Join us for our next events:
California Challenge – Oct. 4-10
Florida Challenge – Dec. 12-17
Day 5 – Williamsburg to Hampton saw the return of Patty Collins to the Ride. Patty has been very motivational for all of us as we have seen her develop over the past few rides. It was a year ago that Patty made her debut at a R2R event participating in last years East Coast Challenge.
Day 5 also saw the debut of Jackie and Dr. Wayne on the tandem. Jackie has never ridden a bike before, not even as a kid until she showed up at the start of the Memorial Challenge. She has come a long way since day one. She was quite shy and kept to herself and now is fully integrated into the group. She is fully enjoying the R2R experience.
The best and most rewarding part of this program is to see the transformation of the wounded warriors that take part in the event. You look at the riders where they were on the first day and were they are now, it is truly amazing to see what a difference in their attitude and outlook. Whether it is Tony, Scott, “AC”, or even Nick or Matt that have ridden before, they have changed for the better this week.
Today we had a state police escort along the Colonial Parkway. There are no traffic lights or much traffic, but still when we reached Ft. Eustice, they really earned our respect. For those that know Hwy 60 in this area, lets just say that traffic is a way of life. We did not stop at any traffic lights and no cars to be seen. The group stayed together for the most part and the wounded warriors that rode 50 miles in 4 1/2 hours on day one and two, rode 62 miles in 4 hours today. They were quite proud of that accomplishment and celebrated by hitting the hotel swimming pool.
Tonight’s dinner took place at Ft. Eustice with many members of their WTU. Col. Bowes threw a great BBQ. Thanks to the local USO for helping out. After dinner we were treated to a special screening of the movie “Brothers at Arms”. If you have not seen it, you should because it will give you a greater appreciation of the sacrifice our men and women in the military make.
Tomorrow we are really looking forward to American Idol winner David Cook…..
Regards,
Ride 2 Recovery
Making a Difference in the Lives of Wounded Warriors
818.888.7091×1
818.710.1453 Fax
www.Ride2Recovery.com
Supporters include American Legion Auxiliary, USO, Star Trac, VFW, Otis Spunkmeyer, Sunkist, Giant Bicycles, League of American Bicyclists, Operation Rebound, American Legion Riders, Step Up 4 Vets, California American Legion, Coca-Cola, Shimano, Veltec Sports, Hincapie Sports, Alternative Vehicles, Hansen’s, Clif Bar, Rudy Project, DeFeet, Park Tool, Speedplay, ProMax, Chamois Butt’r, CytoSport, and Bicycling Magazine. R2R is an America Supports You Homefront Group.