FT. CAMPBELL, Ky. – Wounded, injured and ill Soldiers from Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, Ky. will participate in the Bluegrass Rendezvous Bike Ride, a therapeutic and challenging ride between the two installations.
“This event is for the Soldiers who are going through the recovery and transition process. They are actually pedaling the miles, but their cadre and chain of command are going to be right there, pedaling alongside them. It all about uplifting and encouraging Soldiers that they can succeed or experience physical adaptive fitness regardless of their medical conditions,” said WTB physical therapist Rebecca Murphy, one of the event coordinators.
The Fort Campbell group will consist of WTB Soldiers, cadre and staff. They will meet a group of Fort Knox Soldiers and their support staff at Fort Knox Sept. 18 and ride the first 97 miles to Bowling Green, Ky. After an overnight stay, the group of approximately 20 riders will bike the remaining 67 miles Sept. 19 to Fort Campbell. Fort Campbell WTB staff and Soldiers, Fort Campbell’s Garrison Commander, as well as the 101st Airborne Division Band, will welcome the returning riders with a finish line celebration.
According to Murphy, cycling can be adapted for anyone, regardless of physical ability. “That’s what makes this program so special,” she said.
Murphy explained that in addition to standard bicycles, some of the riders plan to ride hand cycles and recumbent bikes to accommodate their unique abilities.
Bicycle riding offers many benefits to Soldiers as they work through their healing process, Murphy explained. Aside from the obvious health benefits of physical activity, Murphy said Soldiers can experience positive social interaction with other riders as well as relieve stress.
“It is like meditation on two wheels,” said Murphy. “All you can think about is pedaling and your mind clears.”
Sgt. 1st Class Terrence Young couldn’t agree more. “When I was first assigned to the WTU, I was upset about my injury and it appeared that it was going in the wrong direction,” said Young.
After the WTU’s Military Adaptive Sports Program site coordinator Cat Ivie asked Young to join the ride one day, Young has seen how he can still be involved in physical activity.
“In my opinion, I think all Soldiers with medical issues should pick up riding. It helps clear your mind and in my case, showed me my new 100 percent,” said Young.
The course has been dubbed Route Scruggs after the late Earl Scruggs, the “best bluegrass banjo picker” according to event coordinators at Fort Campbell. “Not only did he define an entire instrument within a uniquely American genre of music, but he welcomed, encouraged and supported other musicians who aspired to his musicianship,” said Murphy. The same holds true for the experienced riders with the Adaptive Reconditioning Program (ARP) as they encourage newer riders preparing for the upcoming bike ride.
The Screaming Eagle Foundation’s- Screaming Eagle Support Program in conjunction with 101st Airborne Division Association’s sponsor Kroger at Dover Crossing were able to help out by providing food and refreshments to power the riders on their two-day ride.
Follow our Facebook and check our website for updated news on the route of the race so you can show your support. Plan to stand on the side of the road to cheer them on.
