A team of exceptional athletes, many of whom are wounded Iraq and Afghanistan veterans representing all military branches, left from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA, on Saturday, May 22.
On Monday, June 28, they will arrive in Mount Ayr as part of World T.E.A.M. Sports’ inaugural bike trek across America called the State Farm Sea to Shining Sea.
The goal of the ride is to honor the courage of service men and women, recognize the strength of the American spirit and challenge perceptions of how the nation views athletes. The ride will conclude in Virginia Beach on July 24.
Mount Ayr is planning a big welcome for the team of riders who will be riding across Highway 2 from Shenandoah that day. They will spend the night at the Mount Ayr Inn and will be be served supper at the Mount Ayr American Legion Monday night as part of a freewill meal open to the public.
The riders are expected to arrive in Mount Ayr between 4 and 5 p.m. and the Mount Ayr American Legion is inviting the public to line Highway 2 to help welcome the riders. Welcome banners will be placed at Great Western Bank and the lot across Highway 2 and 169 south of Lynn’s Sinclair.
Veterans groups from around the area have been invited to come help welcome the riders after their 66.5 mile day of riding. After spending the night in Mount Ayr, the riders will head to Centerville on Tuesday, June 29.
A beef and noodles dinner with all the trimmings will be served at the Mount Ayr American Legion from 5 to 7 p.m. to which the public is invited. Freewill donations will be accepted.
Spanning 63 days and 4,000 miles, the cyclists will test their physical limits and inspire people, disabled or not, to live active and enriched lives.
The group will cycle through deserts, mountain passes and historical landmarks providing dramatic proof that disabled Americans can lead productive lives and accomplish feats most people only dream about.