March 9, 2017
Day four day of the UnitedHealthcare Beaches to Peaches Challenge began as a gorgeous South Carolina morning with temperatures in the low 70s. We rode under clear blue skies with the warmest day so far through the countryside as we began our 100+ mile day, our first Century ride of the year.
Our first stop was at the Yemassee train depot where for decades hundreds of thousands of Marines made their first stop on the way to the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot at Parris Island. The train station is being turned into an historical site by the community and they hope to restore the original Marine Barracks as a museum.
We made our towards Augusta, best known for the annual Masters Golf tournament, and had a unique lunch stop at Queen Horse Bedding House and Stable in Allendale, a 500 acre state of the art horse training facility.
Formerly named the Robwood Planation, the gorgeous Victorian-styled house where we enjoyed lunch was built in 1852. The property includes a motocross track! Thanks go to Skip and Liz Queen for their wonderful hospitality.
There are many who would ride their first ever century and one of those would be Julie. Julie is from Orlando and despite only starting to ride bikes four months ago, is riding her first Project Hero Challenge and having a great time. She comes to Project Hero courtesy of the inspirational and always motivating Dovi who urged her get involved with cycling and Project Hero through their local Project Hero HUB. Julie is working through an eating disorder and loves what Project Hero has done for her: she now brags about how much Ramen she has eaten on her Challenge journey! She said the comradery and support she has gotten from Project Hero has made a huge difference in her life. “Project Hero is hope!” she said. “That’s what it is for me.” Her husband also rides a hand cycle and has ridden with Project Hero most recently in the Florida Honor Ride with her. Julie is another gratifying example of someone who has achieved hope, recovery and resiliency through Project Hero. We are so proud of her for all she has done and especially on her first Challenge!
Media coverage:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/oxoeistpheeuh2l/AACA8kFAClTuxFuiOewu7Wjca?dl=0
http://savannahnow.com/bryan-county-now/2017-03-08/beaches-peaches-riders-stop-richmond-hill
http://wsav.com/2017/03/08/project-hero-riders-pass-through-savannah/
http://www.blufftontoday.com/news/2017-03-08/veterans-cycling-jacksonville-atlanta-stop-savannah
