DODGE CITY, Kan. (AP) _ Dodge City is preparing to welcome 16 physically challenged veterans who are riding bicycles across the country to show people that they aren't defined by those challenges.

The Sea 2 Shining Sea ride started in San Francisco on Memorial Day. It is scheduled to end in Virginia Beach on July 28.

The riders will be in Dodge City Tuesday through Thursday.

The Dodge City Daily Globe reports (http://bit.ly/Q2a7yf ) that the city has several events planned to welcome the riders. They include a welcoming line when the riders arrive, dinners and admission to some of the city's Wild West attractions.

1st Sgt. Glen Goulet, who is battling lung cancer and Valley Fever, says all the participants in the ride want to show people with physical challenges that they can overcome anything.