Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride

The Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride provides rehabilitative cycling events for severely injured service members while raising public awareness and money for those who have been severely injured during the current war on terror. For many of these combat-wounded veterans, the program offers a way to return to an active lifestyle. Many of these men and women have been physically active throughout their lives and are eager to reclaim an athletic activity. The program offers wounded warriors a chance to get on a bike and prove to themselves, “I can still do this.” Soldier Ride is not about politics; it’s not about the war; it’s simply about men and women who are recovering from serious injuries.

All participants are provided with the adaptive equipment they need to cycle, even if they have severe injuries, such as amputations, blindness, and brain injuries.

History

• In 2004, Chris Carney from Long Island, New York completed a coast-to-coast bicycle ride in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. This was the first of what would become an annual event, Soldier Ride.
• In 2005, Chris again conducted a coast-to-coast ride, this time with Staff Sergeants Heath Calhoun and Ryan Kelley, as well as other combat-wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
• In 2006, Soldier Ride made a third trip across the country, this time with Sergeant Drew Biddle, Staff Sergeant Yegor Bondarenko, and many more combat-wounded veterans.
• In 2007, Soldier Ride switched to a regional ride format with seven rides. Each ride consists of three to four days of cycling in a specific region of the United States.

Soldier Ride is back on two (and three!) wheels for the 2008/2009 season. While previous years have been single cross-country rides, this season will offer a series of regional challenges in select cities across America. The regional rides will make it easier for more warriors to get involved with the group, without the extensive commitment of a full cross-country ride.

Around 20-50 riders participate in each event, many of whom use enabling bikes to accommodate amputations and other serious injuries. This year’s rides will include stops in many major U.S. cities, including New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Nashville, and more. Highlights of the rides include visits to area attractions, such as Ground Zero and the Hoover Dam, escorts by fire and police departments, and dinners hosted by community groups.

Soldier Ride is hoping to serve as a model program for other groups around the world. Five injured soldiers from the Israel Defense Force (IDF) joined the ride and are hoping to found a similar program in Israel to help injured soldiers and get them active in the community. Soldier Ride representatives have also been talking with the British Limbless Serviceman’s Association, who are also interested in founding a similar program in the UK.

Information about upcoming rides and Soldier Ride news is available online at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or call (904) 296-7350 for further Soldier Ride updates and news.