Bret Michaels & Veterans Charity Ride Bringing Deserving Veterans to Arizona Bike Week

Rocker Bret Michaels and Veterans Charity Ride Bringing Deserving Veterans to Arizona Bike Week

Phoenix/Scottsdale area severely wounded and amputee veterans getting some much needed motorcycle therapy and VIP treatment

Scottsdale, Ariz. (March 31, 2017) – Veterans Charity Ride (VCR), a non profit motorcycle therapy and wellness program for severely wounded and amputee veterans, is teaming up with rock and roll legend Bret Michaels, Phoenix and Scottsdale businesses and veteran organizations to bring local veterans to Arizona Bike Week. Located at WestWorld of Scottsdale, a massive 360-acre event park, Arizona Bike Week is the largest motorcycle event in the Southwest.

VCR is providing veterans with Indian Motorcycles, custom built Champion Sidecars and Trikes, to ride through the most beautiful scenic back roads of this great country, exploring America, getting our veterans outdoors, back into the environment, and connecting veterans with mentors and other veterans, groups and supporters. The results of their program is a healthier and happier, more capable individual, who is now living life in a much better physical and mental condition, and able to help and support other veterans to do the same.

VCR and local veterans will be welcomed to Arizona Bike Week (ABW) by Bret Michaels at 9 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, during his opening night performance at the RockYard (the onsite concert venue at WestWorld). Michaels, a son of a veteran, is an Arizona resident and an avid biker, both street and dirt. Michaels, who took his solo band to forward operating bases in Afghanistan, Iraq and Kuwait to play for the men and women of our armed forces, will be honoring local veterans and bringing them on stage during his performance at Arizona Bike Week. Having come from a family of veterans, some who received purple hearts and some killed in action, Michaels says, “I cannot thank these men and women enough for their patriotism, personal sacrifice and the freedom we all get to enjoy.”

In addition to opening night, VCR and local veterans will attend the nightly concerts, flat track races (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), bike shows and activities at ABW, courtesy of ABW organizers. A full schedule of all ABW events can be found here: http://azbikeweek.com/events.asp.

The challenges for veterans are well documented. Post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, amputations and difficulties with re-assimilation to civilian life are common. Iraq and Afghanistan veterans – many who are still young individuals – are facing a major crisis. Giving veterans an outlet for their stress, and creating a way for them to bond with other veterans and find emotional balance, is critical.

Dave Frey, founder of VCR said, “We are so excited to bring Veterans Charity Ride to Arizona Bike Week.” “Our main mission is to reach fellow veterans, get them out of the house and back into the environment, so they can experience life and living again. The organizers of ABW have been amazing, welcoming us with open arms, and helping us with our mission. The support from Indian Motorcycle and our partners, and the local veteran groups we’ve been working with has been phenomenal.”

“We love what Veterans Charity Ride is doing for our wounded veterans,” said Lisa Cyr, ABW organizer. “These veterans have served our country bravely and have sacrificed dearly, it is now our turn to take care of them and show them the appreciation they so deserve. We welcome the opportunity to work with Dave and VCR, and look forward to making this a tradition here at ABW for years to come.”

Indian Motorcycle and the American Legion Riders Chapter 58, along with American Legion Post 44, Indian Motorcycle of Scottsdale and their Indian Motorcycle Riders Group (IMRG) Scottsdale are sponsoring a Veterans Motorcycle Therapy Ride (Vets Ride AZ) on Thursday, April 6. All veterans and riders are welcome to attend the event, which begins at 9:30 a.m. at Indian Motorcycle of Scottsdale, located at 8420 E. Butherus Dr. Additional details are available at Vets Ride AZ.

For the general public and supporters who want to learn more and support this worthy organization, stop by VCR’s informational booth inside the vendors area of ABW. VCR is a nonprofit veteran program funded by sponsors, industry partners and the general public through 100 percent tax deductible donations. Visit their websites at: https://veteranscharityride.org/how-to-help/#donate and www.veteranscharityride.org.

ABOUT VETERANS CHARITY RIDE 
Veterans Charity Ride (VCR), started by veterans for veterans, is a non-profit organization that uses Motorcycle Therapy and holistic programs to provide a healing and life changing experience for wounded, severely injured and amputee veterans from all branches of service who need support. VCR provides veterans motorcycle therapy excursions through the most beautiful scenic back roads of this great country, exploring America, getting our veterans outdoors, connecting veterans with mentors and other veterans, groups and supporters. VCR programs include; our annual signature ride and program “Veterans Charity Ride to Sturgis”, MCT – Motorcycle Therapy Rides & Excursions, WELL VET – Veteran Health and Wellness Program, TRUSTED VET – Veteran Mentor Program, SAFE VET – Veteran Motorcycle Safety Program,, SPEC OPS – Special Events and Activities for VCR veterans, VET FAM – Veteran Family Support Program, and MOTO DONO – Veteran Motorcycle Donation Program.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 
Susan Frey
Program Director and Media Coordinator
Email: suefrey@veteranscharityride.org
Ph: 818-405-8544

Jeff Dardis
EPIC Creative
Email: jdardis@epiccreative.com
Ph: 262-338-3700 x289