Ride 2 Recovery Gulf Coast Challenge 2012 Kicks off in New Orleans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Debora Spano
401-258-3081
dspano@spanopr.com

Ann Wills
504-494-3810 
awills@keatingmagee.com

Rachel Haney
504-388-4933
rhaney@keatingmagee.com

Ride 2 Recovery Gulf Coast Challenge 2012 Kicks off in New Orleans
Sunday, March 4 - 9:00 a.m. from the National World War II Museum

What: Ride 2 Recovery Gulf Coast Challenge presented by UnitedHealthcare

(Day 1 - New Orleans to Gulfport, MS)

The public is invited to come out and cheer as more than 200 injured veterans and their supporters begin a seven-day, 450-mile cycling journey with the Ride 2 Recovery Gulf Coast Challenge presented by UnitedHealthcare. The community is invited to support the many veterans as they begin Day 1 (New Orleans to Gulfport, MS) of their Challenge. Riders will be using a variety of cycles including hand cycles, recumbents, tandems and traditional road bikes, some of which have been modified to accommodate injuries.

Ride 2 Recovery, a 501(c)3, helps injured veterans improve their health and wellness through individual and group cycling. Cycling has proven to be a catalyst in the recovery process by providing a new physical challenge while concurrently helping to cope with mental challenges. The Gulf Coast Challenge ride begins on Sunday, March 4 at 9:00 a.m. from the National WWII Museum in New Orleans and arrives in Tallahassee, FL on Friday, March 9. On Saturday, March 10 in Tallahassee, Ride 2 Recovery will stage its first "Honor Ride," which invites the public to join the participating veterans for a day of cycling.

To see daily stops and events along the route or to sign up for the Gulf Coast Challenge, visit http://www.ride2recovery.com/gulf-coast-challenge.html.

Where & When: Sunday, March 4 at 9:00 a.m.
National WWII Museum
945 Magazine Street, New Orleans

Editor's Note: Celebrity guest speakers helping to offer words of support and encouragement to the veterans as they begin their journey include world-renowned Chef Paul Prudhomme and Colonel Barry D. Keeling, Director of the Joint Staff, Louisiana National Guard.

Photo/Interview ops are available early at the Hyatt Regency as riders prepare. Media should arrive at the World War II Museum by 8:45 a.m. or earlier for the official kick off. Cyclists will depart at exactly 9:15 a.m. Map of Day 1 route from New Orleans to Gulfport, MS and photos of veterans and their bikes are available upon request.

Day 1 Ride Details*:
8:15 a.m. Ride Briefing @ Hyatt Regency New Orleans
8:30 a.m. Ride ½ mile to National World War II Museum, 945 Magazine Street
9:00 a.m. Brief Ceremony at National World War II Museum

9:15 a.m. Ride to Start

1:30 p.m. USO Lunch Stop at American Legion Post 139, 703 Green Meadow Road, Bay St. Louis
3:30 p.m. Arrive Marriott Courtyard, 1600 East Beach Blvd., Gulfport, MS
6:00 p.m. Dinner at hotel; hosted by American Legion Post 119

*Once the ride starts, times become fluid as the riders deal with weather, road conditions and traffic. Please contact Debora Spano at 401-258-3081 for updated times throughout.

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