Tuesday, June 25, 2013

UPDATED: FOUND! Wounded Veteran's Specialized Mountain Bike Stolen!

Anchorage, AK


UPDATED: Matt's bike has been found in an Anchorage Park.  The other 4 bikes are still missing.

Last night, the unimaginable happened, wounded Veteran, Matt DeWitt had his one-of-a-kind, specialized mountain bike stolen.  Matt was in Anchorage, AK with Ride 2 Recovery on a mountain biking trip as part of their training for the Leadville 100 MTB series this August.

In all, 5 wounded Veterans had their bikes stolen from inside a locked Uhaul at the Sheraton in Anchorage, AK.  Matt's bike was the only specialized one stolen.

If the bike isn't found, it is uncertain at this time if another bike could be specially fitted in time for him to ride in Leadville.

In 2003 DeWitt was patrolling in Khalidiyah, Iraq, when a rocket propelled grenade changed his life forever. Matt lost both of his arms below the elbow in 2003.  Having been a competitive mountain biker prior to his injury, Matt wanted to ride again.  Enter Ride 2 Recovery.  With the help of Ride 2 Recovery and mechanic Scott Moro, a specialized mountain bike was created especially for Matt. 
The specialized handlebars allow him to grip and steer with his prosthetic arms





 




and a special bar on the back of his seat allows him to break.




 With this bike, he was able to attend the Bush W100K ride with President George W. Bush

 
The hope is that Matt's bike can be recovered so he will be able to continue his training and participate in the Leadville 100 MTB challenge. 
 
Please pass this on, it's a one-of-a-kind bike and should be easy to spot.

2 comments:

  1. Great job bug Bad Uber Mother Hen. So sad. I hope they catch these thugs.

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  2. i hope all the bikes are recovered, but it's great that Matt got his back!

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