Popular therapeutic cycling challenge returns to Florida and Georgia.
Project Hero, a groundbreaking national nonprofit organization that assists injured, ill, and wounded veterans and first responders in rehabilitation through cycling, is conducting the UnitedHealthcare Beaches to Peaches Challenge, a group therapy ride from Jacksonville to Atlanta from March 6th to 12th. The journey will feature 115 of our nation's Healing Heroes riding their bicycles nearly 500 miles!
On Thursday, March 9th, the colorful patriotic peloton of hand cycles, recumbents, tandems and traditional bikes will be stopping at the Varnville City Hall for a rest stop between 9:15-10:30 as part of the ride from Yemassee to Augusta that day.
Information about the UnitedHealthcare Beaches to Peaches Challenge and more information about Project Hero is at www.projecthero.org.
Veterans and First Responders to Cycle from Jacksonville to Atlanta in UnitedHealthcare Beaches to Peaches Challenge
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2017) – More than 100 injured veterans, first responders and their supporters will participate in the UnitedHealthcare Beaches to Peaches Challenge, a seven-day bicycle ride from Jacksonville to Atlanta. The challenge, from March 6 to 12, 2017, will cover more than 500 miles in support veterans and first responders. The veteran and first-responder cyclists will begin in Jacksonville Monday, March 6 and finish in Atlanta Sunday, March 12, with overnight stops in Yemassee, S.C., and Brunswick, Savannah, Augusta, Washington and Athens, Ga.
The 2017 UnitedHealthcare Beaches to Peaches Challenge is a non-competitive therapeutic bike tour. Traveling by historic sites, civic centers and local attractions, the cyclists ride hand cycles, recumbent cycles and custom tandems. The public is invited to gather along the ride routes, at lunch stops and hotels to support the cyclists.
“It’s an honor for UnitedHealthcare to support Project Hero and its work on behalf of the men and women who have sacrificed so much in the service of our country,” said Garland Scott, CEO of UnitedHealthcare for Georgia and the Carolinas. “Project Hero is making a crucial difference in the lives of thousands of veterans and first responders who deserve lifelong health, well-being and recognition.”
For daily routes, stops and events, or to register as a single- or multiple-day public rider for the Project Hero Beaches to Peaches Challenge, visit www.projecthero.org.
“The Challenge Series combines cycling comradery and peer-to-peer interaction to help veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD and TBI meet challenges, achieve goals and build lasting relationships,” said John Wordin, president and founder of Project Hero. “The multiple-day format gives Healing Heroes a unique opportunity for a life-changing experience that supports mental and physical rehabilitation and recovery.” A former professional cyclist, Wordin rides in every Project Hero Challenge Series.
2017 UnitedHealthcare Challenge Series Schedule
In addition to the UnitedHealthcare Beaches to Peaches Challenge, Project Hero’s 2017 UnitedHealthcare Challenge schedule includes the UnitedHealthcare Texas Challenge April 2-8, the UnitedHealthcare Memorial Challenge May 28-June 3, the UnitedHealthcare Great Lakes Challenge August 6-19 and the UnitedHealthcare California Challenge October 14-21.
About Project Hero
Founded in 2008, Project Hero is a groundbreaking national non-profit organization dedicated to helping Veterans and First Responders affected by PTSD, TBI and injury achieve rehabilitation, recovery and resilience in their daily lives and increasing awareness of the national mental health crisis posed by PTSD and TBI. Project Hero programs work by producing positive outcomes at lower costs and reducing drug-based therapies. Project Hero builds and provides adaptive bikes to physically-challenged and injured Veterans and First Responders and has helped tens of thousands of our Healing Heroes at no cost to participants through cycling events, community-based programs in more than 50 cities throughout the US and by supporting research. For information, visit www.projecthero.org or follow @#novetalone on Twitter.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers, military service members, retirees and their families, and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, and contracts directly with 1 million physicians and care professionals, and 6,000 hospitals and other care facilities nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company. For more information, visit UnitedHealthcare at www.uhc.com or follow @myUHC on Twitter.