In 2005, Richard Senella, retired Army private first class, was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) while serving a tour in Iraq. He was 18 years old. The explosion broke his collarbone and burned his face. His platoon sergeant, who was sitting directly behind him, was killed instantly.

When he returned home he was prescribed four to five different psychiatric medications and multiple painkillers. He suffered from nightmares and self-medicated with drugs and alcohol for almost nine years.

Now 29, Senella has transformed his life with Ride 2 Recovery.

He and nearly 150 other veterans arrived in Selma on Tuesday for the Ride 2 Recovery Gulf Coast Challenge.

“This is basically my therapy. That bicycle is not just a bicycle to me; it’s my medicine,” Senella said.

The riders stopped at Bama Budweiser of Selma for a break. Pepsi Selma donated Gatorade and water for the veterans and Bama Budweiser provided fruit and granola bars.

Ride 2 Recovery was founded in 2008 and has served more than 10,000 veterans by providing a means to restore hope and purpose through its challenges.

Since beginning the program, Senella has been able to cut back on medication.

“Through riding the bike I’ve pushed that all the way down. I’m on one psych medication now and hoping over time that I can get rid of that too,” Senella said. “It feels good because it’s like I’m not having to rely on this crutch.”

Medically retired Sgt. Maj. Orrick Curry said the program serves as a support group for injured veterans.

“When you face certain issues sometimes you need something to motivate you,” Curry said. “All us guys and gals motivate each other to get finished with the mission we have.”

The multi-day trip began in Atlanta on March 6 and will conclude in New Orleans on March 11. Each day, the riders travel between 60-100 miles. Together, the veterans fight through their disabilities, both mental and physical, on their journey.

“Everybody has their own situation but everyone is out here riding,” said Ride 2 Recovery public relations director Sheri Goldberg. “They don’t let their disabilities define them anymore.”

Retired Army Capt. Andrea Graham said the program has allowed her to gain her life back by helping her cope with her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“All that matters is you want to get better and you want to feel better, and you’re willing to get on that bike and sweat a little,” Senella said.

For more information about Ride 2 Recovery, visit www.ride2recovery.com.