Mission of Road 2 Recovery:
To improve the health and wellness of wounded warriors by providing a life changing experience that can impact their lives forever.
"This trip is not so much about having fun as it is about transforming your new body with something you can work with the rest of your life. " - Capt. Ferris Butler
Program:
R2R supports Spinning® Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at Military and VA locations around the U.S. to help injured veterans overcome obstacles they face. Cycling is an important part of the recovery and rehabilitation program for two reasons: 1) Cycling is an activity that almost all patients with mental and physical disabilities can participate, and 2) Participation in the Road 2 Recovery Program helps speed up the recovery and rehabilitation process. Program recommends three rides per week.
Program provides Regional Training Clinic’s and Morale/Fundraising Events. Military and VA Gov’t will receive special discounted pricing on best-in-class Spinners and Recumbent Bikes by Star Trac, road bikes by R2R, and specially adapted bikes by Alternative Vehicles. For all equipment sold, Companies will make a donation to R2R to expand the cycling programs in military and VA locations across the US.
Morale, Welfare Benefits:
The R2R Cycling program strengthens the body. It can reduce the experience of stress, depression, and anxiety. Dozens of scientific studies have demonstrated the relationship between exercise and mood. Exercise promotes arousal and relaxation and improves quality of sleep. These conditions help the body recover from the stress response. The program also has many health benefits, including overall physical fitness.
We now know that exercise helps generate new brain cells. Studies show that exercise actually helps the regeneration of damaged brain circuits. A major obstacle for the re-growth of severed nerves is overcoming the chemical resistance of cellular substrates. The Gómez-Pinilla's team has found that exercise reduces the inhibitory capacity of the injured brain and thus may help reverse some of the devastating consequences of traumatic brain injury.
Participant Benefits:
-Increased cardio fitness
-Weight loss
-Improved recovery and rehabilitation timetable
-Improved mental health
-Improved physical symptoms (1 TBI soldier improved speech)
-Improved morale
-R2R gives these men and women a sense of normalcy, accomplishment, pride, camaraderie, and provides relief from depression and other problems that accompany recovery and rehabilitation.
Intangibles:
Facebook and LinkedIn groups
Events:
Events may include equipment for Wounded Warriors as needed (bike, helmet, clothing, bike fit, safety training, seminars, etc.)
International:
Germany – USO German Challenge: July 22 – 26
National:
-Don’t Mess With Texas Challenge: Mar. 30 - Apr. 5
-Memorial Challenge: May 25 - 30
-California Challenge: Oct. 4 - 10
Regional/Local Clinics:
R2R Mobile Training Tour
In addition to one to two great days of riding, program would include information and education on Bike Fit, Bike Adaptation, Bike Safety, Bike Repair/Maintenance, Bike Riding Skills, Bike Training & Nutrition Program, and possible Spin Instructor Training.
These Clinics take place at VA’s and WTU bases across the country. There are 153 VA Service area’s in the US and more than 35 WTU’s in 26 states that are serviced by R2R.
Results:
-Form competitive cycling programs for each cycling category including hand cycling
-R2R National Cycling Club (each post has it's own chapter)
-Paralympics
PR/Recruiting/Retention:
-Valuable platform to tell the MWR/Wounded Warrior story
-Provide a life changing experience to Wounded Warriors and their Caregivers
ABC News: Wounded Soldiers Ride to Recovery.
Video: Wounded warriors set off on a nearly 500 mile bicycle trip.
Ride 2 Recovery
Ride 2 Recovery Day 5: Pismo to Solvang
by Ride 2 Recovery
Dennis with the R2R Pig
Today the R2R gang headed out towards the Danish tourist town of Solvang. But first, the kids of Oceana Elementary in Pismo came out in full force to cheer on the riders. Today featured a special American Legion Post 534 Lunch in the town of Orcutt. This is the most popular lunch on the ride and the Legion really stepped up with a great presence. They even arranged for a rocket launch at Vandenburg AFB just as we sat down to lunch. The Delta 2 rocket had a special R2R designation painted on the side and the roar after the launch shook the ground. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
| 
Ride 2 Recovery Day 4: Guest Blogger Kristy Swanson!
by Ride 2 RecoveryHello, Everyone following us! Today was my first day on the ride, riding from San Simeon to Pismo Beach. I cannot even describe what a rush it is to ride along side our Wounded Warriors; it is an absolute Honor! They all have been so incredible towards me, making sure I know what I am doing and don’t get hurt.
Actress Kristy Swanson
I admit, I did have one spill at a rest stop today. LOL! It was my own fault not getting out of my clips properly. So, of course, I fell in front of everyone! They picked me up, dusted me off, and patted me on the back. Several guys said, “Oh, we’ve all done that several times!” They made me feel at home. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
We Want You! Oct 10th: The Warriors Are Coming
by Ride 2 RecoveryWE WANT YOU! Want a chance to show your appreciation for those that have served our country? The opportunity is here.
On Saturday, Oct. 10, more than 150 wounded heroes will complete a 7-day, 475-mile journey from San Francisco to LA. The Wounded Heroes, many home from Iraq and Afghanistan, are cycling down scenic Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Their goal is to raise awareness and money to provide bikes and equipment for mental and physical therapy for fellow military heroes. The final leg of this journey brings the riders down San Vicente Blvd. from 26th to the West LA VA.
This is where you come in. We are looking for everyone, You, your family, friends, community members, organizations, and congregations to come out and line San Vicente Blvd. all the way to the VA. Welcome home these brave men and women and cheer them on their final miles. Special guest riders include James Cromwell, Adam Baldwin, Tobey Maguire, Mike Vogel, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Kristy Swanson, Adam Housley, and Andrew Breitbart. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery Day 3: BIG!
by Ride 2 Recovery
Nate making the grade
Peter Gabriel once sang about the Big time. He probably did not have Big Sur in mind when he wrote that song, but it sure came to mind today as we set off from Carmel on our way to San Simeon. The 92-mile ride featured more than 7000 feet of climbing. The riders were in great spirits after the great event at Carmel Mission Ranch the night before.
In the song Gabriel talks about Big Boys, Big City, Big Adventure, and Big Heaven. Well, that pretty much sums up the day today: Big Hills, Big Scenery, Big Adventure and Big Heaven-on-Earth views. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery Day 2: Go Ahead, Make My Day
by Ride 2 RecoverySanta Cruz to Carmel:
Nice spot for dinner
What can you say about a day in the saddle that anyone in the world would love to experience? The icing on the cake was a dinner at Clint Eastwood’s Carmel Mission Ranch. The whole day was about as good a day as anyone could imagine. The weather was perfect, the ride less hilly than the day before, and the riders were stating to gel. Nate continued to impress everyone as he looks to become the first R2R participant to handcycle from SF to LA. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery Day 1: How Do You Know?
by Ride 2 Recovery
Day one of the 2nd annual Golden State Challenge with more than 150 participants headed of from the San Francisco VA towards the seaside town of Santa Cruz. The 75-mile ride took the riders thru scenic Northern California coastline including Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, and the climb of Bonnie Doon. The weather could not have been more perfect with sunny skies and a nice 15 mph tailwind. The ride is made up of groups from the Palo Alto, San Francisco, Livermoore, Fresno, Antelope Valley, West LA, and Sepulveda VA’s. Military groups come from Walter Reed, Brooke Army MC, San Diego Naval MC, Ft Irwin, Ft. Eustice, California National Guard, and several Viet Nam vets. One of the best scenes of the day was SF VA’s Eric Downing come out on his tandem with his 5 year old son. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Chance of a Lifetime Experience with Governor Sarah Palin Highlights Ride 2 Recovery eBay Charity Auction
by Ride 2 RecoveryOn Tuesday, September 8, the first annual Ride 2 Recovery eBay Charity Auction will begin and run for 10 days. The highlight of the auction will be a dinner experience with former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
The mission of Ride 2 Recovery is to improve the health and wellness of wounded heroes by providing a life changing experience that can impact their lives forever.
The money raised from this effort will go to support the participation of wounded heroes in the R2R program and events, purchase bikes, helmets, and other technical equipment required for the wounded heroes.
Please go to eBay.com/Ride2Recovery for all of the auction details. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery: Day 6 — Hampton to Virginia Beach
by Ride 2 RecoveryJoin us for our next events:
California Challenge – Oct. 4-10
Florida Challenge – Dec. 12-17
Day 6 was set to be a 35-mile ride from Hampton to Virginia Beach. During the course of the ride, the riders would be given a tour of Ft. Monroe, one of the most picturesque military bases in the world. It is also the location where the African slave ships would come to the new world in the 1600s and 1700s. While on base, we stopped to take the big team picture.
"American Idol" David Cook
After the tour, we had a stop at the nearby American Legion post to load up the bikes to drive through the Hampton/Norfolk tunnel. With the help of the Virginia State and Virginia Beach Police, the ride restarted on the other side. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery: Day 5 — Williamsburg to Hampton
by Ride 2 RecoveryJoin 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.
Riding along the James River
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. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery: Day 4 – Richmond to Williamsburg
by Ride 2 RecoveryDay 4 started off with a visit from Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. The Governor has been pushing many Veteran’s benefit programs as Virginia has a large military presence. Gov. Kaine is also a cycling enthusiast and pledged to take part in next year’s event.
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine talks to the media after speaking to the Wounded Warriors
The route to Williamsburg again took the riders through some of the greatest roads in Virginia. The 72-mile route had a couple of long climbs, something that the riders have not seen many of.
Williamsburg is part of the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which also includes Jamestown and Yorktown, is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Williamsburg is the original Capitol of Virginia dating back to 1698. Williamsburg was established in 1632. Prior to the arrival of the English colonists at Jamestown in the Colony of Virginia in 1607, the area, which became Williamsburg, was largely wooded. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery: Day 3 — Fredericksburg to Richmond
by Ride 2 RecoveryDay 3 started with a great weather report as the front that threatened rain had passed thru and the weather was mid 70’s, perfect for a great ride though the Virginia countryside.
The 65 mile ride to Richmond along a good portion of Virginia Bike Route 1 promised to be a lot of fun.
Bike Route 1
Most everyone knows that Richmond was the capitol of the Confederacy, but did you know that: In 1775, Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” speech in Richmond and in 1781, under the command of Benedict Arnold, Richmond was burned by British troops. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery: Day 2 Manassas to Fredericksburg
by Ride 2 RecoveryThe Riders awoke to cloudy skies and occasional rain. Not exactly the way everyone hoped to start day 2 of the Memorial Challenge. With group morale at a high level, the riders and staff actually looked forward towards the ride to Fredericksburg. The 55 miles ride was relatively flat with 1 sharp 10% climb just before the arrival to the hotel.
The Battle of Fredericksburg was remembered as one of the most one-sided battles of the American Civil War. It brought an early end the Union campaign against the Confederate capital of Richmond.
US Marine Adam Jahnke on his R2R Bicycle
After a long wait, the Ride 2 Recovery has finally unveiled the brand new Ride 2 Recovery bicycle. It is an all carbon frame and fork with Shimano black group and wheels, Michelin Tires and Cane Creek head parts.
The bike were made possible with a grant from the USO and the support of former Giant product manager, Kevin Cox. The bikes feature a USO logo and corporate slogan. The bikes are given to the wounded warriors under a permanent loan program. The bikes have a retail value of $2700. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge: Day 1 – DC to Manassas
by Ride 2 RecoveryThe Ride 2 Recovery kicked-off today with a ride from the National Memorial Parade to Manassas. The 50 mile journey, with about 2,000′ of climbing, would take the riders down the beautiful George Washington Parkway, past Mount Vernon and the west to the town of Manassas.
250,000 people lined the route
The Parade features many Military groups and R2R was honored to be a part of such a great event.
The riders left the Parade area and headed down the GW parkway under the usually great escort of the American Legion Riders. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery: Memorial Challenge
by Ride 2 Recovery
National Memorial Concert
The second annual Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge is from May 25-30. For the first time, the event started with a cycling clinic featuring Olympic cyclist Wayne Stetina and former Mercury Cycling Team mechanic Scott Moro. With support from cycling professional like Gary Hanson and Neil Stewart, Vietnam vets Jim Penseyres and Duane Wagner, all of the R2R participants had a great deal of knowledge to learn the ins and outs of riding and healing.
The clinic really helped get the R2R participants oriented on their bikes and almost all of them had their riding positions fixed up and this will make for a much more comfortable ride.
The Wounded Warriors that participate in the Ride 2 Recovery events have come from all over the US and almost all service branches are represented. Many of these brave men and women have seen their friends and fellows soldiers not return from Iraq and Afghanistan. Memorial Day is not just another day off. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Profiles in Courage: Army Spouse Edition
by Ride 2 RecoveryWhat does it mean to be an Army Spouse during the War on Terror? In this edition of Profiles in Courage, we will take a look at one such Army Spouse story, that of Kim McNaughton, wife of Mike McNaughton.
You have no doubt heard about the story of Mike McNaughton but how much thought have you put into what it must be like to be Mrs. Mike McNaughton? What she must have gone through when he deployed? When she heard the news of her husband’s incident, how did effect her family? How did her life change?
Having not seen Mike since he deployed 7 months before, she knew that her life was about to change forever
The most emotional experience in her life was the first time she saw Mike when he arrived to Walter Reed. With no idea of what to expect and how she would react when she saw him. Would her reaction make it harder for Mike? She knew she needed to be strong for him and the kids. How was she going to deal with it all? How would it affect the kids? (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Profiles in Courage: Major General David Blackledge
by Ride 2 Recovery
General David Blackledge (rt) in Iraq
Major General David Blackledge is not a superhero. He’s a human hero.
In February of 2004, Major General Blackledge’s convoy was ambushed in Iraq. The interpreter, who was sitting next to him, was shot through the head. Taking fire, the vehicle rolled. But the survivors were able to escape. He sustained a broken back and ribs, with other injuries requiring eleven months of recovery and physical therapy.
Fifteen months after the ambush, Major General Blackledge was deployed back to Iraq. While in Amman, Jordan for meetings, he was in one of three popular hotels that were struck by terrorist bombs. The explosions killed over 55 people and injured over 110. He suffered a neck injury. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
R2R Texas Challenge: Day 6 — W. Encourages Wounded Warriors
by Ride 2 RecoveryThe day got off to a great start when former President George Bush showed up to visit the wounded warriors and give us a big sendoff on our way to Arlington and Texas Rangers Ballpark.
The weather again cooperated with a brisk tailwind to get to the ballpark in time to throw out the first pitch. The last day was full of celebration and looking back at the week that brought us all together. The ride is full of stories that none of us will ever forget. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
R2R Texas Challenge: Day 5 Waco to Cleburne – WOW!
by Ride 2 Recovery
Day 5 felt a bit different. Maybe it was the fact that we did not have 40-50 mph crosswinds, or perhaps it was the larger than expected turnout of American Legion Riders, but all of the riders could tell that this was going to be different than the previous four days. The R2R crew took off on the ride through Johnson County to Cleburne with a relief that the tailwinds had returned.
As soon as the ride reached the first big town of Whitney, you could tell the difference was the amount of people that had come out to greet the riders.
Each day, the local American Legion Auxiliary helps plan and support the event. Whether it is our lunch stop, dinner, or getting the local schools and business showing their support for the wounded warriors. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
R2R Texas Challenge: Day 4 — Ft. Hood to Waco…The Legion Riders Have Arrived
by Ride 2 Recovery
You can catch us APRIL 3rd on the Dennis Miller Radio Show
Today was really windy…mostly a cross wind…the wind blew at about 40 mph all day….but the American Legion riders came out for the first time on the Texas Challenge and provided excellent support for the R2R riders.
The ride from Ft. Hood to Waco was the longest of the event, but it was on some of the nicest roads in Texas. The group pulled out from the 3rd Corp Command and were greeted by some of America’s finest cheering loudly with Chief of Staff Mike Tarsa hopping on his Harley to help lead the wounded warriors on their way. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Day 3 Austin to Ft. Hood: Night of Stars
by Ride 2 RecoveryIt 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. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
R2R Texas Challenge: Day 2–San Marcos to Austin…Texas Pride
by Ride 2 RecoveryThe day got started with cloudy, cold, and windy weather as the group made its way to breakfast. By the time the ride briefing was over and it was time to start, the skies became blue and the roads dry. It was a beautiful day to ride to Austin. On Day 2, the ride always goes smoother and the pace picks up a bit as everyone settles into their rhythm. Despite a brisk head wind, the groups finally formed and the fun got into full swing….
Each day along the route, the USO Canteen sets up a lunch rest stop which is a great relief for all of the riders. Today, the town of Manchaca hosted the ride. A local insurance agent, Lety Johnson, was so happy to have met us–her son is leaving on Saturday for US Marine bootcamp. She hopes the group comes back next year so she can sponsor lunch. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
R2R Texas Challenge: Day 1 San Antonio to San Marcos–A Day in the Sun
by Ride 2 RecoveryThe day got off to a great start as the weather was great with sunny skies and temps in the mid 80’s as a tailwind blew the R2R group all the way 55 miles to San Marcos. After a quick ride briefing, Chad was presented with a special bike that Cowboy legend Roger Staubach autographed for him–it is neat to see grown men brought to tears.
The guys and gals also got geared up; can’t say enough about all of the support this program receives from our partners. Jerseys, socks, arm warmers, glasses, the all important Chamois butt’r, and T-shirts…soon we were off. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Profiles in Courage: U.S. Army LTC Patricia S. Collins
by Ride 2 RecoveryWelcome to PROFILES IN COURAGE, a series of articles profiling the courage and honor from some of the many Wounded Heroes that Road 2 Recovery has come in contact with. It is an honor and privilege to have worked with these brave men and women who have been severely wounded and had to overcame both mental and physical injuries. They have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom.
It is a testament to their courage that each of them has not only overcome these wounds, but has gone beyond what most people thought was possible. Many of them have dedicated themselves to showing fellow wounded warriors the way as mentors, some have gone back to active duty to continue serving our country. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Profiles in Courage: Major Kent Solheim
by Ride 2 RecoveryWelcome to PROFILES IN COURAGE, a series of articles profiling the courage and honor from some of the many Wounded Heroes that Road 2 Recovery has come in contact with. It is an honor and privilege to have worked with these brave men and women who have been severely wounded and had to overcame both mental and physical injuries. They have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom.
This week’s special edition profile features someone who took part in the first ever Road 2 Recovery event and is the exact image of what you would hope your son or daughter could grow up to be, We hope you read this story and remember what makes America great.
One of the greatest characters in the comics is Captain America. Captain America had superhuman power and saved the US from any evil. Meet a real life version: Kent Solheim. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Profiles in Courage: Sgt. Noah Galloway
by Ride 2 RecoveryWelcome to PROFILES IN COURAGE, a series of articles profiling the courage and honor from some of the many Wounded Heroes that Road 2 Recovery has come in contact with. It is an honor and privilege to have worked with these brave men and women who have been severely wounded and had to overcame both mental and physical injuries. They have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom.
It is a testament to their courage that each of them has not only overcome these wounds, but has gone beyond what most people thought was possible. Many of them have dedicated themselves to showing fellow wounded warriors the way as mentors, some have gone back to active duty to continue serving our country. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Profile in Courage: Mike McNaughton
by Ride 2 RecoveryWelcome to Profiles In Courage, a series of articles profiling the courage and honor from some of the many Wounded Heroes that Road 2 Recovery has come in contact with. It is an honor and privilege to have worked with these brave men and women who have been severely wounded and overcame both mental and physical injuries. They have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom.
It is a testament to their courage that each of them has not only overcome these wounds, but has gone beyond what most people thought was possible. Many of them have dedicated themselves to showing fellow wounded warriors the way as mentors, some have gone back to active duty to continue serving our country.
This week’s profile features someone who felt the Call to Duty twice…. once after 9/11 and then during Hurricane Katrina. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Ride 2 Recovery: Profiles in Courage
by Ride 2 RecoveryWelcome to the first in a series of articles profiling courage and honor from some of the many Wounded Heroes Road 2 Recovery has come in contact with. It’s an honor and privilege to have worked with these brave men and women who have been severely wounded and who have had to overcame both mental and physical injuries. They have sacrificed so much to defend our freedom.
It’s a testament to their courage that each of them has not only overcome these wounds, but has gone beyond what most people thought possible. Many of them have dedicated themselves to showing fellow wounded warriors the way as mentors. Some have gone back to active duty to continue serving our country. (more…)
Email this to a friend | Print |
Share on Facebook
| Tweet this
|
Follow Us on Twitter
Subscribe via RSS
Tips & Feedback