Akron Woman Becomes First Female from Ohio to Complete Race Across America as a Solo Rider

Cassie Schumacher Finishes 3,000 Endurance Race to Bring Awareness to Veterans' Issues. End Quote

Akron, OH (1888PressRelease) July 03, 2013 - Last week Cassie Schumacher, co-founder of veterans' support organization Pedal For Heroes USA, became the first female soloist from Ohio to finish Race Across America (RAAM), one of the most difficult endurance bike races in the world.

"I pushed the limits of my abilities to bring awareness to the needs of our nation's veterans," said Schumacher, the first woman from Ohio to compete solo and finish the Race Across America. "I want to prove that it is possible to overcome huge obstacles when you have a cause you strongly believe in."

Schumacher competed in RAAM to raise awareness of the issues and needs of veterans. The organization she represented, Pedal For Heroes USA, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that is dedicated to helping returning military personnel and their families. Schumacher cycled 3,000 miles from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland in 12 days, 18 hours and 57 minutes. She raced through desert heat, gale force winds and climbed over 100,000 vertical feet, competing with minimum sleep and little time to eat or break, to finish the race before the mandatory time cutoff. RAAM is the most grueling endurance in the world and one-third longer than the Tour de France.

"As the first women from Ohio to finish RAAM as a solo rider, I hope to use my recognition as a platform to spread awareness of the many issues veterans face and bring the necessary help and treatment to local returning men and women," said Schumacher. "It is a cause that is very close to my heart, and I look forward to raising awareness to bring help to our nation's veterans."

On August 24, Schumacher is organizing Ride For The 23, a 23-mile bike ride to help raise awareness of military suicides. Every day, 22 US veterans and one person on military active duty commit suicide. The Pedal For Heroes USA organization is encouraging veterans' groups, concerned citizens and others to help by organizing their own 23-mile bike ride fundraiser to raise money for local charitable veterans' groups.

One of the Ride For The 23 events will be held in Hudson, Ohio starting and ending at LifeCenter Plus.

Schumacher's Race Across America was funded by sponsors, including: Monreal Funeral Home, Blimp City Bike & Hike, Pulse Endurance Sports, Marketing Resources & Results, Pure Intentions, GMP Friction Products, LifeCenter Plus, Fresh Start Diner, pHitpills, CarboPro, Optic Nerve, Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons, E-Typist, and Mrs. P's Gluten Free Bakery. For more information on Cassie Schumacher and Pedal For Heroes USA, visit www.Wheels4Change.org and www.PedalForHeroesUSA.org.

###

space

Other Related Press Releases