2016 Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis Event

On November 12, 2016, Chesapeake Cycles invites you to join us for the 2016 Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis Premier Event. We are excited to offer this event and  introduce you all to this amazing organization.

The Veteran’s Charity Ride Organization believes in helping disabled vets. They passionately feel that they are “Changing Lives, Saving Lives with Motorcycle Therapy.” The program was conceived by veterans, for veterans. Army Airborne Paratrooper veteran, “Indian Dave,” met a fellow paratrooper while making a cross-country trek to the Sturgis Bike Rally in 2014. The two quickly became friends as they agreed on the difficulty many veterans have while adjusting back to civilian life after war experiences. They understand how real struggles can be when dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, amputations, or Traumatic Brain Injury.

It was on the ride back home, after spending time with other motorcyclists and veterans, that he began to visualize a program to help make a difference. Those who ride are a part of a supporting community, so why not use motorcycles to help veterans? Dave grew up working in and around a family motorcycle business; he has been riding his whole life. It’s in his blood, and he is an integral part of the bike community. He felt that Motorcycle Therapy could play a vital role in helping many veterans, all over the country.

“Changing Lives, Saving Lives with Motorcycle Therapy”

Upon his return, Dave contacted his business partner Robert Manciero, an Emmy Award-winning producer and director. Together they visualized the concept of a ride which would include the therapeutic effects of riding a motorcycle, plus create an adventure of a lifetime for wounded veterans. They agreed to film the journey as an inspiring message to others.

The following year, in 2015, They planned a trip from Los Angeles to the Sturgis Bike Rally in South Dakota. They knew they would need bikes and monetary support, so they contacted Indian Motorcycles. Once they explained the plan, Indian jumped on board. Because they needed sidecars to accommodate amputees, they reached out to the President of Champion Sidecars, Craig Arrojo. He, too, loved the idea and agreed to help right away.

They took eight wounded and amputee veterans on modified motorcycles, trikes, and sidecars on the trek. They all spent a week riding through some of the most beautiful roads in the United States. Throughout the shared experiences of serving, and spending time reflecting and sharing, the veterans help each other heal. Also during stops in small towns, they met many Americans who expressed their pride and gratitude for the veterans’ service.

Tremendous Support Builds Awareness

After only one year, they have seen tremendous support for the cause. Celebrities, such as Mark Wahlberg, have endorsed the ride creating awareness for the program.  So much, that in 2016, 20 veterans were chosen to participate in the Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis! Indian Motorcycles is distributing the film about the ride to all of its participating dealerships. On Saturday, November 12th, Chesapeake Cyles invites you to partake in the premier of the short film.

In honor of service to this great nations, Indian extends a $1,000 discount off the purchase of any new Indian heavyweight bike, plus a $500 PG&A bonus with the purchase of a new Scout or Scout Sixty. This special is for individuals who have served in the military, police, or fire department.

We invite you to please join us on this special day!