The second annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis (VCR) will be hosted in summer 2016 and a new nomination program, “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime,” has been added. Starting in Los Angeles, California on July 30, the nine-day ride to Sturgis, SD will provide twenty veterans a chance to use motorcycle therapy as a way to decompress from the challenges of post-war life.
Founded in 2015 by veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey and Emmy-award winning director Robert Manciero, VCR uses motorcycle therapy to provide a healing and fun experience for a select group of veterans who need support.
“Giving veterans an outlet for their stress, and creating a way for them to find emotional balance, is critical,” said ride founder Dave Frey. “As a veteran myself, I’ve used long motorcycle rides for years as a mechanism to decompress. It occurred to me that others would benefit from the power of motorcycle therapy. VCR provides a group of veterans with the benefits of riding, plus a camaraderie and brotherhood that veterans often have difficulty finding on their own.”
The challenges for veterans are well documented. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and difficulties with re-assimilation to civilian life are common. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans – many who are still young individuals – are facing a major crisis, with an estimated 20 percent of those veterans having PTSD and/or depression according to a 2014 survey*. Motorcycle therapy is one of several effective therapies for veterans seeking relaxation, peace of mind and enjoyment.
VCR 2016 will give 15 ambulatory and five amputee/disabled veterans of various military branches – the majority of whom are post-9/11 vets – the opportunity to work toward overcoming their post-war challenges on the open road. Riding from Los Angeles to Sturgis, the veterans travel through the most scenic back roads of the western United States on the latest Indian Motorcycle models, some with Champion sidecars and custom trikes. They experience the great outdoors and the beauty this country has to offer, using motorcycles as a mechanism for healing. Along the ride route, the group will stop in small towns to meet with other veterans, supporters and riders, and participate in various adventures, including off-road excursions, and street rallies. Upon arrival in Sturgis, the group is treated to a special “Hero’s Welcome” and have a week-long “ultimate rider” experience, taking part in the world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and further solidifying a brother/sisterhood that was formed on the open roads of the Wild West.
In addition to the veterans chosen by the sponsoring team from various organization, the new program “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime”, enables the public to nominate two deserving veterans to join the ride. People are asked to visit VeteransCharityRide.org/heros-
“Champion Sidecars & Trikes is thrilled to participate in this program for a second year. This year, we are providing more vehicles, so more veterans can reap the benefits of motorcycle therapy and everything this great program has to offer. We believe in the power of motorcycle therapy, and are proud to partner with VCR to change and save lives,” said Craig Arrojo, President of Champion Sidecars & Trikes. Visit http://www.championsidecars.
Back for a second year as primary sponsor is Indian Motorcycle, with additional sponsorship and support provided by Liberty Sport (official eyewear sponsor of VCR), Red Cliffs Lodge (Moab, UT), Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorney, and The Legendary Buffalo Chip in Sturgis, SD.
