Team Battle Back Race Across America 2012

The RAAM is one of the world’s pre-eminent and longest running endurance cycling events, beginning in Oceanside, CA and ending in Annapolis, MD. Competitors climb well over 100,000 feet while passing through 12 states and covering a total distance of 3,015 miles.

Team Battle Back’s aims:

1. For a team of 8 wounded UK Armed Forces personnel to complete the RAAM in a minimum of 8 days (a regular 8 man team will have 9 days in which to complete the RAAM).

2. The team also aims to raise over £100,000 in support of their wounded comrades.

3. To beat Team Wounded Warrior our American Counterparts.

Why is taking part in the RAAM beneficial to the soldiers in recovery?

Participating in endurance challenges such as the RAAM acts as a focus for the wounded recovering and inspires other serviceman learning to deal with life changing injuries. In short they are demonstrating to our wounded and injured what they can achieve and that life is not over. The use of sport or outdoor activities has a proven track record to aid successful physical and psychological rehabilitation, providing the foundation for the development of a positive self-image and outlook on life. Successful completion of the RAAM will certainly help in achieving these aims.

In order to attempt this challenge all potential riders and support crew will be required to undertake an intensive 9 month training programme. This will require a considerable amount of dedication from all team members. Key to training will be monthly team training weekends to be held at H4H Tedworth House, Tidworth.

Why should you support the team?

Every rider in the team will have been either wounded on operations or injured training for operations. Many of these soldiers have given almost the ultimate sacrifice in defending everything that forms our way of life and that is often taken for granted. The country has and should continue to recognise this sacrifice and support our wounded for the rest of their lives. As Theodore Roosevelt said, ‘A man who is good enough to shed his blood for his country is good enough to be given a fair deal afterwards’. The RAAM represents a new challenge in life for our wounded and injured. As such it is only right that we provide them with the best possible support to allow them to meet this challenge head on.

You can show your support by donating to the team at www.bmycharity.com/battlebackraam2012. You can also keep up with the latest news from the team via Twitter @BB_RAAM2012,

Facebook www.facebook.com/battlebackraam and on the Help for Heroes Website www.helpforheroes.org.uk/events/battle-back-raam.html