Wounded veterans arrive Monday on 'Sea to Shining Sea' bicycle trek

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Sometime in the late afternoon or early evening hours Monday, a team of bicyclists will make their way into McCook.

But this is not just any team.

This is a team of exceptional athletes, many of whom are wounded Iraq and Afghan-istan veterans representing all military branches. The cyclists departed from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, on May 22, for World T.E.A.M. Sports' inaugural bike trek across America called the State Farm "Sea to Shining Sea."

The company is sponsoring the cross-country ride to honor the nation's service men and women and local agents Linda Maiden and Kristie Winters are asking the McCook community to welcome the riders in style, lining U.S. Highway 83 north of U.S. Highways 6 and 34 as the cyclists take the last hill of the day to the Days Inn.

Ride organizers will notify Maiden when the riders are approximately 45 minutes out of town and she will contact local media with their estimated time of arrival.

The information also will be posted on the McCook Daily Gazette website at www.mccookgazette.com.

The riders will find fresh fruits, energy bars and other refreshments, provided by Walmart, Schmick's Market and the Chief Restaurant, waiting for them at Days Inn as well as refreshing showers before heading to dinner at Pizza Hut, and homemade desserts.

The McCook Fire Department's ladder truck will be there, and a banner available for signatures will solicit $1 from each signer, proceeds going to Habitat for Humanity to be used to provide handicap accessible features in Habitat homes.

"They're going to be hot and tired," said Maiden. "But the display of patriotism that welcomes them will make it all worthwhile."

For those who miss the opportunity to welcome the riders Monday afternoon, there will be an opportunity at 7 a.m., Tuesday morning to give the riders a strong sendoff, along U.S. Highways 6 and 34, as they make their way to their next stop in Holdrege.

The goal of the ride is to honor the courage of our service men and women, recognize the strength of the American spirit and challenge perceptions of how we view athletes. The ride will conclude in Virginia Beach on July 24.

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. Several riders have specially-designed bikes that make it possible for them to participate.

Among the supporters joining the group will be Army Brig. Gen. Arnold N. Gordon-Bray, retired Marine Corps Gen. Robert Magnus, and Ambassador Paul Bremer, who oversaw the reconstruction of Iraq from May 2003 to June 2004.

"The selfless service of these warriors, including the injuries they sustained, is evidence of their courage, honor and commitment. Their indomitable will to succeed by completing the daunting State Farm Sea to Shining Sea ride is a testament to today's American military men and women," said retired Marine Corps Gen. Robert Magnus. "I commend World T.E.A.M. Sports and State Farm for their own commitment to making this great ride possible."

State Farm is proud to sponsor the ride across America as a way to show support for service men and women and their commitment to being there for our country. In addition to funding, State Farm agents across the country will be there for all 63 days of the ride, serving as community coordinators -- providing local information, helping with logistics and route planning, and rallying folks to turn out to celebrate the riders along the way.

For more than 65 years, State Farm has demonstrated its commitment to service men and women through a world-class military leave policy and company programs like the employee Military Affinity Group, Adopt-a-Soldier, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, and now as presenting sponsor of the State Farm Sea To Shining Sea cross-country bike ride.

For more information and to follow Sea to Shining Sea online, go to http://s2ssbikeride.org.

Day 14: Cedar City, Utah from World T.E.A.M. Sports on Vimeo.