Ride 2 Recovery

Ride 2 Recovery

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.

R2R Texas Challenge: Day 2–San Marcos to Austin…Texas Pride

by Ride 2 Recovery

The 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…)

R2R Texas Challenge: Day 1 San Antonio to San Marcos–A Day in the Sun

by Ride 2 Recovery

The 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…)

Profiles in Courage: U.S. Army LTC Patricia S. Collins

by Ride 2 Recovery

Welcome 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…)

Profiles in Courage: Major Kent Solheim

by Ride 2 Recovery

Welcome 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. 


Any resemblance?

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…)

Profiles in Courage: Sgt. Noah Galloway

by Ride 2 Recovery

Welcome 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…)

Profile in Courage: Mike McNaughton

by Ride 2 Recovery

Welcome 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…)

Ride 2 Recovery: Profiles in Courage

by Ride 2 Recovery

Welcome 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…)