It’s not often that we just copy and paste directly from press releases we’re sent, but Eileen at Mellow Johnny‘s has sent us an event announcement we just had to share. MJ’s has two days of events and a ride along with the Wounded Warrior Project coming up on the 11th and 12th. It’s a really worthy event and we encourage everyone to participate – respectfully.

To learn more about the Soldier Ride concept, I suggest this article at Pedal Pushers Online.

Wednesday, March 11
Kick-Off Party at Mellow Johnny’s
6:30 pm-8 pm
Saul Raisin talk and book signing
Live music, refreshments, merchandise benefiting WWP
9:30 pm Post Party at Tap Room

Thursday, March 12
Soldier Ride
9:00 am Soldiers arrive at Mellow Johnny’s for setup
10:00 am Presentation and Ride Kick-Off
10:20-30 am Roll-out from Mellow Johnny’s for Austin Ride
Tentative Route Map is available here

Contact: Eileen Schaubert
512.426.4851 eileen@mellowjohnnys.com

WOUNDED WAR VETS KICK OFF TEXAS BIKE RIDE AT MELLOW JOHNNY’S

The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride rolls out of Mellow Johnny’s to raise awareness and fulfill the program mission to provide a rehabilitative program for wounded combat veterans.

Austin, TX. Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride Lone Star Challenge, March 11-15, 2009. The ride honors wounded combat veterans rehabilitating from a wide range of distinctions including limb deficiency, brain trauma, paralysis, and other injuries. With adaptable bikes, equipment, and training, these cycling vets participate in rides that connect them with other injured soldiers, the supportive community, and with the proof that they can resume an active—even competitive— life after their injuries. Rides have been happening throughout the country for the last 5 years in Washington D.C., Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and other locales. The 2009 Lone Star Challenge is the first foray into Austin, Texas. In addition to Austin, events and rides will occur in San Antonio and Corpus Christi.

“I was in a pretty bad place when I got back from Iraq,” says Sean McEndree, a wounded veteran of the Iraq war, and now works with Wounded Warrior as a way to give back. “Wounded Warrior Project gave me the camaraderie and support I needed at the time. When we get together for these rides, it energizes us and reminds us that we aren’t alone.” Sean was in a convoy traveling to the Baghdad airport when his vehicle stopped at a line of IEDs. His vehicle took a direct hit, sending shrapnel through his body. As he got up to clear the area, he took an AK47 round to his chest.

Another veteran to ride in Austin is Major David C. Underwood. While commanding an artillery mission clearing abandoned residences, he was struck by a House Borne IED. The blast struck his chest and severed his right arm below the elbow. In addition, he experienced injuries to his right leg. Major Underwood will be riding on an upright handlebar bike with adaptations to it and his prosthetic arm that allows him to clip to the handlebars.

The public is encouraged to ride with the soldiers, cheer them from the roadsides, or honor them at Mellow Johnny’s on Wednesday and Thursday.

A kick-off event happens at Mellow Johnny’s in downtown Austin on Wednesday evening, March 11 with live music, food, and an appearance by Saul Raisin. Raisin is a former pro cyclist who suffered life-threatening brain trauma while racing in Europe. Since his recovery, he has written a book about the experience, and has contributed to support the Wounded Warrior Project. He will recount his challenges, triumphs, and the movement to support research, support, and advocacy for those having suffered brain trauma.

The ride on Thursday morning will take soldiers and any other rider who wants to join a trek on bike-friendly commuter streets through Austin. There will be a stop at Camp Mabry, and the ride ends back at Mellow Johnny’s.
About Wounded Warrior Project and Soldier Ride

Soldier Ride is a program of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) that provides key rehabilitation opportunities for wounded warriors and raises public awareness for those that have been severely injured during the current war on terror.

Wounded Warrior Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP offers services and programs like benefits and career counseling, advocacy initiatives and combat stress seminars to aid in the transition from hospital bed to an independent, productive life. All participants with a disability or missing a limb or limbs are provided the adaptive equipment they need to cycle.