Photos courtesy of Ride 2 Recovery
This Memorial Day, New Albany will celebrate U.S. veterans by doing something the city holds dear to its heart: exercising.
On May 23, the second Honor Ride Ohio will take place in New Albany, with the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany serving as the official starting point.
Honor Ride exists to benefit Ride 2 Recovery, an organization that raises money and awareness for America’s healing heroes and improves the well-being of disabled veterans through cycling. The ride was brought to New Albany by resident Peter Horvath, the CEO of Mission Essential, which is a company founded by two veterans and headquartered here.
“We have been supportive of Ride 2 Recovery and its mission for a while now and wanted to do something that would both help them and engage our community for Memorial Day. It was inspiring that so many gave their time to share in this remarkable opportunity,” Horvath says.
Veterans and civilians will ride side-by-side in pelotons of red, white and blue.
“To some people, it’s like a Memorial Day parade, but you’re in the parade because you’re not just clapping for veterans; you’re raising money and awareness for them, and you’re on the road with them,” Horvath says.
The benefits of cycling are far-reaching. Cycling offers veterans physical and mental challenges, and it often aids in their recovery process. Bikes can be modified to accommodate injured veterans, which makes it a unifying activity. Ride 2 Recovery provides veterans with customized bikes through the proceeds from the ride.
To accommodate all levels of cycling ability, this year’s ride features three fully supported routes, all of which launch and conclude at the Heit Center: 65 miles for the serious cyclist, a 35-mile intermediate route and a 12-mile short course, new for 2015, to allow for greater participation.
“We saw some people who were so passionate about the cause and wanting to be on the road with veterans for Memorial Day, but they were maybe a little bit distressed at the end of 35 miles. We needed to create an experience for them to go out and ride and not have to be cyclists,” Horvath says. “This is really unique here. This is special. There’s no better place in Ohio to do this.”
New Albany Mayor Nancy Ferguson, who was instrumental in bringing the event to New Albany, agrees, citing the many smiles and hugs she witnessed at the finish line last year.
“New Albany is very proud to host Honor Ride Ohio. Our residents love to cycle, and they love to raise money for good causes. Certainly Ride 2 Recovery, and the support it receives from the Honor Ride, is a great fit for us,” Ferguson says.
The Honor Ride Ohio is also a great fit for Healthy New Albany, which has partnered with and supported Honor Ride Ohio from its inception.
“We believe in and appreciate all the Ride 2 Recovery team has done to bring a true meaning of Memorial Day to our community and to raise funds for our national heroes and veterans. The event meets Healthy New Albany’s goal to continue to create a culture of health and wellness which other communities can emulate,” says Kristin Ferguson, Healthy New Albany’s director of marketing.
Last year, the first year that Honor Ride took place in New Albany, the ride came together in 10 weeks. The 2014 Honor Ride Ohio included more than 500 riders and raised more than $140,000. The hope is to double both numbers this year.
Since the success of the inaugural ride, the local enthusiasm for the ride has only grown. Donna Eramo, a New Albany resident and 2014 rider, says she’s riding again this year because the cause helps injured veterans who have fought for everyone.
“It was a very patriotic day with everyone in their red, white and blue jerseys and flags flying everywhere,” Eramo says.
New Albany resident and 2014 rider Gus Cook says that along with participating this year, he hopes to recruit as many riders and gather as much support as he can.
“I have seen firsthand what a difference cycling and the Ride 2 Recovery effort has made in the lives of recovering veterans,” Cook says.
To participate, volunteer, or get more information about the Honor Ride Ohio, email HonorRideOhio@gmail.com.
Bob Valasek is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
