Ride 2 Recovery Don’t Mess with Texas Challenge

In 2012 I was privileged to participate in two long bicycle rides with Ride 2 Recovery. In April I rode 350 miles from San Antonio to Arlington, TX and in September I rode 340 miles from Boston to NYC. Spending time with wounded warriors and healing heroes and listening to them describe the nature of their injuries and their mental and physical rehabilitation have convinced me that we need to continue to support this effort. Friends and families gave over $13,000 dollars in support of these two rides. I have signed up for the “Don’t Mess with Texas Challenge” ride 7-14 Apr 2013 from San Antonio to Ft Worth. Ride 2 Recovery asks every participant rider to raise $3000 but I believe that my friends and family can once again provide $10,000 in support of our veterans that have given so much in support of our freedom. I never grow tired of the quote, “America is the land of the free because it is the home of the brave.”
 
There are at least three things that impress me most about these challenge bicycle rides. First and foremost is the uplifting attitude of our wounded warriors. The blind love to feel the wind on their face. The double amputees enjoy the freedom of riding and being outdoors with friends. Several say they would seriously consider suicide if it were not for Ride 2 Recovery. Next, Ride 2 Recovery will do whatever it takes to put a wounded warrior on a bicycle. I’ve shared pictures of the adaptations sometimes necessary for a rider with no hands or recumbent cycles for riders who have impaired equilibrium. Finally, R2R reminds Americans that our freedom is not free. When we ride past a school and all of the children are outside lining the streets with American flags and signs of encouragement while waving and yelling, we are educating them and reminding them to never forget.
 
You can sponsor me directly by visiting http://ride2recovery.com/sponsor-a-rider.html . On the page enter my name, David McClung, and the tax deductible amount you wish to contribute. I am asking for small donations, even $20-100 would be great. Of course more is even better, but I really feel that more awareness and help to our wounded brothers and sisters is the true benefit.  If you believe in helping to heal America’s Wounded Warriors as much as I do, please donate what you can. No amount is too small, but the more we help, the more we heal. Over ninety percent of each dollar you donate goes directly to help wounded veterans participate in the Ride 2 Recovery. At least pray that my now sixty-one year old legs can pedal that far!
 
You can also mail a check payable to Ride 2 Recovery.  Please indicate my name in the “comments” area of your check.
 
Ride 2 Recovery
23679 Calabasas Rd #420
Calabasas, CA 91302
 
If you would like to learn more about this worthy organization, go to http://www.ride2recovery.com/  More than anything else, I covet your friendship and your prayers. Please pass this note to others that may be interested.
 
Have a very blessed day,
 
David McClung
 
Contact David for more information at david.a.mcclung2.civ@mail.mil.