Bicycle Kick-starts Recovery Process for Jose

Earlier this month Jose Santiago completed the Rocky Mountain Challenge, a 330-mile bicycle ride that spanned from Cheyenne, WY, to Ft. Carson, CO.  The six-day marathon ride was organized by Ride 2 Recovery, a program that organizes cycling challenges and other events around the US . The goal of Ride 2 Recovery is to raise funding for cycling programs at military and VA locations across the country.

An Army veteran and traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, Jose said the ride was challenging but ultimately rewarding. “I enjoyed the whole ride, the scenery, everything. It was a tough a ride, but every moment was enjoyable,” Jose shared. “I’ve been in Colorado for 11 years, and I’ve never seen parts of Colorado like I saw on this ride.”

Jose’s cycling journey started off simply; he originally became interested in biking to improve his health and get outside more. He receives services through Denver Options’ two statewide TBI programs, Colorado Connections and Operation TBI Freedom (OTF), so he expressed his interest to his care coordinator, Beth Burnett. Beth helped Jose obtain funds through Colorado Connections to purchase a bicycle and helmet.

Then Jose received an email from OTF Care Coordinator Fredia Johnson about the Rocky Mountain Challenge. “It inspired me to see these guys without arms or legs doing this race,” he said. Jose signed up for the challenge and has been hooked ever since. “I get on my bike every day and do 20, 30 or 40 miles. I signed up for another race in Florida in November, and I want to do whatever local rides are available,” he stated.

“It’s been great to see what has come out of a simple bike purchase,” Beth said of Jose’s accomplishments. “He’s told me that the biking has helped his recovery more than any other therapy he has participated in.”

See Jose’s photos from the Rocky Mountain Challenge bike ride!

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Learn more about Denver Options’ statewide traumatic brain injury programs.
Learn more about Ride 2 Recovery.