 Led by Road 2 Recovery veteran Jake Wagner, the California Challenge participants road a celebratory lap around the Phoenix International Raceway Sunday just before the race started.
The crowd of 100,000+ cheered the riders on, including Vietnam Vet and double amputee Duane Wagner, and they received a $25,000 donation from the VFW.
Road 2 Recovery (R2R) is a program to assist veterans overcome mental and physical obstacles they face from injuries sustained in the line of duty.  Cycling helps because virtually everyone can participate regardless of the disability, and participation in the program helps speed recovery and rehabilitation.
Donations are used to add spinning stations to VA hospitals and other similar programs.  They have three multi-day charity rides scheduled for 2009 so far, and you can join the R2R team here…which is actually a pretty sweet deal.  It’s only $25, and you get warm fuzzies for supporting a good cause, and you also get a free year sub to Bicycling Magazine, 10% off at Performance Bike and industry deals from Shimano, Sidi Shoes, Vredestein tires, Chamois Buttr’, Speedplay, DeFeet and more!
