We were rockin' and a rollin' on wheels October 11th for the Serve Our Willing Warriors Inaugural Bike Ride.
As rain poured down our faces and sweat dripped from the tips of our noses, 52 participants pushed through what seemed to be the storm of the century on this gloomy Saturday morning.
It was a mountainous uphill battle . . . Literally!
And everyone together, citizens and warriors alike, pushed their limits cycling along the windy roads of the Bull Run Mountains.
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| Some of the riders stopping for a pose at a pit stop. |
The 11-Miler team looked strong as they stopped for bananas and refreshments at their halfway point!
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One of the wounded warriors from Ride to Recovery representing well! |
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| Some SOWW riders that chose to rough it through the downpour. |
Meanwhile the 53 miler team had no time for breaks.
They probably didn't even know the definition of the word "break".
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| Wounded warrior team holding strong! |
No matter the trifling tribulations we SOWWers faced that morning, it was comforting to know that there was a rescue team in place in case anything were to happen!
Our dedicated Rescue Squad rescued bikers near and far on Saturday.
If it was not for them, many of us would not have been able to continue.
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| The trusty rescue squad on the ready for the day's events |
We were also grateful to have our covert "Snack Team" prepared with all types of nutritious foods to fuel us throughout the race!
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| Our dedicated snack team united and standing by! |
This adorable family (above) that was enjoying the opportunity to get together and celebrate life; even by riding in the rain.
(I should also note that this family rode together and personally beat my own personal record . . . Even though the father was biking with two of his baby girls on board!)
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| Two very spirited cyclers taking a break. |
With that said, it wasn't until a conversation that I had with this amazing wounded warrior that I jokingly asked " So, you won the race today right?" as I was asking everyone who had crossed the finish line. He simply turned to me and said, "Oh, no ma'am. Today we all won."
It is moments like these that truly get the heart melting just a bit quicker. And just as the grinch experienced Christmas morning; I think my heart grew 2 sizes that day. And for all of us at Serve Our Willing Warriors, our hearts continue to grow and grow with each event and each conversation that we carry with these wonderful service members and their families.
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| SOWW Treasurer and daughter taking momentary cover from the weather. |
Special thank you to Stacey Plaugher for putting this event together!
We could not have done it without her.
We look forward to many more bike rides to come!
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| Stacey preparing to speak to the group of bikers in attendance at the event. |
Enjoy looking at some photos below of what the trail looked like the day of the race!
It was truly a beautiful scenic route.
Thank you for reading!
Have you seen our last blog post about the SOWW Golf Tournament? To read more click here.
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