24 for 22 Press Release

For immediate release:

On March 25th, Army Veteran and Visalia Cyclery Bike Shop manager Jesse Purves set a new world record on distance cycling an e-bike in 24 hours.

Jesse Purves, 36, cycled 453 miles on open roads, from Fort Irwin Army Base in CA, and ending at the Fountain Hills Veteran Memorial Park in Arizona.

The mission on this expedition was two-fold: promoting awareness for military veteran PTSD / suicide awareness and the healing that comes from cycling, as well as the capabilities of modern day e-bicycles (pedal-assisted electric bicycles).

At 10:00am on the 24th, Jesse departed Fort Irwin CA on a Specialized Turbo electric assisted e-bike. With a two vehicle support crew, he pedaled for 24 hours, stopping only for short breaks for nutrition and equipment rotation.

As a war veteran who still suffers from combat injuries, Jesse has embraced e-bikes as a way to push his physical limitations past what the average road bike would allow. The past world record for distance on an e-bike ridden in 24 hours was 391 miles previously held by Ravindera Kenpaiah, set on a closed track. Jesse and team set a new world record of 453 miles, despite many additional factors such as sub 40 temperatures, poor road conditions, navigational challenges, heavy traffic, 12k’ elevation gain, and high wind.

Statistically, 22 veterans end their life by suicide every 24 hours. As an army veteran who personally experienced war trauma and first hand witnessed the effects of PTSD, this passion project became a way for him to spread hope to others with a similar story.

While the event is over, the mission to raise support and awareness has just begun. All proceeds and additional funds raised are going towards Mission 22, a nonprofit dedicated to getting veterans recovery & treatment.

Press inquiries:

Peter Amend

Hello@PeterAmend.com / 559-280—9707