Wounded servicemembers to pedal into Carson

A team of athletes, many of whom were wounded serving with the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, will arrive in Carson City on Friday in the sixth day of a bike trek across America called the State Farm Sea to Shining Sea.

The goal of the ride is to honor U.S. service men and women, recognize the strength of the American spirit and challenge perceptions of how athletes are viewed. The ride will conclude in Virginia Beach on July 24.

Spanning 63 days and 4,000 miles, the cyclists left San Francisco on Saturday and anticipate the journey to Virginia Beach will test their physical limits and challenge people, disabled or not, to live active and enriched lives.

Several riders have specially-designed bikes that make it possible for them to participate.

The group is expected to reach the Capitol steps in Carson City about 4 p.m. Friday and the public is encouraged to be on hand to greet the visitors, said Marilyn Lewis, of sponsor State Farm Insurance.

"We will have patriotic music and some flag waving for these veterans. "

Among the supporters joining the group will be Army Brig. Gen. Arnold N. Gordon-Bray, retired Marine Corps Gen. Robert Magnus, and Ambassador Paul Bremer, who oversaw the reconstruction of Iraq from May 2003 to June 2004.

"The selfless service of these warriors, including the injuries they sustained, is evidence of their courage, honor and commitment. Their indomitable will to succeed by completing the daunting State Farm Sea to Shining Sea ride is a testament to today's American military men and women," Magnus said.

For more information and to follow Sea to Shining Sea online, go to www. s2ss

bikeride.org.