The Recovery Ride

Media Contact:
Jere Halligan, Ride Co-Director
The Recovery Ride | recoveryridesd.org
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

THE RECOVERY RIDE PLANS INAUGURAL CHARITY BIKE RIDE

San Diego, CA – November 1, 2015- The Recovery Ride is excited to announce that its inaugural charity bike event will take place on Sunday, January 10, 2016. This year’s event, whose beneficiary partner will be Stepping Stone of San Diego, is intended to kick off 2016 with a healthy activity, fulfill New Year’s resolutions, and celebrate the success of those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction in San Diego. Participants will pair their love for cycling with raising funds for charity.

According to Ride Co-Directors Rob Rubright and Jere Halligan, The Recovery Ride is expected to attract about 150 riders and volunteers. The event provides a choice of three route lengths (12/25/40 miles), providing fun options for everyone, whether a causal rider or triathelete! All three rides will originate at Swiss Park in South Bay and cycle along the Silver Strand, to the Olympic Training Center, and beyond, depending on the route chosen. Ride-out times will be staggered from approximately 8:00 am to 9:30 am, and all are anticipated to be back to the finish line between 11:00 am and noon.

The idea for the ride was borne out of a couple of friends riding together on another charity bike event. “Jere and I participated in the AIDS Life/Cycle ride together and fell in love with cycling for a cause. A ‘recovery ride’ is usually known as a shorter ride the day after a long, grueling one, but there’s obviously a double entendre there, since we’re supporting recovery from alcohol and drugs. We want to share our passion and inspire others to ‘get their hearts in gear’ for a great cause,” said Ride Co-Director Rob Rubright.

Almost no one is untouched by addiction to alcohol and drugs, which affects families, friends and the health and well-being of valuable members of our city. The Recovery Ride aims to connect a love of cycling with a commitment to recovery and support for those on this journey. “This will be a fun event – we don’t take ourselves too seriously. The Recovery Ride will most likely have a ton of fun, a lot of heart, maybe a few tears, and fits of cheering. What won’t we have? A lot of competition and a requirement to wear spandex (although we don’t mind if you do!). Thanks to our sponsors, all the money raised via registrations goes directly to our beneficiary, and stays in San Diego,” added Jere Halligan, Ride Co-Director.

Recovery Ride organizers are partnering with community groups and other organizations to “host” rest stops and the festival to welcome and cheer riders and hand out refreshments. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have signed on as hosts for Rest Stop 1. Each rest stop will have its own theme, performance, dance, music, etc.

The Recovery Ride is an alcohol and drug-free charity bike ride – this year, its beneficiary partner will be Stepping Stone of San Diego. In 2016, Stepping Stone will celebrate its 40th anniversary helping the LGBT community – and friends – overcome a seemingly hopeless life of drug and alcohol addiction, and get treatment for HIV/AIDS. Stepping Stone provides a long-term residential recovery program, aftercare services, and support services for those affected by HIV. By design, no one is turned away for lack of funds at Stepping Stone. Their services mend lives and give clients the tools to break free from the grip of addiction. People are given new positive direction and their lives back. Broken souls are healed and families are reunited. Stepping Stone’s important work turns alcoholics and addicts into miracles.

In addition to the ride, organizers are planning a “Day Zero” event at the Stepping Stone residential treatment center – 3767 Central Avenue in San Diego – to permit riders to pick up registration packets, and introduce participants to the great work being done by Stepping Stone. The Day Zero event will take place on Saturday, January 9, 2016, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm; the public is welcome and light snacks will be served.

EVENT DETAILS:

• Sunday, January 10, 2016 – 8:00 am – noon.
• Registration link: recoveryridesd.org/registration
• Start and Finish Festivals at Swiss Park – South Bay
• 12/25/40 mile routes – coastal and inland routes
• Participation by partner groups such as Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and others
• Volunteer staff experienced with cycling events
• For information, visit www.recoveryridesd.org.

Press kit: download here.