August 13-14, 2017
Barrington to Chicago
"We don't need prescription drugs, we need prescription bikes"
The last days of the 4th UnitedHealthcare Great Lakes Challenge seemed to be best described by the quote above. After 7 days and 400 miles of riding from Minneapolis to Chicago, there were plenty of smiles all around and the thought that being resilient means being anti-fragile. You prove to yourself that the ups and downs of daily life and dealing with mental and physical issues can be overcome.
Sunday, starting at the Barrington Hills Park District under sunny skies, the Mayor of Barrington Hills Marty McLaughlin helped us start the Honor Ride in style and we were among more than 300 riders who raised money for Project Hero riding on the beautiful roads of Barrington Hills.
Once off the bike, it was time for dinner at the Mid-America Club, one of Chicago’s most exclusive venues overlooking the city with spectacular views. Graciously hosted by Dover Corp. and Bill and Diane Spurgeon, the event made an ideal finish to a fabulous day, especially since we were joined by Project Hero Board of Director members Rob Paddor, Rear Adm. Mike Stocks (Ret.), Bill Spurgeon and Tom Abraham.
After dinner, we presented Candice Morgan, Alberto Pedroza, Brian Scott, Matthew Schroeder and Jonathan Dade with the bikes they rode during the Challenge and honored two more Resilient Riders of the Day, Christopher Mumma and Vicki Lyles.
On Monday, we were sent off by local UnitedHealthcare volunteers, we left downtown Chicago riding under sunny skies (once again!) and toured the waterfront and famous Lake Shore Drive before heading into Skokie to Rob Paddor’s Evanston Subaru where Rob, Niles Township Trustee Mark Collins, UnitedHealthcare’s Tony Marusic and a great group of enthusiastic Subaru employees lining the street waving flags cheered the riders as we arrived.
As always, Rob thought of everything: from the massive American flag raised by members of the Skokie Fire Department to tasty burgers, hot dogs and ice cream for lunch, it was a wonderful way to end our 500+ mile journey that began in Minneapolis last week. We arrived at the dealership, enjoyed lunch and took a group photo and officially concluded one of our most enjoyable and successful Challenges.
Project Hero’s next UnitedHealthcare Challenge will be the popular California Challenge and we look forward to being with our Project Hero family in October.
Until then, stay safe on the road and keep on riding!
Media coverage from today includes:
http://www.dailyherald.com/news/20170813/suburbs-welcome-wounded-vets-on-500-mile-trek
http://www.wiscnews.com/reedsburgtimespress/news/local/article_1aad110c-1ef9-58f4-8107-cb054a355a39.html
