Ride with Olympic Cyclist Dotsie Bausch at Charity Ride in Orange County Aug 3

IRVINE, Calif. - July 25, 2013 - PRLog -- "I love so much about it," says Dotsie Baush. "I just love being able to be outside with the wind in my face and the ability to see so much in a short period of time, if you go 30 miles or 50 miles or 70 miles. But I love the competitive aspect of it more than anything. I love track racing and I love the gift it's given me. It's been an incredible journey so far in just a short period of time." (quoted in ESPN interview.)

Her journey from anorexic runway model to professional cyclist and now Olympic Silver Medalist has been chronicled by virtually every major news organization.  But beyond the model exterior and her physical capabilities on a bike, there is her unquenchable desire to pay it forward.  

Her story of getting caught up in the crazy world of the New York runway model is nothing new.  She drove herself so hard that she finally found herself barely surviving in a 5'9", 90 pound body.  After contemplating suicide, she headed for therapy and a big life turnaround.  She credits cycling for much of her recovery.

Now she helps others who are disabled by an eating disorder.  No one is better at identifying with someone in some form of addiction, than an ex-addict.  But Dotsie's big heart doesn't end there.  

Our wounded vets sometimes struggle with some of the same needs in their recoveries that Dotsie did.  And many of them are finding the same thing she did.  A bicycle is a fantastic way to build strength, endurance, and postive mental energy.  Through Ride 2 Recovery, veterans across the country are being outfitted with specially designed bikes that allow them to fully participate in cycling.  

To help raise money for these vets, A Road Bike 4U is hosting an Aug 3rd ride originating at the store located in Irvine, at the corner of Main St. & Red Hill Ave.  Dotsie Bausch will be one of those riding in support of our wounded warriors that day.  You can still get in on the fun, and meet Dotsie.  Registrations are still open, and you can sign up online at http://beta.active.com/irvine-ca/cycling/ride-2-recovery-irvine-2013

The ride will be the cornerstone of a huge day of cycling events at the store.  Owner Bruce Marshall has big goals for helping Ride 2 Recovery, including a drawing to win a brand new Giant Defy Carbon Road Bike.  "We have a huge prize list that includes apparel, helmets, shoes, components and accessories donated by our suppliers.  Many of those same suppliers will be at the shop on Aug 3 to talk about their current lines and maybe give some hints into 2014 offerings."

One interesting aspect of the drawing is that the total number of tickets sold is very unlikely to reach 5000.  That is great for those who enter, since this means the odds are much better than Lotto or any table in Vegas.  And the top prize alone is worth over $2,600.  You can enter the drawing by going to http://aroadbike4u.com/product/arb-ride-2-recovery-drawing-5823.htm

2014 Giant Bicycles will be available to ride, and other top brands will have 2014 products for you to check out.  This 2nd annual expo at a Road Bike 4U will also include helpful clinics and, of course, very special deals on cycling gear throughout the store.

For details about all aspects of the ride, events, prizes and more, visit the company website at http://ARoadBike4U.com.