More than 40 wounded veterans and first responders rode through Santa Barbara as part of the 11th annual UnitedHealthcare California Challenge. Hosted by Project Hero, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and first responders affected by PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and injury, the challenge is a six-day, 400-mile bicycle ride from Santa Cruz to Ventura. Individuals from across the United States participated in this “noncompetitive, therapeutic bike tour” to increase awareness about mental health and provide spiritual healing for this community.
On the fifth day of their journey, the riders arrived at the Santa Barbara Carriage Museum as part of their tour for a temporary lunch stop.
Peter Bylsma, a media representative of Project Hero, stated that the ride is a “really positive experience” for the veterans and first responders, “giving them a chance to build a family” who share “experiences they each can relate with.” Bylsma stressed that “Cycling is unique because the spiritual and the physical come together,” helping veterans overcome challenges in their daily lives.