By Chrystal Blair
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, six military veterans are bicycling across the country as part of a 3,700-mile journey to support veterans after they leave the military.
The riders are expected to reach the halfway point of their trip in northeastern Nebraska around the Fourth of July. They began in the nation’s capital in May and are expected to arrive in Battle Creek on July 3 before joining Independence Day celebrations in Norfolk.
Ryan Chao, president of the Rails to Trails Conservancy, explained the ride is part of Warrior Expeditions, a program connecting veterans with outdoor adventures. The route follows the Great American Rail-Trail, which is planned to eventually stretch across 12 states and Washington, D.C.
“Warrior Expeditions is a wonderful organization, and they connect veterans with epic outdoor adventures as a way to both cope and reconcile with post-traumatic stress disorder and really explore their own physical and mental health and wellness,” Chao outlined.
Congress is working on the next federal transportation bill, and trail leaders hope lawmakers will invest in networks to connect communities and expand projects, including the rail-trail.
Chao argued expanding access to trails can make it easier for people to get outside and stay active.
“We found that getting outdoors, being active is not only good for your physical health, it’s good for your mental health,” he pointed out. “In fact, Americans now spend 93% of their time indoors.”
When complete, the Great American Rail-Trail will connect Washington, D.C., and Washington state along a route separated from vehicle traffic.
