The 7th Annual UnitedHealthcare Texas Challenge got underway on the more traditional Monday to Saturday format. Having the ride occur during the week will allow some of the towns that get heavily involved in the event to do even more to show support of our nation's service members. Texas is a very patriotic state and always shows an outpouring of love for our veterans.

The show of support was on full display today when the town of Tomball turned out every school, fire house, and business along the route in an incredible show of support that Texas is so good at.

This show of force does not go unnoticed by everyone on the ride. It creates a very emotional experience for everyone involved, including the town. The ride has a lot of first-time riders including some from Texas who were even impressed with all of the enthusiasm.

One of the first-time riders is Judy from Ft. Hood. She is one of the cadre from the WTB at Ft. Hood and brought 2 other first-time female riders from her platoon. They are going through some more serious mental and physical trauma issues and had heard about the welcoming environment for female service members in Ride 2 Recovery's programs. Community support like that shown by the town of Tomball really helps restore hope and purpose when you are trying to dig yourself out of a dark place.