More than 200 injured war veterans set off on bicycles this Memorial Day to kick off the third annual Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge.
The 325-mile ride will take the wounded veterans and supporters from Arlington to Virginia Beach in 6 days.
Day one of the trip consisted of a 50-mile ride from Arlington to Manassas. Among the notable riders who suited up for the day were: National R2R spokesman SGT-Ret. U.S. Army Nathan Hunt, U.S. Army SFC-Ret. Mike McNaughton, U.S. Marine Lance Cpl.-Ret. Chuck Sketch, U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Nathan DeWalt, and hundreds of other wounded veterans.
The USO is set to provide rest stops and the American Legion bikers will be providing motorcycle escorts to help keep the cyclists safe from traffic.
UnitedHealthcare is sponsoring the event for the second year in a row. Deloitte, BAE Systems and American Airlines are also acting as sponsors.
“The Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge helps support important health programs for the men and women who serve our country, and we are honored to work with them through these cycling events,” said Jim Cronin, CEO of the Mid-Atlantic region of the UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual Business. “Exercise and rehabilitation services are critically important to help injured veterans return to the health and well-being they richly deserve.”
Since 2007 the Ride 2 Recovery has been benefiting the rehabilitation of wounded veterans across the country. The program raises money to fund cycling programs that support the physical and mental well being of veterans.
Ride 2 Recovery is encouraging the public to cheer on the riders at various points along the journey.