The theme for Veterans Charity Ride (VCR) to Sturgis 2020 was “Service Before Self” (a belief held by most veterans). This theme was very timely considering the COVID-19 issues we’ve all dealt with since last March.

Service Before Self and giving back to others has always been a key element of  our VCR program. This activity has an incredibly healing effect on our veterans and this year it was even more important for us and the communities we rode through.

by Johnny Killmore 
​Photos courtesy of Sara Liberte

The rumbling of 20 motorcycles on the open highway is a hell of a lot better than the rumble of diesel engines as you convoy through a war zone, but the sounds do bring similar emotions. You have a team of people you need to trust, because they are in formation with you and need to mind their blindspots. The enemy is unseen when on convoy, and on the road you don’t know which distracted driver will be the one to encroach on your lane. And when you’re driving through Utah in August, there’s the heat…so much heat.
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But unlike convoys in Iraq, the Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis (VCR) is something to look forward to and not dread. Now in year number six, this was my fourth time piloting a sidecar for the ride photographer as we took wounded and amputee veterans out for some wind therapy to the biggest biker rally in the world. This year would be different in many ways, but the biggest change would be due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On the outset we weren’t sure how things would play out, but it turned out to be more of a blessing than a curse. The roads were less crowded, we had no mass gatherings (which can be exhausting for people with PTSD), and we even had a volunteer chef riding with us to make meals.

BY ​ Anya Mueller

STURGIS, S.D. — The Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis (VCR) is a veteran-operated, non-profit organization that uses “motorcycle therapy” to get vets outdoors and connect them with a strong network of other veterans to help them adjust back into civilian life.
They have custom-built motorcycles and sidecars for disabled veterans to operate.

By Yzabelah Roberts

By ​Joshua Carney

By Beacon Senior News​

​The Veterans Charity Ride (VCR) is a veteran-operated nonprofit that uses “motorcycle therapy” to get vets outdoors and connect them with a strong network of other veterans.

By Joshua Carney

Indian Motorcycle®, America’s First Motorcycle Company, today announced its continued support and sponsorship of the sixth annual Veterans Charity Ride (VCR) to Sturgis.
This year, in addition to using the organization’s unique brand of motorcycle therapy to aid combat veterans dealing with PTSD, the veteran-operated, non-profit organization will implement a “service before self” initiative to show appreciation to first responders who have been working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Veteran’s Charity Ride uses “motorcycle therapy,” a proven remedy that provides therapeutic solutions to help fellow veterans move forward and adjust to civilian life. The 2020 ride will include 15 total veterans – nine new veterans, along with six returning veterans who will serve as mentors.

​The latest This Week in Moab features three informative guest segments. First, Veterans Charity Ride founder Dave Frey discusses his Moab-based motorcycle therapy event. Hear about how the coronavirus pandemic is adjusting their plans, and compounding the need for good Veteran mental health services.