The stresses of defending our country and our freedom can be great, so when these heroes come home, it’s our responsibility to help get them back to a normal life. At least that’s how the Motorcycle Relief Project sees it. This organization is based in Evergreen, and it offers a unique solution to one of the biggest problems our country has faced—helping our soldiers heal.
Can Motorcycles Help Veterans Recover From War?
The project organizes motorcycle rides for veterans by veterans to help jumpstart the process of rejoining civilian life after a long tour of duty. The five-day Relief Rides are held in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah, and provide a safe environment for soldiers to recover from PTSD and connect with fellow service members.
How Does Relief Rides Help Soldiers Recover?
Veterans can choose to ride their own bikes and use their own equipment, or they can use the gear and motorcycles provided by the project. A licensed counselor is available on every ride, and workshops are available to help teach relaxation techniques, stress management, and PTSD recovery strategies. Relief Rides is meant to help heal the “invisible injuries” left by serving our country, but it is not limited to that.
MRP also invites veterans not suffering from PTSD to apply to come on Relief Rides as well. There are no forced participation groups or sharing sessions, nor is there any psychoanalysis—just veterans relaxing with comrades. The group also invites veterans with disabilities to apply for rides, but at the moment the project doesn’t have any adaptive equipment for the bikes they use, which means participants with disabilities will have to ride using their personal outfitted equipment. However, Motorcycle Relief Project is hoping to have adaptive equipment soon so even more veterans can take part in the experience.
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