Members of Congress joined Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and Warrior Expeditions in the U.S. Capitol to commemorate the departure of six military veterans who will be cycling across the country to process and recover from the psychological effects of their deployments.
The riders will cover 3,700 miles before arriving at their destination in La Push, Washington, later this summer. The riders started their journey at the eastern end of the Great American Rail-route, RTC’s flagship project to link a cross-country, multiuse route.
When the Great American Rail-route was first unveiled four years ago, Ryan Chao, president of RTC, remarked, “We knew that this grand vision to connect a trail across the country would capture the imagination of the nation.” In addition to optimism that comes from connecting with the people, places, and rich legacy that make up the American landscape, the veterans who have previously taken part in this ride have noted that the trek has offered peace and healing. We find inspiration in their journey, and we’re pleased that the infrastructure we’re developing can accommodate their adventure.
A charitable organisation called Warrior journeys places an emphasis on the therapeutic benefits of lengthy outdoor journeys to aid veterans in making the transition from their experiences in combat. Veterans can apply to join one of the expedition teams for a variety of activities, such as long-distance walks, canoe trips, and the Warrior Bike, which is only conducted on the Great American Rail-Trail. Psychologists and Warrior Expeditions collaborate as part of the programme to study and document how long-term outdoor and wilderness experiences, such as the Warrior Bike Expedition, affect war veterans.
Sean Gobin, the organization’s founder and executive director, said, “Warrior Expeditions is thrilled to support another group of veterans along the Great American Rail Trail for the third year in a row.” “These rides provide our veterans the chance to see a variety of America while also finding calm and healing in nature. We also like the efforts made by RTC to improve the route year after year.
Among the veterans taking part in the 2023 Warrior Bike are Stephanie Buffett of Riner, Virginia (U.S. Air Force, Afghanistan deployment); Timothy Davis of Lake Zurich, Illinois (U.S. Air Force, Afghanistan deployment); Brittany Greene of Tacoma, Washington (U.S. Army, Afghanistan deployment); Aaron Ledbetter of Cottage Grove, Oregon (U.S. Army, Afghanistan deployment); and Charles Sonnenberg of New Braunfels, Texas (U.S. Air Force
“I’m hoping that by going on this adventure, I’ll be able to learn more about who I am and how I fit into the world. Brittany Greene, a former U.S. Army CBRN Officer from Tacoma, Washington, stated, “I anticipate working through a continuous series of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges that have the potential to become important personal growth opportunities.”
Source: breakingtravelnews