Elaine Astrue invites you to follow the adventure, as she trains for Route 66 PAC Tour on the road to recovery from a brain injury. As bike commuters and recreational cyclists, we know cycling is fun, good for our health, and good for the environment. Cycling can also play a key role in regaining health after an injury. On her blog you'll find stories, photos, and experiences that will educate and inspire. The ride begins April 14 in Santa Monica CA, and ends 17 days later in Amarillo TX. Training rides have already started, so check out the link below! Elaine is looking for folks to get involved by joining her on training rides, accompanying her on the way to Santa Monica, learning more, or donating. However you want to get involved would make her day. Head to her blog:
http://route66ajourney.blogspot.com
As Elaine, an SVBC member, points out:
- * The ride is not just symbolic; it is also cognitive rehabilitation for a brain injury. New studies show that strenuous exercise helps brain injury patients recover, by increasing blood flow to the brain and by stimulating brain stem cells to regenerate.
- * It is not primarily a charity ride - PAC Tour Route 66 is interesting in its own right.
- * Many traumatic brain injury patients also have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and cycling is the only aerobic exercise that seems to help PTSD symptoms. Several cycling programs for veterans address this.