Interbike, the largest bicycle industry trade show in North America, is partnering with Ride 2 Recovery (R2R) on the new R2R/Interbike Honor Ride at this year’s event. Ride 2 Recovery is a non-profit organization whose mission is ‘to improve the health and wellness of healing heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan through mental and physical rehabilitation programs that feature cycling as the core activity.’
The new R2R/Interbike 25-mile ride will start at Interbike’s new home, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center (MBCC) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday 17 September at 08:00 local time. Veterans, troops and all attendees of the Interbike trade show are invited to ride to the OutDoor Demo site in Boulder City, Nevada. This new Honor Ride event replaces the annual Lake Mead Ride that used to be staged at the OutDoor Demo on the Tuesday morning.
“This event is really important to us and to our industry,” said Pat Hus, Vice President of Interbike. “We want to celebrate these heroes and what they have done for this country, and honestly we couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the show than with an event such as this. We are extremely proud to be partnering with R2R and Raleigh to put on what promises to be a very powerful and moving experience for the industry.”
Ride 2 Recovery works closely with Raleigh, Shimano and others to adapt bikes for injured veterans so they can once again find a physical and mental outlet, whether alone or in groups. As they rebuild strength and conditioning, they are also healing the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and depression. The organization was founded by John Wordin, a former racer and race team director for the Mercury Cycling Team.
“Cycling is a powerful, therapeutic exercise that can play a significant role in the healing of our nation’s injured warriors,” Wordin said. “These athletes are amazing in what they are able to accomplish and we are very proud to be able to help make their lives more fulfilling through cycling. Everyone in our industry should come out and join us for this ride. I personally guarantee they won’t be disappointed.”
A large reception and fund-raising silent auction at the OutDoor Demo are planned for when the cyclists arrive at approximately 10:00. Interbike and R2R are working to include participation from the Nellis Air Force base and local media as part of the reception at the OutDoor Demo Oasis.
Participating in the R2R/Interbike Honor Ride is free to all Interbike attendees. Participants can sign up at www.ride2recovery.com starting on 1 July 2013. SAG Support will be provided by Ride 2 Recovery and Raleigh.
www.interbike.com
www.ride2recovery.com
