Cyclists go long distance in O.C. to help injured vets

Hundreds of bicyclists rode alongside injured veterans through several Orange County cities Saturday while raising more than $40,000 for Ride 2 Recovery, a nonprofit that helps wounded vets recover through cycling programs at military bases and Veterans Affairs locations around the country.

The second annual Honor Ride Orange County started and finished at A Road Bike 4U, a bike shop in Irvine. Riders could choose one of two routes — 26 miles through Irvine and Newport Beach or a 63-mile ride that extended into Tustin, Orange, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo and Laguna Beach.

Nearly 450 cyclists participated, including 70 injured military veterans, according to Linda Glassel, Ride 2 Recovery’s Honor Ride national director.

The money raised through riders fees and other donations will help local Project Hero programs with the purchase of equipment, including bikes modified for wounded vets.

Members of the public paid $45 to $55 to ride. There was no cost for injured veterans.

— Rob Vardon