Two major North American bicycle events, the Sea Otter Classic and Tour of the Battenkill, will be raising funds and awareness to benefit injured soldiers.
Sea Otter, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in April 2010, has teamed up with the Wounded Warrior Project and Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund to raise funds via its website.
Donations starting at US$10 can be made during the registration process and online at the Sea Otter merchandise store. The contributions will be split equally between the two causes. To make a donation, visit the Sea Otter merchandise site.
Wounded Warrior Project runs the Soldier Ride programme, a cycling event designed to get wounded soldiers back in the saddle,
Soldier Ride manager Woody Groton said: "Wounded Warrior Project is honoured to be associated with the Sea Otter Classic in its 20th year. Cycling has profoundly impacted the emotional and physical recovery of many wounded warriors who have bravely participated in our programme."
Karen Guenther, founder and executive director of the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, said: "On behalf of the Fund and the injured service members we serve, I would like to thank the organisers and participants of the 2010 Sea Otter Classic for your critical support.
"Thank you for believing in our mission and joining our IMSFF family in service to our wounded and their families. Your patriotic heart and spirit means all the difference for our wounded marines, sailors and soldiers, and their families. God bless you all and best wishes for a safe and fun ride!"
Tour of the Battenkill
Organisers of the Tour of the Battenkill– a series of professional and amateur events split between two weekends in April – are adding a Ride2Recovery CycleFest to the 2010 event.
This will be produced by the Fitness Challenge Foundation, in partnership with the Military and VA Volunteer Service Office, to benefit mental and physical rehabilitation programmes for veterans, and will feature cycling as the core activity.
All of the registration proceeds, donations and funds raised by Ride2Recovery riders will go to this registered not-for-profit organisation. For more information, visit www.ride2recovery.com.
