Indian Motorcycles to Sponsor Fourth Annual Veterans Charity Ride
America’s first motorcycle company - Indian Motorcycles - has announced their support and sponsorship for the fourth annual Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis.
(All images taken from Motorcycle .com)
The Veterans Charity Ride, or VCR for short, is a non-profit organization started by veterans for veterans. The organization aims to deliver Motorcycle Therapy through “life-changing, life-saving holistic programs specifically designed to assist wounded and amputee combat veterans with their needs.” New veterans will also be paired with veteran mentors who have already went through the program, and they will receive one-to-one support to help them transition back into civilian life.
Many of the veterans participating in the ride for the first time are said to be amputees, paraplegics, suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress and other issues. By helping these veterans through the outreach program, VCR will turn them into healthier - both mentally and physically - and happier individuals.
“We built a program specifically designed to assist wounded and amputee combat veterans with their needs and the issues they deal with on a daily basis. We give them the tools and a support structure to help get their life back on track following their tour of duty and life overseas,” said Dave Frey, Founder of the Veterans Charity Ride.
“Many of our veterans used to ride motorcycles before their injuries and thought they never would ride again. Through support from companies like Indian Motorcycle and Champion Sidecar, we are able to get these vets back on bikes and enjoy the freedom of the open road.”
According to the press release, the ride will be taking place on July 28th, where participants will depart from Las Vegas and embark on a journey through some of the most scenic roads the western United States have got to offer.
Astride their Indian motorcycles, the bikers will travel for eight days to Sturgis, where the participating veterans will “experience the camaraderie of the group through off-road adventures and outdoor activities.”
On August 4th, members of the VCR will experience a “Hero’s Welcome” upon their arrival at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
When asked why their company chose to sponsor this cause, Senior Director - Marketing and Product Planning for Indian Motorcycles Reid Wilson said: “Veterans Charity Ride is a life-changing program for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
“Supporting the U.S. military has always been core to our brand DNA, and it’s an honour to give back by supporting a noble cause.”
Indeed, since Indian Motorcycles is America’s first motorcycle company, they have since earned the distinction as one of America’s most legendary and iconic brands of motorcycle. Their history, having been founded in 1901, as well as their passion, has led to the respect of many American motorcyclists, which is no wonder why the company is championing a cause so deeply rooted to their country’s history as well.
Indian Motorcycles and Monster Energy Drink will be the primary sponsors for the Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis, while other companies such as Champion Trikes & Sidecars, Cycle Gear and more will be providing additional support and sponsorship.