Veterans, Active Duty Service Members Participate in Rehabilitation Ride

NORFOLK (NNS) -- More than 200 veterans, active duty service members and their supporters traveled more than 45 miles from Williamsburg to Naval Station Norfolk during the United Healthcare Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge, May 31.

The Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge is a seven-day, 325-mile ride in a series of cycling events designed to improve the overall health and well being of injured veterans by providing multi-day, long distance group rides as a means to aid in rehabilitation.

Founded to help the strength and conditioning of veterans coming from warrior transition units or battalions, Ride 2 Recovery also is aimed at helping them with the emotional and psychological obstacles they face when returning to the U.S. from service abroad.

"It is a rehabilitation ride where the cyclists come to us from the warrior transition units and veteran's affairs facilities to continue their rehabilitation," said Debora Spano, spokesperson for the Ride 2 Recovery Memorial Challenge. "Everyday they're out there beating their own personal challenge and working with each other to help someone else beat theirs."

As part of the Ride 2 Recovery, cycling is seen as an activity in which veterans with both physical and mental disabilities can collectively find the strength necessary to overcome depression and other inconveniences that coincide with their recovery.

Participants use a variety of cycles such as traditional road bikes, modified hand cycles, tandem cycles and recumbents to fit the needs of any rider. Representatives from the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are given bikes, mechanical support, clothing, food, transportation and lodging all at no cost.

"When they asked me to come along for the initial ride five years ago, as a Vietnam War veteran I said 'I've been waiting 45 years for a program like this,'" said Jim Penseyres, United States Marine Corps veteran. "The rides are just great for all the veterans involved."

Beginning with indoor stationary training at military installations, participants in the seven-day Memorial Challenge worked diligently in preparation for the 325-mile ride from Washington, D.C., to Virginia Beach.

Each of the more than 200 participants began their rehabilitative journey as individuals, but with teamwork, camaraderie and an overall sense of belonging, they are on their way to finishing as a team. In doing so, they are likely to find a sense of accomplishment and a sense of pride in themselves for developing the ability to combat the physical and psychological problems they face each day.

For more news from Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Norfolk, visit www.navy.mil/local/pacennorfolk/.