VetsCycle - BRAG - Veteran

Veterans Cycling

The VetsCyle Training Program is designed to train and prepare adaptive and non-adaptive Veterans to participate in community races in a supportive, team-based environment.

Priorty will be given to riders who show up to monthly rides who have been putting the effort to train.  You will need to join the Catalyst Sport Strava Team and show that you are training for this ride.  You will need to show that you can do 2 consectives days of riding for at least 40 mile back to back 2 days in a row for a total of 80 miles.  You must demonstrate you are training for the ride.

Equipment & Participation

This program is open to Veterans with visible or invisible disabilities as well as non-adaptive Veterans. If you are not a Veteran please do not sign up as it is grant funding for Veterans.

If you do not own an adaptive bike, one is available for you to borrow for the duration of the program.

We are committed to addressing additional barriers to participation, including bike transportation and storage. If you have questions or need support, please contact franz@catalystsports.org.

BRAG Schedule

June 3 Wednesday Carrollton travel day 0 miles

• 1000 - Meet at bike shop  (drop your car off here if you want to carpool

• 1030 - Cross load gear into van and trailer (cots, sleeping bags, bikes)

• 1100 - Depart for Carrollton GA

• 1200 - Arrive at Carrollton GA

• 1300 – Lunch

• 1400 – Off load gear check in to the school or gym

• 1430 - Depart for Columbus (if you want park your car at Columbus and depart with me) (you can also leave your car in Carrollton and I will drop you off on Saturday)

• 2000 - Go over the schedule for the next day

June 4 Thursday   Carrollton - Trilith 55 miles

• 0600 – 1st Call and breakfast

• 0700 – Pack all gear into truck

• 0730 - NLT depart on the days ride to Trilith (55 miles)

• 1900 - AAR discuss next day trip

June 5 Friday Trilith - LaGrange 62 miles

• 0600  – 1st Call and breakfast

• 0700 – Pack all gear into truck 

• 0730 - NLT depart on the days ride to LaGrange (62 miles)

• 1900 - AAR discuss next day trip

June 6 Saturday LaGrange - Columbus 58 miles

• 0600 – 1st Call and breakfast

• 0700 – Pack all gear into truck 

• 0730 - NLT depart on the days ride to Columbus (62 miles)

• 1500 - Meet up prep to depart , pack gear into trailer /van

• 1530 - Roll out for the house (drop off at Carrollton if needed)

• 1700 - Arrive at Catalyst Sports Adaptive Bike Shop in Atlanta , off load gear.

• 1730 - Depart for the house (Mission Complete)

Total of 175 miles (MC)

Please email franz@catalystsports.org with any questions or concerns.

Essential Eligibility for VetsCycle Participants

Participants must be able to:

• Have Veteran status 

• Due to budget constraints, Catalyst Sports will cover lodging expenses for Veterans only. Family members are welcome to attend; however, the Veteran will be responsible for any additional costs associated with bringing family on the trip.

• Make safe cognitive decisions in a fast-paced, changing environment

• Follow all safety precautions identified by instructors

• Hold their head upright without head or neck support (if applicable)

• Wear a properly fitted and rated bike helmet and required safety equipment

• Understand and follow multi-step instructions independently

• Transfer in and out of the bike independently or with some assistance (if using an adaptive bike)

• Remain alert and focused for the duration of the ride

• Make quick decisions in variable terrain

• Independently pedal, steer, start, stop, and ride over varied terrain appropriate to their experience level

• must be able to ride for 50 plus miles.

What to Bring

Packing list (pack light as possible) (one duffle bag)

• Personal hygiene gear

• Chamois cream

• Lip balm (if needed)

• Towel

• Meds

• Sunglass

• Sunblock

• Sleeping bag / pad

• Cot (if needed) / air mattress

• Eye mask (to sleep)

• Ear plugs (to sleep)

• Power strip

• Electronic recharging stuff

• Towel

• Regular clothes

• Socks (2–3 pairs)

• 2 pairs of cycling shorts/bibs

• 2 cycling jerseys

• Lightweight jacket or windbreaker

• Cycling gloves

What not to bring

• Tents (sleeping in gyms or schools)