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.

Rocket takes off

Each ride has it’s own feeling and character and some would say characters. Many warriors have been involved in the program early on. One such rider is Juan Guerrero from the great state of Alaska. Juan started riding with us in California last year and has missed only one event since. He is always smiling even though he is in great pain as his lower right leg is badly damaged from a tour in Iraq.  He has finally decided that it would be better to amputate the leg than endure the pain he contends with now. On Tuesday, he will check into Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas and the operation will be in a couple of weeks after that. He is already talking about coming out to the next ride in Florida on December 12 in Tampa, Florida.

Alaska’s own Juan Guerrero

A big part of what makes the R2R rides successful is out corporate partners. We have many that contribute to the effort including the American Legion Family and the USO. One of the bicycle industry partners is Shimano. Shimano’s Wayne Stetina has been involved since the beginning, but this is the first event where they have brought out the Neutral support truck and a mechanic. Robert Melzer and Bissell team mechanic Ben Oliver have been helping out the riders every day. They keep the riders and more importantly their bikes going each day. One of the benefits for the riders is that they get to try out the new Shimano Di2 electronic shifting system. The electronic shifting is very important to those with arm and hand use injuries. It makes it easier for those injured vets are able to shift and brake with just one hand. R2R has provided two warriors a shifting kit and is working with the VA to make it more accessible to those who fall under the VA system.

Shimano lending a hand

Dinner tonight is one of the best events of all of the R2R tours. Dennis Miller from SNL fame is the special guest. The sold-out event will raise over $15,000 for the R2R program. Miller entertained the crowd with his comedic tails of life. The evening was capped off with auction of a custom signed painting that went for $2500. A great night for all.

Just another day in the Challenge

Tomorrow Fox News reporter Adam Housley and actor Mike Vogel join the ride.

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.

I love this ride and all these wonderful people I get to hang out with.  I pray tomorrow will be as rewarding as today. Everyone tells me it’s going to be tough and I am so sore after my first day. But I am bound and determined to make it to the finish on Saturday!

****

Riders as far as the eye can see

Today’s ride from San Simeon to Pismo Beach pushed us past the halfway point of the ride. It also put the R2R warriors into our traditional area of community support. Beginning with the reception in Cambria all the way down to Pismo, the towns and community really came out to show their appreciation for the sacrifice these wounded heroes have made to serve our country.

USMC Dan “Doc” Jacobs

Today also marked the addition of three riders. Chad Fleming and actor Kristy Swanson joined up and brought even more energy to the group. Even R2R stalwart Larry Jester finally made it out.

The Dog has a great view

The group left San Simeon in one big group. It was a great way for everyone to talk with those they have not yet met. The best part of the day was knowing that Otis Spunkmeyer fresh baked cookies would be waiting for us at the finish. The other thing this leg of the ride is known for is the outpouring of support from the kids at schools along the route. It is amazing the affect screaming kids can have on a bunch of grown men and women. The calls of “USA, USA…,” “We Love You!,” and “Go USA!” could be heard from blocks away. There is much to say about how much it means to us to see this outpouring of support. It really is fun to see

Kids welcome us to town

Tomorrow ends with Dennis Miller….. – John Wordin

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. 

Afterwards, join us for a FREE celebration at the West LA VA next to the Wadsworth Theater. The entertainment will be provided by SNL’s Victoria Jackson, Jon David, and Rock Nation and you can visit and talk with the heroes including Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Walt Ehlers and the American Legion Riders.

Schedule

• 9:00 AM   Riders leave Ventura
• 1:00 PM  Join us on San Vicente Blvd. to welcome the riders home
• 1:30 PM   Riders Arrive – West LA VA 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073
• 1:45 PM   ROCK NATION                     
• 3:15 PM   Jon David Performs
• 3:30 PM   VICTORIA JACKSON LIVE
• 4:45 PM   Program concludes 

Join our community in saluting these Heroes

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.

At the ready...

The groups left in the early morning calm that led way to a Big Tailwind, especially the last 20 miles. The riders were almost giddy when they pulled into San Simeon with most saying that this was the best day of the ride. The riders worked hard to ride together to save energy and the inspiring site of Nate Hunt on the R2R USO handcycle along with the constant site of the beautiful landscape kept everyone going. The local NBC station was there to greet Nate as he pulled into the hotel and they also are doing a feature on Sgt. Anthony Brooks from Ft. Eustice. Tony is perhaps the tallest R2R participant, which is saying something. The Ft. Eustice group traveled the furthest to get to California and Sgt. Brooks is their leader here.

Cambria kids welcome the warriors

Many of the general public riders who have raised money in order to participate supported the warriors as they went up and over the constant undulations of the California coast. One of those couple was former Mercury cycling team member John Peters and his wife Brenda. They are participating in the ride and have never enjoyed riding a bike so much. It was great to see them with Scott and Lisa (also former Mercury staff) chatting about the good old days.

The Biggest difference was that they had more time to prepare coming into the ride. The clinics that were set up at the LA area VAs and Camp Pendleton really seemed to pay off. This program is something that R2R hopes to expand as more funding comes in.

John and Brenda

The day was capped off with a dinner next to the ocean that was sponsored by kids from the local high school. Just as they did last year, the kids created their own placemats and posters and put them out throughout the room. They baked dessert and gave the warriors a sense of support that is only going to grow as the riders head off south tomorrow towards Pismo Beach.

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.

Make my day...

The biggest difference this year is the participation with the VA system in California. All of the major VA teams have brought new injured vets into the program. One such group is from Antelope Valley; in all, six riders made the trip to join the ride. Many of them received their bikes just two weeks ago. Although they would have like to have more time to prepare, they have had a great time. Today two of their members, David Balladarez and Gary Sandoval, made the first group. They could not have been happier. They learned about drafting and how much you should eat when you are riding.

American Legion Riders lead the way each day

At dinner tonight, they were joined by another AV rider Anthony Cabrera and Navy Seal Lt. Robert Ramirez. Lt. Ramirez was awarded a bronze star with V for Valor for his service in Iraq. He was part of a joint integration team with the US Army Special Ops and the Navy Seals that help counter the insurgents in Irag. A famous novel called the Sheriff of Ramadi chronicled this effort. Ramirez is now attending the Naval College in Monterrey.

Nate leading the way

The riders are now looking forward to the biggest day on the tour as we leave Carmel and head down to San Simeon and through the beautiful Big Sur national forest.

Lt. Ramirez with AV

A therapeutic challenge: Veterans with physical, mental injuries will bike from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

To Support Our Wounded Vets.

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.

We had the Hospital Director from the Fresno VA along for the ride for the first couple of days showing the growing importance of the program.

One of the things that people always ask is how do you know if you are really making a difference?

Last year 14 wounded heroes took part in the ride without having ridden a bike since childhood. They received their bikes the day before the ride started and had no time to prepare. Fast forward to 2009 and thanks to a grant from the USO, 78 bikes have been given to wounded heroes throughout the US. This has given the participants time to train and set up their riding position. The wounded vets have been training for months just to prepare for this event. Our first handcycle and trike cycle riders are trying to overcome the hills of California. Nate Hunt, a veteran of 2 R2R events this year has taken California as his personal challenge. 75 miles down and no one doubts that he will make it all the way.

One of those 14 riders was Elmer Urgarte. Ugarte, a native of San Diego, said he signed up for the ride as a tribute to 2 of his friends that did not make it out of Iraq. Urgarte was shot in the chest by a sniper while patrolling Karmah, Iraq, on July 23. He was rushed to the hospital in Iraq and was dead for 5 minutes. Because of the great work of the medical staff, he was eventually given a new lease on life. A chance that he did not want to waste. The surgery from Ugarte’s wound left a scar from his sternum to several inches below his naval.

He had several subsequent surgeries and had trouble breathing. Despite all this he decided to show up to San Francisco last year. He rode most of the ride but suffered greatly. Few will forget the heartfelt impromptu address he made at the Solvang dinner.

This year, Urgarte showed up to San Francisco a completely changed man. Gone was almost 50 pounds and a new found dedication of health and fitness.

“Cycling is my new addiction, and because of this ride, it will become yours,” he told the participants prior to the start of the ride. “Last year I struggled and this year I came to have a great time.

The new improved Elmer…..

This is a great example of how the program affects the participants and how they can benefit.

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. 

Items up for bid include:

• Dinner with Sarah Palin
• Lunch with Karl Rove
• CSI NY set experience and wrap party with Gary Sinise
• Behind the Ropes at a PGA event with David Farehty
• Lunch at the Capitol with Frank Luntz
• Meet and Greet at the Sean Hannity Show with Sean Hannity and Frank Luntz
• Meet, Greet and Dinner with Fox Special Report with Bret Baier and Steve Hayes
• Play’N'Stay at the World Golf Resort
• Phil Jackson Autographed Basketball
• Rob Lowe Autographed Dodger Jersey from the recent Hollywood Stars game

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. Ride 2 Recovery improves the health and wellness of injured veterans through cycling.  Cycling is an important part of the recovery process because it is an activity that almost all patients with mental and physical disabilities can participate, and because it helps to speed up the rehabilitation process.

On October 4, 2009, more than 150 injured veterans and supporters will set off down the California coast on the seven- day, 460-mile, Golden State Challenge from San Francisco to LA. In December, the injured vets will ride from Tampa to Jacksonville finishing at the Jaguars game vs. the Colts on December 17. 
 
Ride 2 Recovery has 10 incredible auction items to choose from and we are excited to announce the highlight of the auction being a special dinner with Sarah Palin. The other A-List items that will be offered include a lunch with Karl Rove,  former George W Bush Senior Advisor. This lunch will be hosted at the famous Bobby Van’s restaurant in Washington, DC. 

Other items up for bid include a CSI NY set experience and wrap party with Gary Sinise, behind the ropes tour at a CBS PGA event with David Farehty, a Phil Jackson Autographed Basketball and a Rob Lowe autographed Dodger Hollywood Stars Jersey from the recent Hollywood Stars game at Dodger Stadium. 

The final experiences include Bret Baier, Sean Hannity Frank Luntz and Steve Hayes. These major political figures are offering special meet and greets where the auction winner will get the chance to talk about current events. 

The charity auction will take place via the eBay Giving Works program, which allows buyers and sellers to dedicate proceeds from their sales to one of more than 19,000 charities. To date, the eBay community has raised more than $165 million for charity. An annual lunch with Warren Buffett has the highest bid ever paid on eBay at $2.11 million in 2008. 

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.

Ft. Monroe

We talk about how the ride is very family oriented. Today was the perfect example of how the family plays a big role in the overall healing part of a wounded warrior’s rehab. For the first time, Nate Hunt’s wife took the road on a bike to ride with her husband. She had been secretly training since the end of the Texas Challenge so that she could ride the last day today and surprise Nate. She has been a very valuable member of our support team along with Patty Bruder, Leah Edmonds, John and Jessica Austerman, Neil Stewart, and Scott and Lisa.

Nathan and Michelle Hunt

After our arrival at our final destination, many of the wounded warriors had their family including their kids waiting for them and cheering them for the challenge just completed. It was great to see the cheers and tears for a goal accomplished.

For the final piece of entertainment, we were all treated to former “American Idol” winner David Cook in concert at the beachfront. Thanks to the City of Virginia Beach and the USO for the experience. The coolest part was when David Cook sang Happy Birthday to Patty Collins on her 40th B-day.

R2R reaches Virginia Beach

It was a fitting end to a great week of fun, riding, and making friends for life.

Now we are all thinking about California… Hope you all can join us…..

Road2Recovery homepage here.

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.

Jackie and Dr. Doug

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.

Heading to Yorktown

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.

Patty Collins in action

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.

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.

New Kent turns out to welcome the riders

As the ride went through new Kent Township, hundreds of students came out to greet the riders and hear stories from them. The daily USO rest stop was next door and each of the schools teachers brought their students by to talk with the wounded warriors. They were especially fascinated with Jim Penseyres prosthetic leg. When we were in Texas, the kids came out every day, thanks in no large part to all of the efforts by the American Legion Auxiliary.

Jim and the kids

The main development was that Scot Moro, the ex-Mercury Cycling Team mechanic rigged up a push bar for Nate Hunt to enable him to get help on the days big climbs. The unintended consequences were that now Nate was like a rocket and instead of coming in behind most of the regular bikes, he was at the front and actually led the group to the finish in Williamsburg.

Rolling along the roads of Virginia

Tomorrow, we head down the Colonial Parkway on our way to Hampton and Ft. Eustice, home to one of the largest WTU’s will host dinner. In addition, the movie “Brother’s at War” will be shown to a standing room only crowd that will include all of the R2R participants. Thanks to the movie’s creator, Jake Rademacher, for making this possible.

We are only 2 days away from the big concert finish with “American Idol” winner David Cook.

Nate cooling off after a long day in the saddle