Granby, Colo. (PRWEB) June 18, 2015
Granby Ranch, the four-season mountain getaway located less than two hours from Denver and in the heart of Mountain Bike Capital USA™, announced today a new biking program for veterans. The program aims to reduce the suicide rate among veterans who have experienced combat by promoting a safe and positive community and utilizing mountain biking as a healthy and exciting activity.
During the summer, Bike Granby Ranch will provide bike tickets, rentals and kits as well as camping accommodations for two-day excursions for two to six veterans (based on skill level), at no cost! The program will run every other Wednesday and Thursday (June 24-25, July 8-9, 22-23, August 5-6, 19-20, September 16-17).
Bike Granby Ranch’s lift-serviced downhill and cross-country trails accommodate riders of every level, and participating veterans will receive expert instruction from staff instructor and veteran Devon Nesselroth. A member of the Marine Corps on active duty in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2006 to 2008, Nesselroth initiated the biking program with a desire to give back to fellow veterans, especially those experiencing traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“I have been through TBI and PTSD, and being on the trail crew at Granby Ranch, being outside in nature and exercising really helped,” said Nesselroth. “We want to create a positive environment for vets to share experiences, make friends and help each other cope with the effects of PTSD and TBI.”
Numbers show that 20 percent of veterans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are diagnosed with PTSD, and veterans account for approximately 20 percent of all suicides in the U.S. Recent studies have found that high intensity aerobic exercise like downhill mountain biking can stimulate adrenaline, endorphin and serotonin release in the brain, which in turn can greatly reduce depression and other side effects of PTSD and TBI.
All physically able veterans, regardless of their disability, are welcome and encouraged to join. Participants will provide their own transportation to the resort and money for food. For additional information, call 1-888-850-4615 or visit the Mountain Bikes for 03’s and 11b’s Facebook page.
For more information on events, lodging and other activities at Granby Ranch, visit http://www.granbyranch.com.
About Granby Ranch (http://www.granbyranch.com)
Located just 90 minutes from Denver and just 15 minutes from Winter Park and the western entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, Granby Ranch is not a typical mountain getaway. It’s a peaceful mountain retreat that allows people to be closer to the mountains. After connecting with nature, guests and residents connect with one another by gathering at the Grill or around the fire pit for drinks or s’mores. Granby Ranch delivers Colorado skiing for less than other mountain resorts and strongly appeals to families and empty nesters who can stay in a privately owned slope-side condo, townhome, cabin or luxury home rental on their Colorado mountain getaway. Year-round activities range from fishing and golfing to hiking, biking and skiing.
