Army Veteran Transforms Bike Theft Heartbreak into USA Olympic Dreams

July 1, 2025

Without BikeInsure, I would have been financially screwed after my bike was stolen.

Dallas, Texas – July 1, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – BikeInsure, the Official Bike Insurance of USA Cycling and USA Triathlon, is thrilled to announce that Mike Smith, a military veteran who is the first loss-of-limb service member to re-enlist in the US Army, recently won the 2025 USA Cycling Para-cycling Time Trial National Championship, has joined the company as a brand ambassador. Mike, a para-cyclist who rides an expensive adaptive bicycle that was previously stolen, will play a crucial role in raising awareness about the essential need for bike insurance within the para-adaptive and cycling communities in the United States.

“I have known Buzzy Cohn, the CEO of BikeInsure, since a fundraising event called ‘Ride to Provide’ in 2016,” stated Mike Smith. “This event, hosted by former NFL Pro Bowl linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, aims to raise funds for programs that help veterans with disabilities participate in cycling. The Project Hero Organization modified my bike to enable adaptive control of the gears and brakes on the left side, making it accessible for me to ride.

Since that bike ride, Buzzy and I have maintained a close friendship based on trust, care, integrity, dedication, and consistency. So, when it came time to insure my bikes, it was an easy decision to choose BikeInsure. Thankfully, I did because my 2022 Pinarello Dogma, Serial #2P15150902052, was stolen while locked to my SUV bike rack at a quiet park in McKinney, Texas, with my prosthetic arm still attached to the handlebar as I was training.

Without BikeInsure, I would have been financially screwed after my bike was stolen. Instead, BikeInsure promptly paid me $10,000 just days after I filed my claim. I trust America’s Best Bike Insurance for my bikes, and it brings me great joy to share with all bicycle owners across America that they should consider BikeInsure too!”

“To know the individual whom his friends call ‘DreamChaser’ is to be constantly humbled by the goodness of humanity within a person,” said Buzzy Cohn, BikeInsure CEO. “We have spent countless hours over the years discussing life, brainstorming his career opportunities, enjoying the great outdoors of Washington, DC, and sharing a lot of food within the DMV that made our taste buds dance!

Both Mike and I have bike-related insurance claims. My claim was due to a costly bike accident that should have been easily covered by the Scheduled Insurance Rider on my homeowner’s policy. In contrast, Mike had BikeInsure when his bike was stolen. I faced a three-week ordeal with my homeowner’s insurance claim after filing it, while Mike received a $10,000 check from BikeInsure to cover the loss of his bike. Despite having a very expensive Scheduled Rider specifically to insure my Trek Madone, I learned from the head insurance adjuster after submitting my claim that, even though I had not filed a claim in over twenty years, the one bike accident claim would lead to an increase in my overall homeowner’s insurance of 25% to 60%, including the Scheduled Rider. Moreover, if I were to file a second claim within a three-year period, my home insurance carrier would be required to not renew my policy. Therefore, despite having a Scheduled Insurance Rider, it was a product that could never be used responsibly for a bicycle accident or bike theft claim.

The situation was disheartening, as the personal article claims would appear on the blacklist, which the insurance industry refers to as a C.L.U.E. (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report, making it nearly impossible for me to find a competitive homeowners’ insurance alternative. In contrast, Mike made a wise decision by choosing the bike insurance I developed to address the specific needs of our cycling lifestyle marketplace, which differs from homeowner’s insurance coverage. As a BikeInsure ambassador, Mike is one of the most qualified bicycle owners in America to raise awareness about the smart BikeInsure solution. This separate bike insurance policy is essential for every cyclist, whether they own a traditional bike, e-bike, para-adaptive cycle, or trike, providing ‘peace of mind’ and financial protection for their valuable cycling equipment against riding and transit accidents, and theft.”

As DreamChaser continues to chase his future para-cycling dreams, BikeInsure is supporting his efforts by donating $5 for each enrollment made through Mike’s sign-up page.

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About Mike Smith

Mike Smith dedicated 24 years to serving in the United States Army. He is a retired Army First Class Sergeant and a veteran who completed four overseas tours. While stationed in Tennessee, he was involved in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in the above-elbow amputation of his right arm. Despite this setback, Mike became the first military member with a loss of limb to reenlist in Army service. After retiring, he became a Paralympic skeleton bobsled athlete and participated in multiple Ironman and triathlon competitions, as well as completing the Race Across America. Currently, Mike coaches youth in multisport triathlons while training and competing in para-cycling. He aims to secure a spot on the Paralympic Cycling Team USA for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

About BikeInsure (BikeInsure.com)

BikeInsure offers affordable and comprehensive insurance for bicycles and eBikes in the United States. Licensed insurance producer BikeInsure, the official bike insurance partner of USA Cycling, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), and USA Triathlon, is administering the insurance plan, underwritten by carrier Great American Insurance Company, rated “A+” (Superior) by AM Best, an authorized insurer in all 50 states and Washington, DC. For over 150 years, Americans have trusted Great American Insurance Company to protect them and render best-in-class service.

For more information regarding Mike Smith, email Mike@AmericanDreamChaser.com

For more information related to BikeInsure, visit FAQ or contact Buzzy Cohn at info@BikeInsure.com.