More than 200 injured veterans and their supporters will set off across Florida on December 12, starting the six-day, 350-mile Ride 2 Recovery Florida Challenge. The event is sponsored by UnitedHealthcare. Ride 2 Recovery Florida Challenge will raise funds to support indoor Spinning® Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at Military and VA locations around the U.S., aiding the rehabilitation and recovery efforts of the injured veterans.
“We are very, very proud to a part of this Ride 2 Recovery Florida Challenge,†said David Lewis, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of Central/North Florida. “The sacrifices made by the men and women in our military are enormous, and when injury occurs, they need the full measure of our support. We want those brave individuals to enjoy a return to the health and wellbeing they richly deserve.â€Â
The bicycle ride will begin Saturday, December 12 from MacDill AFB and end on Thursday, December 17 at the Jacksonville Jag’s game vs. the Colts after a stop at Naval Station, Mayport. The USO will again provide support for the daily rest stops with the USO Canteen being present each day. The American Legion Riders will provide a motorcycle escort during the event and several American Legion Posts will sponsor dinners and community events.
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Notable participants include Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Gary Roughead, Warrior Care and Transition Commander BGEN Gary Cheek, Jeremiah Workman – Recipient – Navy Cross, Nathan Hunt – National Spokesman R2R – double amputee, Greg Gadson – double amputee (Superbowl Giants’ inspirational co-captain), and Mike McNaughton – National Spokesman R2R and Louisiana Dept. of VA The National Commander of the American Legion and the President of the American Legion Auxiliary will also be on the ride. Several member of the USO will participate in the full ride in addition to the USO Canteen providing rest stop support.
The ride features stops at the Florida Gator’s football stadium (The Swamp), World Golf Hall of Fame, and Mayport Naval Base before the ending ceremony at the Jag’s Game. Other highlights along the route include school visits, welcome parades, and community events sponsored by the USO and the American Legion Family.
The Florida Challenge from Tampa to Jacksonville, presented by UnitedHealthcare, is set to be an exciting, fun, and life-changing event for everyone involved. To find out more or to sign up for an upcoming ride, please visit www.ride2recovery.com.
