Cross-State Bike Ride Supports Injured Veterans

Arlington (CBSDFW.COM) - Smiles could be seen on the faces of more than 200 cyclists as they rode into Arlington today.

It marks the end of a week long journey that could make a lifetime difference for Unites States veterans.

Hundreds took part in a cross-state cycling event called Ride 2 Recovery.

The seven day Texas Challenge task began at Brooke Army Medical Center's Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio with a route that carried the cyclists through central Texas with overnight stops in San Marcos, Austin, Ft. Hood, Waco and Cleburne and concluded in Arlington Saturday among the riders are veterans wounded at combat.

"It's a testament to our service members today and how much strength they have inside that they didn't know they had in them," Lieutenant Colonel Patty Collins of Fort Hood said.

Ride 2 Recovery supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs for injured veterans, featuring cycling as the core activity. From indoor spinning training at military installations to multiday, long-distance rides, Ride 2 Recovery helps injured veterans heal through the challenge of cycling long distances using hand cycles, recumbents, tandems and traditional road bikes.

Juan Carlos Hernandez was injured in Afghanistan when his helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade. His leg had to be amputated.

"You have a lot of guys who were deployed and we go from going a hundred miles an hour every day, working out, working, flying, to being in a hospital doing nothing, completely stopped," expressed Hernandez. "You feel like you can't do the things you were able to do before, but after completing a 380 mile bike ride, 'what is there not to do'?" Hernandez said.

This is the third year that UnitedHealthcare is serving as Ride 2 Recovery's presenting sponsor, providing financial, in-kind and volunteer support to assist in the rehabilitation of America's injured veterans.

"The Ride 2 Recovery Texas Challenge helps support important health programs for men and women who served our country, and we are honored to serve them through this sponsorship," said Tom Quirk, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual of Texas. "Exercise and rehabilitation services are critically important to help injured veterans enjoy a return to the health and well-being they richly deserve."

"One of the best qualities of cycling is that practically anyone can participate," John Wordin said, president and founder, Ride 2 Recovery. "We adapt bikes for the injured veterans so they can once again find the 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. Cycling is a powerful therapeutic exercise that they can continue to do for the rest of their lives," Wordin said.

The wounded warriors were met with flags and fanfare as supporters lined the streets in Arlington, waving flags and welcoming the service members to their destination.

"Every Texan has a big heart," Hernandez said. "They support us any way they want it's amazing and I love it."