Ride 2 Recovery Day 5: Pismo to Solvang

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Dennis with the R2R Pig

Today the R2R gang headed out towards the Danish tourist town of Solvang. But first, the kids of Oceana Elementary in Pismo came out in full force to cheer on the riders. Today featured a special American Legion Post 534 Lunch in the town of Orcutt. This is the most popular lunch on the ride and the Legion really stepped up with a great presence. They even arranged for a rocket launch at Vandenburg AFB just as we sat down to lunch. The Delta 2 rocket had a special R2R designation painted on the side and the roar after the launch shook the ground.

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Rocket takes off

Each ride has it’s own feeling and character and some would say characters. Many warriors have been involved in the program early on. One such rider is Juan Guerrero from the great state of Alaska. Juan started riding with us in California last year and has missed only one event since. He is always smiling even though he is in great pain as his lower right leg is badly damaged from a tour in Iraq. He has finally decided that it would be better to amputate the leg than endure the pain he contends with now. On Tuesday, he will check into Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas and the operation will be in a couple of weeks after that. He is already talking about coming out to the next ride in Florida on December 12 in Tampa, Florida.

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Alaska's own Juan Guerrero

A big part of what makes the R2R rides successful is out corporate partners. We have many that contribute to the effort including the American Legion Family and the USO. One of the bicycle industry partners is Shimano. Shimano’s Wayne Stetina has been involved since the beginning, but this is the first event where they have brought out the Neutral support truck and a mechanic. Robert Melzer and Bissell team mechanic Ben Oliver have been helping out the riders every day. They keep the riders and more importantly their bikes going each day. One of the benefits for the riders is that they get to try out the new Shimano Di2 electronic shifting system. The electronic shifting is very important to those with arm and hand use injuries. It makes it easier for those injured vets are able to shift and brake with just one hand. R2R has provided two warriors a shifting kit and is working with the VA to make it more accessible to those who fall under the VA system.

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Shimano lending a hand

Dinner tonight is one of the best events of all of the R2R tours. Dennis Miller from SNL fame is the special guest. The sold-out event will raise over $15,000 for the R2R program. Miller entertained the crowd with his comedic tails of life. The evening was capped off with auction of a custom signed painting that went for $2500. A great night for all.

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Just another day in the Challenge

Tomorrow Fox News reporter Adam Housley and actor Mike Vogel join the ride.

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