Advanced MTB Camp#

Semper Fi Fund Vets Take on Invitation Only Mountain Bike Event and Learn from the Pros at TDS Enduro April 29 – May 4, 2017

Team Semper Fi Joins Mountain Bike Legends for Once-in-a-Lifetime mountain bike event and camp

WHO: Fifteen service members from the Semper Fi Fund’s Team Semper Fi Program accept the challenge to advance and test their mountain bike skills in the best mountain bike event ever in Grass Valley, California.

Special Guests: Mark Weir, who is known as the “Godfather” of America Enduro Mountain Biking in the United States and is a 9-time winner of the Downieville Downhill, one of the most iconic and demanding mountain bike races in the country will be joining. Jason Moeschler, a winner of the Downieville Classic All-Mountain four times; including, 2015. Both are members of the Cannondale OverMountain Team, great friends, yet still fiercely competitive.

WHAT: Semper Fi Fund’s elite mountain bike athletes will take on steep California terrain at the second Team Semper Fi Mountain Bike Camp. Hosted in conjunction with TDS, WTB, Cannondale and Polaris. Joining them will be mountain bike legends Mark Weir and Jason Moeschler, who’ll share pro tips with the injured veterans as they rip down some of the best trails in the country.

 WHEN April 29 – May 4, 2017

WHERE: Grass Valley, CA; private location (details can be shared upon request)

WHY: “Recovery Through Sport” gives veterans an opportunity to experience California’s exquisite beauty as they embark on new adventures that build endurance and strengthen camaraderie. Mountain biking offers service members a challenging task that will leave them feeling exhilarated and confident.

 “Mountain biking offers the service members a balance of fun riding, beautiful scenery and land conservation awareness,” said Sam Tickle, Associate Director, Team Semper Fi. “These athletes will have the opportunity to learn advanced mountain bike skills from two of the best mountain bikers in the US, riding some of the most amazing trails in the country.  Plus, they’ll have an opportunity to build confidence in the sport and connect with professional, experienced and legendary riders.”

Service members available for interviews include:

Daniel Riley. Cpl. USMC Ret., Edwards, CO

Daniel lost both legs above the knee and part of his left hand when he stepped on an IED on a routine foot patrol in Afghanistan.  “From day one, Semper Fi Fund was instrumental in ensuring my recovery and transition was successful,” says Daniel.  “Early on, they provided essential help to my father (my primary caregiver) as he helped me in the immediate aftermath and recovery process. And as my journey progressed, Team Semper Fi helped me get an off-road handcycle (the one I’ll be using at the camp).”

“Sports, to this day, have been both my mental and physical therapy,” he continues. “And having the equipment to enjoy the outdoors has helped me stay physically healthy and just as importantly, become better integrated in my community. Much of the outdoors is limited to me because of my injuries. Having a bike that lets me get into the quiet backcountry and explore with my friends keeps me involved socially and allows me to be a part of my community.”

Jonathan Disbro, Major, retired, USMC, Reno, NV

Jonathan was injured in 2004 in Iraq by a mortar round, resulting in the amputation of his right foot below the knee.  Semper Fi Fund helped his family with lodging and travel expenses while he recovered at Walter Reed Hospital for an entire year.  In the years since, Jonathan has become an accomplished athlete and has participated in many Team Semper Fi events. He currently works as a certified prosthetist.

ABOUT THE SEMPER FI FUND: The Semper Fi Fund provides urgently needed resources and lifetime support for wounded, critically ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. Case managers from the Semper Fi Fund work one-on-one with service members and veterans in order to understand and support their individual needs right now and throughout their lifetime.

We keep our overhead low so our impact on the lives of service members and veterans is greater. The Semper Fi Fund has been awarded the highest ratings from watchdog groups: an A+ from Charity Watch – one of only two veteran nonprofits to receive this rating last year – and six consecutive “4-Star” ratings from Charity Navigator, an achievement attained by only 3% of rated charities. Learn more at www.semperfifund.org.

ABOUT TEAM SEMPER FI AND TEAM AMERICA’S FUND: Team Semper Fi and Team America’s Fund – is the heart and inspiration of the Semper Fi Fund’s Sports Program, and is an extension of the assistance we provide. The teams are made up of servicemen and women who have overcome significant challenges in their service to our country, and have embraced the fighting, athletic spirit on their road to recovery. They are an inspiration to us all, but more importantly, they are an inspiration to their fellow service members who are also recovering.

About TDS

The TDS is a private, professional only invitational Enduro mountain bike event limited to less than 100 athletes; sited in the rugged foothill country of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Grass Valley, California. TDS features over 700 feet of elevation on land sitting adjacent to a massive mine, the courses are quick, no-nonsense, and punctuated by large rubble strewn throughout red mine tailings. There’s everything: bermed, flowing, high speed terrain, true built features, sections that belch riders out on open, meadow-like free for all of any line goes, haphazard rock scrambling, and then steep drainages halted by overly abrupt sharp granite rock features. This is an event not to be missed. Cannondale pro, Marco Osborne, has deemed it “the best mountain bike event ever.”

About WTB

WTB was founded in Marin County, California in 1982, fueled by the need to create durable and reliable mountain bike-specific equipment. Back then mountain biking was a new and burgeoning sport, and mountain bikes weren’t much more than cobbled-together oddities. The original WTB crew was captivated by the experience of riding bikes on dirt trails, and they started creating more durable and functional components for their own bikes. Soon, local frame builders sought to outfit their bikes with WTB’s high-end components. WTB was able to turn our passion for bikes into a successful business.

Today WTB is a global enterprise; our innovative components are used for trail riding, transportation, recreation and elite racing across the globe. After 30 years things have changed a bit here at WTB–our little garage has morphed into a real office and the bikes we ride and the components we make have evolved to meet the needs of today’s riders, racers, and commuters. What hasn’t changed is our passion for cycling and our commitment to providing the cycling community with durable, reliable, high-performance components.

About Cannondale

Cannondale is a premium brand of Cycling Sports Group, a division of Dorel Industries’ (TSX: DII.B, DII.A) Dorel Sports segment, encompassing several powerhouse cycling brands, including GT, Schwinn, Charge, SUGOI and Fabric.  Dorel Industries Inc. has annual sales of US $2.7 billion and employs approximately 10,450 people in facilities located in twenty-five countries worldwide. With a reputation for continuous innovation and quality, Cannondale is a global industry leader with a strong heritage in design, development and manufacturing of high performance bicycles, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit Cannondale.com.

About Polaris

Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) is a global powersports leader that has been fueling the passion of riders, workers and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 60 years. With annual 2016 sales of $4.5 billion, Polaris’ innovative, high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER^®, RZR^® and Polaris GENERAL^™ side-by-side off-road vehicles; the Sportsman^® and Polaris ACE^® all-terrain off-road vehicles; Indian Motorcycle^® midsize and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot^® moto-roadsters; and Polaris RMK^®, INDY^®, Switchback^® and RUSH^® snowmobiles. Polaris enhances the riding experience with parts, garments and accessories, along with a growing aftermarket portfolio, including Transamerican Auto Parts. Polaris’ presence in adjacent markets globally include military and commercial off-road vehicles, quadricycles, and electric vehicles. Proudly headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves more than 100 countries across the globe. Visit www.polaris.com for more information.