Cycling Saves Lives with Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride

NEW YORK, July 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Returning home from war isn't easy, but many have found hope through cycling with the help of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Soldier Ride®, presented by USAA®. This July, the rehabilitative cycling event brings dozens of injured service members to New York for a long weekend of cycling, healing, and camaraderie.

This year, former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and members of the British Armed Forces who were wounded during their military service will join the U.S. soldiers during the ride. The Israeli veterans are coming to New York thanks to Friends of the IDF (FIDF), which is partnering with WWP for the event. The 5-day program gives the wounded veterans from the U.S., Israel, and Great Britain, whose militaries often share information and work together on training exercises, an opportunity to challenge themselves in new ways and spend time with other men and women who have also served.

Community members will have the opportunity show their support and ride along in Babylon or take part in a 5K walk in the Hamptons. It's easy to register for both fundraising events; visit woundedwarriorproject.org or click here. A special pair of Wounded Warrior Project sunglasses will be distributed to each Soldier Ride Participant who raises $250.00.

Day One: Wednesday, July 15

When each veteran arrives, they are fit with adaptive equipment designed to meet their specific needs. Some of the participants may be missing limbs or dealing with chronic pain. WWP's team will help them find the right bike whether it's a recumbent, hand-cycle, trike or road bike.

Bike Fitting10 a.m. – 2 p.m.Marriott Farmingdale, 2 Marriott Plaza, Farmingdale, NY

Day Two: Thursday, July 16

The ride will begin in Manhattan on July 16 as the Wounded Warriors make their way to the Brooklyn Bridge. After they cycle across the span, they will attend a ceremony at FDNY Headquarters where they will be honored for their bravery and dedication. 

Soldier Ride (NYC)Start: 8:50 a.m.1211 6th Avenue, New York, NY

Break: 10:45 a.m.Brooklyn FDNY

End: NoonFort Hamilton Community Club (*Requires call ahead clearance from media)207 Sterling Drive, Brooklyn, NY

Day Three: Friday, July 17

The following day, Soldier Ride will pick back up at Babylon Town Hall and WWP Alumni will cycle to Overlook Beach.

Soldier Ride (Babylon)Start: 9:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony and Ride9:30 Community Ride BeginsBabylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY

End: Noon – 12:30Overlook BeachEast Islip, NY

Day Four: Saturday, July 18

On the final day, WWP Alumni will ride through the Hamptons.

Start: 8:45 AM Opening Ceremony and Soldier Ride Begins 9:00 AM Sag Harbor 5K beginsAmagansett Farm, 551 Montauk Highway, Amagansett, NY

10:30 AM Tribute at Sag Harbor honoring LCpl Jordan Haerter, USMC

11:00 AM Lap of Heroes in Sag Harbor

End: Noon Ride Ends Amagansett Farm

To schedule an interview with participating veterans and Wounded Warrior Project staff, contact Virginia Hilton at [email protected] or 757-340-7425.

Soldier Ride, presented by USAA, is also being supported across the country by U-HAUL, a founding partner of Soldier Ride, and TREK, both proud supporters of WWP.

About Soldier Ride

Soldier Ride® began in 2004 when civilian Chris Carney cycled more than 5,000 miles coast-to coast in support of WWP. In 2005, Carney again cycled coast-to-coast, this time with several combat-wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Soldier Ride has been welcomed at the White House since 2008 when President Bush called it "the most inspiring athletic event in the country," and most recently in April 2015 by President Obama where WWP Alumni met privately with him before the event.

Soldier Ride is a physical health & wellness program of WWP, which envisions a generation of wounded veterans well-adjusted in body, receiving the care they need to maximize rehabilitation and live active and healthy lives. Through peer support, adaptive sports, health, nutrition, and recreational activities, WWP helps warriors achieve independence and pursue an excellent quality of life.

More information on Soldier Ride is available at soldierride.org.

About Wounded Warrior Project®

The mission of Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. WWP's purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured servicemen and women aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. To get involved and learn more, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.  

 

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SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project