Injured Veterans to Cycle 465 Miles from San Francisco Bay Area to Los Angeles for 2014 UnitedHealthcare Ride 2 Recovery California Challenge

Jamie Rihn, medically retired Marine from Oceanside, is one of more than 200 injured veterans and their supports who will embark on this year’s UnitedHealthcare Ride 2 Recovery California Challenge, a 465-mile bicycle ride from VA Palo Alto Healthcare System to VA West Los Angeles Medical Center.

Ride 2 Recovery provides physical and psychological rehabilitation programs for injured veterans, featuring cycling as its core activity.  Rihn joined the Corps in March of 2003 and has been deployed four times; three were considered Combat tours, and include her last deployment to Afghanistan.  Rihn retired from the Marine Corps on July 30, 2014.

“Being able to be around ‘people like me’ helps a lot,” said Rihn.  “I normally don’t like to be around crowds, but when I’m with Ride 2 Recovery, it makes things easier.  It allows me to put myself in a group of people and practice my exposure therapy.  While here at my home, if my husband isn’t with me, my service dog, Rhea goes everywhere with me.”

Most riders, from all four branches of the military, come from a Warrior Transition Unit to aid in their rehabilitation.  Road bikes, hand cycles and recumbents have all been modified to fit the needs of riders and their injuries.  The 2014 UnitedHealthcare Ride 2 Recovery California Challenge begins on Sunday, Oct. 5.  visit www.ride2recovery.com for a full schedule.