanding General Rick Lynch. Gen. Lynch was one of the commanders of the recent surge in Iraq. The surge turned around the fortunes of the people of Iraq and the Ft. Hood 3rd Corp. were instrumental in this success.
General’s Cheek, Wenz, and Lynch
More than 400 people paid tribute to the wounded warriors of Road 2 Recovery. It was one of the best evenings in the history of R2R….
Now onto Waco…..
For more information visit: www.TheRoad2Recovery.org