SAN ANTONIO — Dozens of Texas veterans hit the pavement for some therapeutic recreation at McAllister park in San Antonio.
- Operation Comfort puts on the event
- This is the 4th year for the workshop
- Workshop promotes health
The Alamo City-based non-profit, Operation Comfort, hosted its annual bicycle workshop teaching vets how to safely ride their specialized bikes.
"I never thought I would ride a bike again," said veteran James Madison. "I never thought that I would feel the wind in my hair again, and being able to get on these trails and go a decent speed and feeling the wind in my hair, it’s just exhilarating. I felt alive again."
Photo of veterans participating in Operation Comfort’s workshop (Chris Grisby/Spectrum News)
Madison and other U.S. military veterans are riding their way back towards good health.
"It's just a whole new look on life. I’m not depressed anymore. I have something to do and enjoy myself," said Madison. "When I’m dealing with frustrations, or angers, or any kind of issues with PTSD, I take it out on the bike."
For many of the vets, their bikes serve as a tool to get in a decent workout and a chance to interact with others who share their same challenges. While the ride may feel and look a bit different at first, the perfect dose of pure fun soon sets in.
"I’m a below the knee amputee on both of my knees. I still get plenty of power," said veteran Rick Dunlap. "It’s just relaxing. It gives me a little more freedom and everything."
Operation Comfort's cycling workshop has been taking place in San Antonio since 2016. To learn more about the non-profit, you can visit their website here.