About Soldier Ride

Soldier Ride, at its core, is a rehabilitative cycling event designed to challenge wounded warriors to get back in the saddle, both literally and figuratively. It also is a tool to help both the physical and mental wounds of war. These rides also raise awareness for the WWP mission and our many important programs designed to serve our injured and their families, and in turn raise money through sponsorships, pledges and donations.

About Wounded Warrior Project

Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. WWP serves to raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members aid and assist each other and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. For more information, please call 877-TEAM-WWP (832-6997) or visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

History

In 2004 Chris Carney from Long Island New York completed a coast to coast bicycle ride in support of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). This was the first of what would become an annual event, the Soldier Ride.

In 2005 Chris again conducted a coast to coast ride this time with Staff Sergeants Heath Calhoun, and Ryan Kelley and 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 was changed to a regional ride concept with a National Tour consisting of 7 regional rides. This format allowed more communities to become involved with the program and provided more opportunities for wounded veterans to participate in cycling.

In 2008 President Bush held a kick off ceremony at the White House as the regional rides continued and more cities were added.

In 2009 President Obama again welcomed Soldier Ride to the White House. Soldier Ride continues to offer cycling opportunities to wounded veterans and raise awareness for veterans' issues.