Eleven bicyclists with and without disabilities rode more than 3,000 miles across the United States to raise awareness and funds for three programs that support people with disabilities: the Semper Fi Fund, the Independence Fund, and the Adaptive Sports & Adventures Program at Carolinas Rehabilitation.
The From Sea to Shining Sea 2016 ride began near Camp Pendleton in California on April 10 and ended at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina on April 24. The riders, who included hand cyclists and military veterans, cycled in rotating teams of two. Although they battled extreme temperatures, mosquitoes, exhaustion, and other difficulties along the way, they also shared their message of hope for those with disabilities.
“For each member of our team, this is a bucket list item, to cycle across the country, but it’s definitely bigger than that,” said Aaron Harper, a medically retired Marine Corps sergeant and the event’s co-director.
For more information about the ride, visit www.w2e2016.org and www.facebook.com/groups/Sea2ShiningSea.
This article was adapted from information provided by Carolinas HealthCare System.
Above image from left: Medically retired Marine Sergeant Jorge Toledo pushes athlete Robbie Parks, who is partially paralyzed. Retired Marine Major Ed Moen, who also has a disability, is ready to assist.
