Navy grads raise awareness, funds for veterans

The distance between Seattle, Washington, and Annapolis, Maryland, is 3,423 miles. Graduates from the 1983 Naval Academy class traveling the route want to raise funds for veterans' non-profit organizations and increase awareness about obstacles faced by veterans.

Since Aug. 23, Navy '83 group members have been pedaling their way across the country. They departed from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island after dipping the back wheels of the bicycles in the Salish Sea. The ride will end Oct. 5, after 44 stops, when they dip the front wheels in the Severn River in Annapolis. They'll arrive in time for the class's 40th reunion.

The idea for the trip began five years ago, during the '83s' 35th reunion, when John Hults offered the idea. Interest sparked and several group members began the training process, riding weeklong training routes.

Sixteen members of the group stopped in O'Neill, Friday. Before venturing through Antelope County, Saturday, the cyclists started the day by doing 22 pushups.

One for each veteran lost to suicide each day in this country.

Throughout the trip, up to 75 individuals will cycle along the route. Each day, the group travels approximately 75 miles. A support truck travels with them.

Along the way, they are raising funds to support veterans who need assistance. The graduates have a 10-year goal: raise $1.983 million to support organizations that assist veterans, including Challenged Athletes Foundation, Special Operations Warrior Foundation and Operation Heal Our Patriots. Each rider also paid $1,983 to participate in the ride.

Why that amount?

It represents the year members of the group completed training at the Annapolis academy.

To donate to Navy '83 or to learn more about the Ride Across America, visit navy-cycling.com.