Wounded veterans embark on 1,000-mile Soldier Ride 250 across the East Coast

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wounded veterans from across the country are taking part in a 1,000-mile cycling journey this month to honor the military’s role in 250 years of American independence.

The special edition of Soldier Ride 250 begins May 14 at Wounded Warrior Project headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, and will conclude at Firehouse 10 near Ground Zero in New York City.

Organizers expect the riders to arrive in Wilmington on Monday, May 18, as they continue their journey up the East Coast.

Approximately 80 wounded warriors are participating in the ride, which spans more than 1,000 miles and includes veterans with a range of service-related injuries. The cyclists are traveling in four groups and will visit historic landmarks connected to America’s 250-year history along the route.

Soldier Ride is an adaptive cycling program designed to help veterans build confidence, strength, and camaraderie through physical activity and teamwork. The program accommodates all ability levels and emphasizes the sense of unity many service members experienced during military service.

“Warriors never ride alone; they move forward together, as a unit, just as they did during their military service,” organizers said.

The commemorative ride runs through May 29 and highlights both the resilience of wounded veterans and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations.