World-record breaking attempt supports veterans organization
A city resident today is attempting to set a second World Ultra Cycling Association record when he rides more than 200 miles across Ohio in support of a non-profit organization whose mission runs deep in his family’s heart.
Doug Chivington began his biking adventure at 3 a.m. today in Cincinnati, flanked by Team Chivington members following behind him in a vehicle to record the day’s events and to ensure that the ride follows the proper record-setting protocol.
He will trek from the Cincinnati Zoo to his final destination at the Toledo Zoo, following along State Route 66 through Ft. Loramie and Minister and St. Marys, and then crossing over to Findlay and continuing along State Route 235. He is hoping to make the trip in just under 13 hours to break the record for the 60 to 69 age group.
Chivington also made this trek across Ohio on his bicycle Sept. 11 in 13 ½ hours, setting the World Ultra Cycling Association Record for the 50 to 59 age group at that time.
His series of rides are conducted as a fundraiser for the Resurrecting Lives Foundation of Dublin, Ohio, that assists veterans with post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury during their recovery and as they return to post-military career and life.
The Bellefontaine resident said supporting the organization is a way that he and his wife, Amber, and their family can give back after their own personal experiences. The couple’s oldest son was injured while on a tour of duty in Iraq during 2006, and he required “quite a bit of rehab after that,” Chivington said.
“So many people helped our family during that time, from providing airfare to hotels and even getting sports tickets for my son to give him something to look forward to as well,” said the cyclist who completes about 300 miles per week during his training sessions.
“There have been so many people who were there for us, and now this is our chance that we can help other families and other veterans.”
An avid runner and bicyclist even before his retirement last year, Chivington said he was excited to now be able to pursue cycling full-time and this mission for the Resurrecting Lives Foundation. The need for advocacy and support is critical for veterans, as the inner struggles that former service members face sometimes can cost them their lives, he related.
“The war isn’t over for veterans who come home. We know that so many are struggling and many veterans are plagued by PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
“In the U.S., 22 veterans on average commit suicide each day. They can’t cope with what they’ve experienced.”
The many training hours on the bike are especially rewarding after getting to meet some of the individuals in person who have benefited from the foundation’s services, Chivington said.
“I love riding and being outside, but really the best part of this whole adventure is just being able to meet the veterans and hear their personal stories. It means the world to us.”
In addition to the other record-setting event in Ohio during September, Chivington participated in an Ultra Cycling event in Florida during February and he also plans to compete at a Texas race in October, all for the fundraising cause.
Area residents can watch his progress across Ohio today in livestream video available on the “Team Chivington” page on Facebook, where a link for donations also is available. As of Friday, the team had raised approximately $7,000 for the veteran organization.
Chivington said for those would like to contribute but would prefer to mail donations, checks can be sent to: Resurrecting Lives Foundation, 6724 Perimeter Loop Road, PMB #317, Dublin, Ohio, 43017, and include “Team Chivington” on the memo line.