Injures Soldiers Get Ready to Ride

BETHESDA, Md. - Some wounded troops are gearing up for the ride of a lifetime. They'll hit the road on Saturday with hundreds of other bicyclists for a 110-mile, two-day bike tour from Bethesda to Gettysburg.

Many of the servicemen and women injured in Iraq and Afghanistan who are involved in this event are still recovering from some major injuries. As they rehab and work their way back into society, they say this is the chance for them to take the ride of a lifetime.

"Some have been injured in Iraq, Afghanistan, everyone comes with their own baggage," said Master Sgt. John Souza, who has been at Walter Reed Hospital since June.

During a tour in Iraq in June, an IED exploded, fracturing Souza's leg and leaving him with a brain injury. But, that won't keep him from his first major bike ride.

"This is more than jus going down to the store and picking up stuff for Ma, you know," said Souza.

John is one of dozens of injured soldiers who will join 100 military veterans and 160 civilians as part of Face of America.

"We have survived Iraq, Afghanistan-- doctors tell us, 'You're not going to run again, or your not going to walk again,'" said Staff Sgt. Christopher Villalobos. "Then here are guys cranking out 110 miles."

"To meet someone who just lost their legs in an IED explosion in Baghdad four months ago, then to see them on a hand cycle four months later--- after surgery, they're pedeling every mile with their arms—it's incredible," said Rory McCarthy, who is also participating.

McCarthy is a long-time rider, but he's not an injured soldier. He has muscle atrophy in his legs. He will ride on a bike he invented.

This is year number four for Face America. The first year, there were 11 injured soldiers. This time around, there are more than 40.

"There will be riders tomorrow and Sunday that have just gotten out of Walter Reed or Bethesda Naval Hospital or other facilities around the country or Germany-- they will be back here on a hand cycle for the first time not knowing what they are able to do," said Jim Benson, the race's founder.

For many, this ride is part of the road to recovery, both mentally and physically.

"I look at it as a spin-off of physical therapy," said Souza.