More than 200 veterans and their supporters joined in the 7th Annual UnitedHealthcare Ride 2 Recovery California Challenge this past week. Bicyclists from around the country headed to the Bay Area on Oct. 5 to begin the ride. The group of riders, some with physical injuries, others PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, participated in the challenging seven-day, 450-mile ride as a part of a rehabilitation program. Ride 2 Recovery riders rode down the scenic California coast, taking their last break at Sycamore Canyon Beach at Point Mugu State Park. Many additional veterans joined in the last leg of the ride to the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center where the ride ended on Saturday.
Ride 2 Recovery bicyclists are pumped up to get on their bike and head out for the last leg of their seven-day ride from the Bay Area to the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Participant Dale Stetina said, “We take for granted gifts we shouldn’t take for granted.”
Veteran Chris Stoltie and Mike Durner take a break at scenic Sycamore Canyon Beach on the last leg of their ride.
After a short break on Saturday, bicyclists headed out from Sycamore Canyon Beach to West Los Angeles to complete their seven-day UnitedHealthcare Ride 2 Recovery California Challenge