VetsCycle - Silver Comet to AL - Veteran

Veterans Cycling

The VetCyle 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 demonstat you will make the ride.

Equipment & Participation

This program is open to veterans with visible or invisible disabilities as well as non-adaptive 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.

Silver Comet to Alabama Schedule

July 31 - Friday Smyrna to Cedartown  46 miles

• 1000 - meet at bike barn silver comet trail  (drop your car off here)

• 1030 - cross load gear into van and trailer (bags)

• 1100 - depart Symra

• 1300 - lunch at Dallas

• 1400 – depart Dallas

• 1800 – diner in Cedartown

• 1830 - AAR discuss next day trip

Aug 1 - Saturday Cedartown to AL to Cedartown 48 miles

• 0600  – 1st Call and breakfast

• 0700 – Pack all gear into truck

• 0730 - NLT depart on the days ride 

• 1200 - lunch in Piedmont AL

• 1800 – diner in Cedartown

• 1830 - AAR discuss next day trip

Aug 2 - Sunday Cedartown to Smyrna 46 miles

• 0600 – 1st Call and breakfast

• 0700 – Pack all gear into truck 

• 0730 - NLT depart on the days ride 

• 1200 - lunch at Dallas

• 1600 - meet up Bike Barn prep to depart , pack gear 

• 1630 - depart for the house (Mission Complete)

Total of 140 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 

• We will be staying at the same hotel both nights. Lodging will be double occupancy, and each participant should expect to have one roommate (two people per room).

• Due to budget constraints, Catalyst 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 or camping gear (sleeping in hotel)