Hello, Everyone following us! Today was my first day on the ride, riding from San Simeon to Pismo Beach. I cannot even describe what a rush it is to ride along side our Wounded Warriors; it is an absolute Honor! They all have been so incredible towards me, making sure I know what I am doing and don’t get hurt.

Actress Kristy Swanson

I admit, I did have one spill at a rest stop today. LOL!  It was my own fault not getting out of my clips properly. So, of course, I fell in front of everyone! They picked me up, dusted me off, and patted me on the back.  Several guys said, “Oh, we’ve all done that several times!” They made me feel at home.

I love this ride and all these wonderful people I get to hang out with.  I pray tomorrow will be as rewarding as today. Everyone tells me it’s going to be tough and I am so sore after my first day. But I am bound and determined to make it to the finish on Saturday!

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Riders as far as the eye can see

Today’s ride from San Simeon to Pismo Beach pushed us past the halfway point of the ride. It also put the R2R warriors into our traditional area of community support. Beginning with the reception in Cambria all the way down to Pismo, the towns and community really came out to show their appreciation for the sacrifice these wounded heroes have made to serve our country.

USMC Dan “Doc” Jacobs

Today also marked the addition of three riders. Chad Fleming and actor Kristy Swanson joined up and brought even more energy to the group. Even R2R stalwart Larry Jester finally made it out.

The Dog has a great view

The group left San Simeon in one big group. It was a great way for everyone to talk with those they have not yet met. The best part of the day was knowing that Otis Spunkmeyer fresh baked cookies would be waiting for us at the finish. The other thing this leg of the ride is known for is the outpouring of support from the kids at schools along the route. It is amazing the affect screaming kids can have on a bunch of grown men and women. The calls of “USA, USA…,” “We Love You!,” and “Go USA!” could be heard from blocks away. There is much to say about how much it means to us to see this outpouring of support. It really is fun to see

Kids welcome us to town

Tomorrow ends with Dennis Miller….. – John Wordin

WE WANT YOU! Want a chance to show your appreciation for those that have served our country? The opportunity is here. 

On Saturday, Oct. 10, more than 150 wounded heroes will complete a 7-day, 475-mile journey from San Francisco to LA. The Wounded Heroes, many home from Iraq and Afghanistan, are cycling down scenic Highway 1 from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Their goal is to raise awareness and money to provide bikes and equipment for mental and physical therapy for fellow military heroes. The final leg of this journey brings the riders down San Vicente Blvd. from 26th to the West LA VA. 

This is where you come in.  We are looking for everyone, You, your family, friends, community members, organizations, and congregations to come out and line San Vicente Blvd. all the way to the VA. Welcome home these brave men and women and cheer them on their final miles.  Special guest riders include James Cromwell, Adam Baldwin, Tobey Maguire, Mike Vogel, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Kristy Swanson, Adam Housley, and Andrew Breitbart. 

Afterwards, join us for a FREE celebration at the West LA VA next to the Wadsworth Theater. The entertainment will be provided by SNL’s Victoria Jackson, Jon David, and Rock Nation and you can visit and talk with the heroes including Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Walt Ehlers and the American Legion Riders.

Schedule

• 9:00 AM   Riders leave Ventura
• 1:00 PM  Join us on San Vicente Blvd. to welcome the riders home
• 1:30 PM   Riders Arrive – West LA VA 11301 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90073
• 1:45 PM   ROCK NATION                     
• 3:15 PM   Jon David Performs
• 3:30 PM   VICTORIA JACKSON LIVE
• 4:45 PM   Program concludes 

Join our community in saluting these Heroes

Nate making the grade

Peter Gabriel once sang about the Big time. He probably did not have Big Sur in mind when he wrote that song, but it sure came to mind today as we set off from Carmel on our way to San Simeon. The 92-mile ride featured more than 7000 feet of climbing. The riders were in great spirits after the great event at Carmel Mission Ranch the night before.

In the song Gabriel talks about Big Boys, Big City, Big Adventure, and Big Heaven. Well, that pretty much sums up the day today: Big Hills, Big Scenery, Big Adventure and Big Heaven-on-Earth views.

At the ready...

The groups left in the early morning calm that led way to a Big Tailwind, especially the last 20 miles. The riders were almost giddy when they pulled into San Simeon with most saying that this was the best day of the ride. The riders worked hard to ride together to save energy and the inspiring site of Nate Hunt on the R2R USO handcycle along with the constant site of the beautiful landscape kept everyone going. The local NBC station was there to greet Nate as he pulled into the hotel and they also are doing a feature on Sgt. Anthony Brooks from Ft. Eustice. Tony is perhaps the tallest R2R participant, which is saying something. The Ft. Eustice group traveled the furthest to get to California and Sgt. Brooks is their leader here.

Cambria kids welcome the warriors

Many of the general public riders who have raised money in order to participate supported the warriors as they went up and over the constant undulations of the California coast. One of those couple was former Mercury cycling team member John Peters and his wife Brenda. They are participating in the ride and have never enjoyed riding a bike so much. It was great to see them with Scott and Lisa (also former Mercury staff) chatting about the good old days.

The Biggest difference was that they had more time to prepare coming into the ride. The clinics that were set up at the LA area VAs and Camp Pendleton really seemed to pay off. This program is something that R2R hopes to expand as more funding comes in.

John and Brenda

The day was capped off with a dinner next to the ocean that was sponsored by kids from the local high school. Just as they did last year, the kids created their own placemats and posters and put them out throughout the room. They baked dessert and gave the warriors a sense of support that is only going to grow as the riders head off south tomorrow towards Pismo Beach.