Marine Corps Veterans to Ride Continental Divide

UPPER MARLBORO, Md. - June 3, 2016 - PRLog -- A team of United States Marines will embark on a mountain bike expedition to ride the Great Divide Trail from Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico on June 6. The Marine Corps veterans participating in the bike ride have recently completed Operation: Tohidu^®, a seven-day experiential retreat designed to enable participants to gain insight into and overcome deployment -related traumas through education, experiential learning, peer support, group therapy, spiritual experiences and other interventions. Operation: Tohidu is funded by Melwood, one of the largest employers of those with "differing abilities" in the Mid-Atlantic. The program is held at no cost to the participating veterans, and many have reported that it is the only treatment that has really helped them in learning to cope and getting their lives back.

The Great Divide Trail is the world's largest mountain bike route zigzagging 2,768 miles along the Continental Divide. Marines Corps Veterans Dale Hinkley, (from Lacrosse, Wis.); Brandon Wittwer, (Oakland, Fla.); Joshua Ploetz (Winona, Minn.); and his brother Jason Ploetz (La Crosse, Wis.) are making the journey to bring awareness to the need for support for veterans who are struggling with post-traumatic stress and to raise funds for Operation: Tohidu. The group anticipates completing their trek on August 6.

"One of the worst injuries our warriors face when returning home from combat is post-traumatic stress," said Corporal Ploetz. "We were fortunate enough to attend Operation: Tohidu and benefit from the program.  We felt an obligation to other vets to support the great work they are doing," he continued.

The challenging Great Divide Mountain Bike Route follows the Continental Divide north to south and crosses it 30 times, with the majority on unpaved roads and trails that require excellent off-road riding skills to complete. Riders have to contend with more than 200,000 feet of elevation gain. The route was designed to provide a riding experience primarily on dirt roads and mountain-pass single tracks all through the undeveloped areas of the Rocky Mountains.  Follow their journey on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/groups/612662928845424/  (Divide & Conquer 2016).  Contributions to Operation: Tohidu may be made at www.operationtohidu.org/#section-donate.

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About Melwood and Operation: Tohidu®

Melwood is one of the largest employers of those with "differing abilities" in the Mid-Atlantic and provides employees for corporate and more than 43 government contracts. The organization founded "Operation: Tohidu^®" a national program for veterans that are suffering from the visible and invisible wounds of war. Tohidu helps veterans learn how to cope without the use of medications; helps them learn skills to find employment and reintegration into civilian life. The program has received extremely positive reviews and has a track record of positive results.