Miracle Limbs Courage in Motion Bike Ride supports amputees

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Photo Credit: WINK News

One Vietnam veteran in Naples is doing something this weekend he once thought impossible.

Bob Ayres will join hundreds of cyclists in the Miracle Limbs Bike Ride in North Collier Regional Park, “I finally worked up the courage and said ‘okay, I’ll try it’.”

Ayres assists amputees because he knows the struggle of re-adjusting to life after amputation.

Now, Bob Ayres is on a mission, “That’s what I’m supposed to do: I’m supposed to help amputees and their families.”

He lost his leg after being hit by a car while changing a flat tire.

“In 1985 they amputated my leg above the knee and I just spiraled down.” he said. “I just couldn’t keep a job, it was so painful.”

From his pain… emerged his purpose.

“I know what I need to do’ and that’s when Miracle Limbs Courage in Motion started.”
So did his mission to motivate.

Vietnam veteran Lee Norton thought he lost his ability to bike after losing his leg, but that’s when Ayres came calling.

“Bob knocked on my door one day and said ‘we need to go for a bike ride,'” Norton  said, “So I finally worked up the courage… And I just absolutely love being able to do it.”

Ayres’ non-profit provides support for amputees through prosthetic limbs, rehab, and comradely.

They visit veterans in the hospitals, help pay their mortgage, car payments, and much more.

Ayres says they don’t want them to have to worry about their credit, so they can focus on the healing.

He says the annual Miracle Limb Bike ride is their biggest fundraiser, and a community builder for amputees, “Want them to start getting out there. There’s nothing to be ashamed of.”

His message is – you’re still who you are – learning to adapt with Courage in Motion.

Amputees will join hundreds of cyclists in this weekend’s Miracle Limbs Bike Ride in North Collier Regional Park.

The fundraiser will include different routes of different lengths for riders, food, and a way for everyone to show support for families in need.

EVENT DETAILS

The 11th Annual Miracle Limbs Courage in Motion Benefit Bike Ride starts at 7:00 a.m.

  • 62 mile ride starts at 8:00
  • 42 mile ride starts at 8:15
  • 28 mile ride at 8:30
  • 10 mile ride at 09:00

Registration: 7 a.m. at North Collier Regional Park at 1500 Livingston road, Naples.

Lunch benefit is 11:00 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

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