Using new technology we are going to report live as we ride along with these heroes and we will also be twittering (username: adamhousley) and posting pictures and blog updates as we power through the mountains around Santa Barbara headed to Ventura.

For once in my life, I am really at a loss for words. Tough to describe such an amazing event. You'll see as you read down my posts from the last couple of days, I continually use the words 'amazing' and 'inspiring'. We began this final day of the ride in the northern part of Ventura and kept a good clip at about 22mph for 3o miles into the western part of Malibu. Along the way we reported live and streamed as we road with these warriors and their supporters. You can see the live in this post just a bit below.

As we approached 'Neptune's Net', a popular local fish house seen in a ton of movies and our first rest stop of the day, I noticed Chad Flemming in a tough spot. You'll read more about Chad further down in this post. I had seen him take a tough spill as we were riding through Oxnard about an hour before. His ribs seemed to hit directly onto the curb, yet here was Chad. Bruised, cut up and swollen...still riding. Chad has one leg fighting for our country, next to him a serviceman named Inman. I couldn't get his last name as this group of 150 kept up the pace. Inman has one arm and with the prosthetic, he pushed Chad along. It is sight that will stay with me forever. I got chills. They both made it to the end.

We cruised through Malibu and then rallied at the park in Santa Monica, where we took the last 3 1/2 miles together down San Vincente into the VA facility in West Los Angeles. There the USO and so many other volunteers from the VA and other organizations put on quite a celebration. I have so much more to tell. So much more to say. I will post more on Sunday, including some great behind the scenes video. Until then, read on below!

More video, pics and updates throughout Saturday! In the meantime, I have my legs propped up on four pillows as suggested by one of the riders. Tired. Sore. Beat. Aching. Absolutely inspired. I hope to make it the last 60 miles, I made somewhere between 45 and 52 today, skipping the big hills that rim Santa Barbara. The 'Ride to Recovery' has really impressed me. Men and women from Vietnam to our recent conflicts, from bankers to servicemen and women. Others who help raise money are also along for the ride.

At two points today I had help, other riders who lend a hand on the back and help give some extra power. There are a number of men who become these saviors. What's so amazing, every time I say thank you, they always say no need...."It's part of the ride. Leave no one behind."

From Army Captain Chad Flemming who lost a leg in Northern Iraq to Nathan Hunt, a man who has used his hands to pedal the entire way from San Francisco, to those who lent me and others a helping hand....they all make me proud to be an American and so honored to be welcomed for the last two days of the ride. Have I mentioned I hope to make it the last 60? Asthma, no training, base knee from baseball and first time on a bike have made it challenging, but no one leaves me and I can't help but look at so many who have been through so much and be inspired.

Besides the riders there is the kids and the people from all walks of life who stand on the roadside waving and smiling, or others in their cars and trucks honking. Groups like the 'Knights of Columbus' in Ventura, 'American Legion Riders', USO and so many others help watch traffic and serve food and encouragement.
Here is from earlier today:

So we made it to the half way point here in Santa Barbara. On a personal note I made it about 15 miles or so reaching speeds of 30mph with the second group before I had to get into the van and get the mic on and prepare for our third live report. Thankfully that happened to be at the base of the big hills which reach from the Solvang area, eventually into Santa Barbara. As our van climbed higher into the mountains trying to catch back up to the riders I was thankful and also amazed about how these men and women, some using hand cycles....made the climb. Most impressive.

I have met so many honorable, admirable and down right strong people. Heck, I can't keep up with many of them and I haven't seen or endured anywhere near what they have. I am amazed and thankful for their service and it's not just our troops who have physical injuries, but others who are dealing with the stresses and other internal battles from war. The ride helps any and all.

This is a story I have followed for some time after meeting John Wordin at an event honoring our heroes earlier this year. As a former professional athlete who tries to stay in shape, I have to admit, this does bring back the butterflies in many ways, but for different reasons. What drives us to do this story and ultimately push ourselves physically and mentally...the men and women who have overcome so much more than a little athletic uneasiness. People who have sacrificed so much to fight not only for our country, but for safety, security and freedom for those unable to defend or know it for themselves because they have lived in fear.

So what is 'Ride to Recovery'? Well, it raises money to support Spinning Recovery Labs and outdoor cycling programs at Military and VA locations around the U.S. to help injured veterans overcome obstacles they face. Cycling is an important part of the recovery and rehabilitation program for two reasons:

1.Cycling is an activity that almost all patients with mental and physical disabilities can participate.

2.Participation in the Ride 2 Recovery Program helps speed up the recovery and rehabilitation process.