Carole Sheets (event Co-chair) and I would like to thank all of our loyal EBC members and all the participants who came out last Sunday to ride for a great cause.
More than 700 cyclists, including 33 hand-cyclists, participated in the Everglades Bicycle Club Homestead Speedway FREEDOM RIDE on October 19th.
In one word, it was INSPIRING. Why? The Members of the Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans (Achilles International) have suffered serious injury from combat, protecting our country and our freedom. In an effort to explore their athletic potential and overcome challenges, they have turned to hand-cycling as their new sport. At our event, they were paired with able-bodied cyclist volunteers who assisted on their rides and many completed a century or the metric century courses. That is quite a remarkable feat for these amputees, paraplegics and quadriplegics. Many of the ride buddies reported to have moved by the experience, and like us, inspired!
This was the first time the Everglades Bicycle Club has reached out to disabled cyclists and created an event built around their special needs. It was also the first time the Achilles’ hand-cyclists participated in a pure “cycling” event. The history-making FREEDOM RIDE resulted in a new alliance between the Club and the disabled cycling community, and, not only opened up opportunities for joint-participation in future events and rides, but created new friendships and respect for these amazing athletes.
Net proceeds from the FREEDOM RIDE will go to the Freedom Team of Wounded Veterans to be used to purchase handcycles so that more of our wounded veterans can rehabilitate from their injuries, and, adopt cycling as the way to participate in mainstream athletic events.
FREEDOM RIDE Co-Chair
Video: EBC Freedom Ride 2014, presented by Alex Pruna and introduction by Juan Alban. Thank you Alex Pruna for sharing this on YouTube.