INJURED MILITARY VETERANS TO RIDE 325 MILES FROM WYOMING TO FORT CARSON

Colorado Springs, CO  (July 27, 2010) – More than 100 injured veterans will complete the Ride 2 Recovery Rocky Mountain Challenge, a six-day, 325-mile ride which begins at the Wyoming state capitol, Cheyenne and ending at Fort Carson on August 5^th.  The ride will cross some of the best cycling roads in the United States, including the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the Garden of the Gods near Colorado Springs culminating at Fort Carson’s Manhart Field.

The Ride 2 Recovery Rocky Mountain Challenge, sponsored by UnitedHealthcare, raises funds for R2R indoor Spinning® Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at military and Veterans Affairs locations around the United States, aiding injured veterans’ rehabilitation and recovery efforts.

“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Ride 2 Recovery Rocky Mountain Challenge, which helps to make a difference in the lives of the men and women in our military,” said Beth Soberg, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Colorado.  “Supporting the Ride 2 Recovery helps ensure our injured and disabled veterans have access to the care and services they need.”

The United Service Organizations (USO) will support the daily rest stops with the USO West Mobile Canteen and will host a BBQ on August 5^th at Manhart Field at Fort Carson to welcome the 100 injured veterans as they complete their 325 mile journey.  “We are honored to partner with Ride 2 Recovery and continue our support to wounded warriors as we continue to meet the many needs of our men and women in our military,” said Joe Aldaz, Director, Rocky Mountain USO.

Notable participants and speakers include: Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter; Molson Coors Brewing Co. Chairman Peter Coors who will ride from Boulder to Denver ; Lt. Col. Patricia Collins; retired Sgt. 1^st Class Georg-Andreas Pogany of Denver; Ride 2 Recovery spokesman Nathan Hunt and actor Mike Vogel (“Miami Medical,” “Cloverfield”).

Schools, community groups and the public are encouraged to gather along the daily routes to recognize the sacrifices of all our veterans and to support those who are riding.  The event ride guide is posted at http://www.ride2recovery.com/images/stories/RMC%20Ride%20Guide%202010.pdf

To find out more or to sign up for an upcoming ride, please visit www.ride2recovery.com or learn more about the USO, visit www.uso.org

About the USO

The USO (United Service Organizations) lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases around the world, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services tailored to meet troop needs. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward deployed troops and their families, wounded warriors and their families, and the families of the fallen.

The USO is a private, nonprofit organization, not a government agency; we rely on the generosity of our donors. In addition to individual donors and other corporate sponsors, the USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems, The Boeing Company, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca Cola Company, Gallery Furniture, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation and TriWest Healthcare Alliance, as well as other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC11381). We strive to deliver maximum benefit for troops and their families from every donor dollar.