Virginia, August 1, 2012 - Not mortars, blindness, cancer, or amputation stopped a dedicated group of veterans from reaching their goal of riding 3,698 miles across the country on bicycles, hand cycles, and recumbent bikes. On Saturday, a group of disabled veterans from America's military finished their journey from sea to shining sea, lunging into the Atlantic Ocean to solidify their achievement.
The cyclists tested their physical limits for 68 days, inspiring countless fans, disabled or not, to live active and enriched lives. The group cycled through deserts, mountains, hills, and flat lands to prove that disabled Americans can lead productive lives and accomplish feats most people only dream about.
"This ride put the ability in disability," said Retired Army Lt. Col. Henry Riley. "We've shared many stories, many adventures over the past 60 days."
Riley is a cancer survivor who looks stronger than ever. He had a personal conviction to prove: his doctor advised him not to go on the Sea to Shining Sea ride because she didn't think he would be able to complete it.
Riley and many stories of triumph and overcome obstacles made the closing ceremonies at the Virginia Beach oceanfront an emotional celebration for the riders and their fans.
"I promise we will leave the Atlantic Ocean today a little saltier than we found it - with our tears and our sweat," said Mike Claver, ride director for State Farm®.
Sixteen veterans participated, but they certainly weren't alone in their journey. They were joined by a team of support from nonprofit World Team Sports, the USO, and State Farm who traveled beside them along the way. Family, fans, and day riders acted as extra motivators through the cities and states they traversed.
"We have had good moments, we have had bad moments, but we've gelled, and that's what America is," said Claver.
Read more about the Sea to Shining Sea bike ride on http://www.s2ssbikeride.org/. State Farm sponsored cross-country ride to honor the nation's service men and women.Amy Preddy, State Farm Insurance Media Relations Specialist, (434) 872-5211
World T.E.A.M. Sports is a 501c(3) not-for-profit organization chartered in North Carolina and headquartered in Holbrook, New York. For more than 20 years, World T.E.A.M. Sports has organized athletic events for disabled and able bodied citizens. In all events they include both disabled and able-bodied participants, and four things always happen at their events: (1) Disabled participants build self-confidence and physical fitness; (2) The disabled provide a role model for other disabled citizens, encouraging them to take up physical activities; (3) The disabled become a moving inspiration to other participants and to spectators when they see that disabled individuals can meet challenges beyond anyone's imagination; (4) The disabled and able-bodied participants learn to work as a team to overcome those challenges.
State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly 2 million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit http://www.statefarm.com or in Canada http://www.statefarm.ca.
