Veterans Charity Ride Set to Depart From Los Angeles on a Nine-day Ride to Sturgis

On July 28th the “Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis” supported by Indian Motorcycle, will depart Los Angeles and head for the Black Hills of South Dakota for the 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Begin Press Release:

VETERANS CHARITY RIDE DEPARTS FROM LOS ANGELES ON NINE-DAY JOURNEY TO STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY

Among Twenty Veterans are Best Friends & Above the Knee Bi-Lateral Amputees who will Trade off Piloting Indian Scout Avenger Sidecar

WHAT:

Starting July 28th, “Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis,” supported by Indian Motorcycle, will depart on a nine-day journey from Los Angeles to the 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Rolling out on Indian Motorcycles, trikes and Champion Sidecars, the 3rd annual VCR provides participating veterans a chance to use motorcycle therapy as a way to decompress from the challenges of post-war life.

Dozens of veterans have participated in the last two rides, and in 2017 twenty deserving veterans and veteran mentors will join the Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis. The ride provides participating veterans the opportunity to work toward overcoming their post-war challenges while out on the open road. Riding through the most scenic back roads of the western United States, veterans will not only experience the great outdoors and the beauty this country has to offer, but also make stops to meet with other veterans, supporters, riders, and participate in various adjacent adventures.

Through the “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime” program, well-deserving post-9/11 veteran heroes were nominated by the public to join the ride. This year, Corporal Joshua Stein, U.S. Army (Ret.) and Corporal Neil Frustaglio, U.S. Marines (Ret.), best friends and above the knee bi-lateral amputees, were named as the honorary “Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime” selectees.

The two heroes will pilot an Indian Scout Avenger Sidecar with modifications made by John Meade, owner of Azzkikr Custom Baggers, and his veteran employees in Phoenix, AZ. The Indian Scout Sidecar rig will be outfitted with a Rekluse Clutch, which eliminates the need to pull the clutch handle for shifting, a hand shift mechanism so the amputee rider can shift the bike manually, and the rear brake system will be moved and adapted to a hand brake on the left handlebar. The Scout will be complete with a custom Corbin seat to provide extra comfort and seating area for the long journey.

Starting at LA City Fire Station #77, Veterans Charity Ride founder and veteran Army Paratrooper Dave Frey, Joshua, Neil, and nearly two-dozen veterans will depart for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The LA Fire Department and Fire Hogs will escort the VCR GROUP to Barstow from where VCR will carry onto Las Vegas, its first stop on the road to Sturgis. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with Founder Dave Frey, the selectees and Veteran mentors to hear first hand how this program has helped them overcome significant hurdles in their battle towards a normal lifestyle.

WHO: Dave Frey, Veterans Charity Ride Founder and veteran Army Paratrooper, Twenty veterans and veteran mentors, Neil Frustaglio and Joshua Stein, Hero’s Ride of a Lifetime selectees, Fire Captain, LA City Fire Station #77 LAFD Fire Hogs

WHEN: Friday, July 28: 8:00 am PST– Arrival, 8:45 am PST – Kickstands up departure

WHERE: LA City Fire Station #77- 9224 Sunland Blvd, Sun Valley, CA 91352

ABOUT INDIAN MOTORCYCLE®

Indian Motorcycle, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII), is America’s first motorcycle company. Founded in 1901, Indian Motorcycle has won the hearts of motorcyclists around the world and earned distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands through unrivaled racing dominance, engineering prowess and countless innovations and industry firsts. Today that heritage and passion is reignited under brand new stewardship. To learn more, please visit www.indianmotorcycle.com.

ABOUT VETERANS CHARITY RIDE

Veterans Charity Ride (VCR), started by veterans for veterans, is a non-profit organization that uses Motorcycle Therapy and holistic programs to provide a healing and life changing experience for wounded, severely injured and amputee veterans from all branches of service who need support. VCR provides veterans motorcycle therapy excursions through the most beautiful scenic back roads of this great country, exploring America, getting our veterans outdoors, connecting veterans with mentors and other veterans, groups and supporters. VCR programs include; MCT – Motorcycle Therapy Rides & Excursions, WELL VET – Veteran Health and Wellness Program, TRUSTED VET – Veteran Mentor Program, SAFE VET – Veteran Motorcycle Safety Program,, SPEC OPS – Special Events and Activities for VCR veterans, VET FAM – Veteran Family Support Program, and MOTO DONO – Veteran Motorcycle Donation Program.