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Community Corner

Bicycle June 8th with Honor Ride Chicago

The inaugural Honor Ride Chicago, June 8, 2014, from Skokie, will offer cyclists an experience they will never forget.   Hundreds of riders along with Medal on Honor recipients and military heroes bicycling through Chicagoland’s North Shore communities on an historic Sunday morning. 

 The Honor Ride Chicago is a bicycle fundraiser organized by Ride 2 Recovery and sponsored by Evanston Subaru in Skokie.   The charity supports healing Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan by providing a life changing experience through cycling.

 Ride 2 Recovery helps injured Veterans with specially equipped bicycles and recumbents adapted to accommodate their disability.    Cycling is an activity that can be enjoyed regardless of physical limitations. Honor Ride Chicago’s goal is to speed-up the recovery and rehabilitation process of America’s healing heroes.

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 Participants in the inaugural Honor Ride Chicago can pick from 3 non-competitive routes depending on skill level.  Registration for cyclers is open through early June.

 The ride begins at 8am at Evanston Subaru, 3340 Oakton St., Skokie, IL 60076.   The cost per rider is $65 which includes, stocked and staffed rest stops, SAG support, TEK shirt, a goodie bag, lunch, live entertainment, a finishing medal, a chance in multiple drawings to win ten $100 Westfield Old Orchard gift cards, two iPad Minis, dining gift cards and vendors offering giveaways and samples following the ride.  Group rates are available for ride groups of 5 or more.   

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The day will also offer non-cyclers an opportunity to join the excitement.  Following the ride, from 10am to 1pm at Evanston Subaru in Skokie, enjoy lunch from the Village Inn of Skokie and live entertainment from renowned military entertainer, Joe Cantafio.   Browse vendors, tents; play 50/50, enjoy sweet treats from Sweety Pies in Skokie as Ride 2 Recovery and Evanston Subaru welcome back the riders and Veterans.   Only riders are required to register, all others are welcome for the after-party beginning about 10:30am.  Volunteers are also needed.

 

Rob Paddor, owner of Evanston Subaru in Skokie is the event organizer and avid supporter of veterans.  The dealership has held numerous fundraisers for the USO of Illinois and Rob is an active cyclist and has participated in thousands-of-miles of riding with Ride 2 Recovery.    “I wanted to show people the outstanding work that this charity does for the wellbeing of our healing Veterans.  Cycling with these heroes is inspiring and I’m so happy I was able to bring this event to the Chicago cycling community,” Rob said.  

 

Riders can choose one of three routes.  The short route is 16 miles; the medium route is 37, with longest about 48 miles. Staffed and full supported rest stops with SAG support along the route will provide a safe, comfortable and memorable ride for the 500 riders expected to participate.  The routes will include parts of Evanston, Skokie, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park and Lake Forest. 

 

Honor Ride Chicago’s Lead Rider is Bronze Star medal recipient, John Masson.  John was severely wounded in Afghanistan and has served in various US Army units in the Armed Forces for 13 years.  John has earned the Bronze Star medal, the Meritorious Service medal, the Army Achievement medal, the Purple Heart, the Southwest Asia Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign medal, Afghanistan Campaign medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service medals.    “This program gave me the opportunity to challenge myself and see how much I can do," John said. 

 

The day promises to offer camaraderie, great memories in honor of America's healing heroes.  More information at http://www.evanstonsubaru.com/honorridechicago.htm  

Or register at

https://www.active.com/skokie-il/cycling/races/ride-2-recovery-honor-ride-chicago-2014?keywords=Ride+2+Recovery+Honor+Ride+CHicago&adk=na

Or call or email to

818-888-7091 EXT.106

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