Ride 2 Recovery: Rocky Mountain Challenge

“A lot, a lot, a lot of people have been helped through the program,” actor and ride participant Mike Vogel told TheDC. “We could rattle off a long list of names of people who are returning to active duty who never thought that they would ever be able to again.”

Best known for his work in Miami Medical and Cloverfield, Vogel has gone on four rides, including the very first ride in 2008, and will be riding the Rocky Mountain Challenge. In May 2007, Vogel lost a cousin in Iraq. “It really got me to look at what I could do from my end of things and make a difference for these guys,” he said. “And this was great a avenue that was available.”

Vogel’s initial experience with the Ride 2 Recovery was also his first experience on a bike. “I had never ridden before, in fact I made fun of it. Spandex, Really?? I’m wearing spandex right now!? But then after one ride I realized how hard it is and I kind of had a baptism by fire because these guys will ride like it is a coffee break.” He continued, “You can’t feel tired when you are biking next to a guy with such harsh injuries.”

UnitedHealthCare is one of the ride’s largest sponsors. UnitedHealthCare employees will be participating in the ride and putting on events for the riders, including a Health and Wellness Expo on August 4 for all war veterans in the Colorado Springs area.

Will Shanley, a UnitedHealthCare spokesman, told TheDC that his organization is thrilled to be involved. “This is a great event which really aligns with our mission to get people to live healthier lives. It is truly an honor to be able to sponsor these amazing men and women.”

The USO is also helping to sponsor the event. “The USO wants to partner with the very best organizations to do more for the troops and families,” said CEO Sloan Gibson. “From my perspective, Ride 2 Recovery is the best.”

The USO will be servicing rest stops, providing the riders with food, water and encouragement, and the American Legion Riders will keep traffic in check and help guide the group.

On the ten year anniversary of 9/11, the Ride 2 Recovery plans to begin a ride which will incorporate all three crash sites. The ride will start at the site of the World Trade Center, head to Shanksville, Pennsylvania and finish at the Pentagon.

Ride 2 Recovery encourages civilians to raise money, come out on the ride or cheer on the sidelines to see true heroes in action. You can learn more at www.ride2recovery.com

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