110 likes | 342 Views
Vets on Bikes. Riding bikes is fun, energizing, and empowering - elements we can all appreciate. Bikes are everywhere, and very accessible. For some, extra encouragement, equipment and opportunity are needed to make the fun happen. Vets on Bikes. VeloVets is a local, Tucson non-profit
E N D
Vets on Bikes Riding bikes is fun, energizing, and empowering - elements we can all appreciate. Bikes are everywhere, and very accessible. For some, extra encouragement, equipment and opportunity are needed to make the fun happen.
Vets on Bikes Velo\Vets is a local, Tucson non-profit organization that offers the opportunity for our U.S. Veterans to ride with encouraging, experienced cyclists.
Who are these veterans? • Tucson is a geographical center for active duty Military, at Davis Monthan AFB • Ft. Huachuca Army Base • Student vets at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College • Retired veterans enjoying a great community with good access to retiree facilities.
Initial Veteran focus • Tucson is the home of the Southern Arizona Veterans Administration Health Care System (SAVAHCS). Veterans come to the Tucson VA for different health care related activities. • One SAVAHCS center, the Blind Rehab center, offers training for vets living with various degrees of visual impairment.
Blind & visually impaired veterans • Why do we ride? • Fitness • Freedom and Fun • Speed • Transportation • Competition Here is a short video regarding blind veterans on bikes.
Why tandems? Riding a bike is great and riding a tandem can even be better: • Several research studies show that riding a Tandem is extra beneficial. Besides the obvious aerobic and strengthening benefits, extra brain function stimulus occurs when the activity is “non-voluntary” • Exercise's Effects on the Brain • Cycling and its Effects on the Brain
More... There are some great cycling programs out there for vets. Velo\Vets is a local group that can help get folks started on the road... • Wounded Warrior • Courage in Motion • Shifting Gears
How can you help? Volunteer! - We have access to bikes. • Some vets have lesser degrees of • fitness and mobility, and feel • comfortable on side-by-side • recumbent bikes . • Some vets have good fitness and • balance and ride as stokers on • tandems.
More... • Time - do you have a couple of hours a month? You could ride with us, help organize, help with logistics, or community outreach. • Skills - help maintain bikes, create promotional materials,give a presentation to veterans' groups? • Equipment - do you know of an unused tandem? Can you pick up some extra tubes? helmets? • Connect - Set up tandem-riding opportunities for vets who wish to continue riding away from Tucson
What now? Make contact: • email at azvelovets@gmail.com • website:www.azvelovets.org • Facebook.com/Velovets • Tell us how you’d like to help. Thank you!