Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride comes to New York next week and many
of the participants have emotional stories they would like to share.
The rehabilitative cycling event brings Wounded Warriors from across the
country together for a long weekend focused on physical health and wellness,
camaraderie, and healing. Events include a bike fitting where warriors with
severe injuries are fit with adaptive equipment, and several days of rides.
This year participants will begin by riding through New York City on July
18. Over the next two days they’ll travel through Long Island and the
Hamptons. I’ll put a full schedule below.
As I said, many of these wounded warriors have amazing and emotional stories
they would like to share with you. I put a few of their bios below. Let me
know if you’d like to set up any interviews next week.
Virginia Hilton
Phone: 757.340.7425
Email: virginia@themeridiangroup.com
Soldier Ride Schedule:
July 17
Beginning at Noon
Bike Fitting with Warriors
Marriott Farmingdale
2 Marriott Plaza
Farmingdale, NY
July 18
8:50 AM Soldier Ride Begins
1211 6th Avenue
New York, NY
10:45 AM Wreath Laying Memorial
Brooklyn FDNY
July 19
9:00 AM Soldier Ride Begins
9:30 AM Community Ride Begins
Babylon Town Hall
200 East Sunrise Highway
Lindenhurst, NY
July 20
8:45 AM Soldier Ride Begins
9:00 AM Community Ride Begins
Ocean View Farm
551 Montauk Highway
Jennifer Bowles Bio:
Just a few years ago, Retired Army Corporal, Jennifer Bowles thought she
might never walk again. An injury she suffered during boot camp led to
years of physical problems including a ruptured disc in her neck. At first
doctors thought she might be paralyzed, but she wasn’t willing to accept
that prognosis. After surgery she spent a year on bed rest and another year
in physical therapy and rehab. In the end, she wasn’t paralyzed, but her
mobility was severely limited. While she was recovering she learned about
Wounded Warrior Project and wanted to find out how the organization could
help her. Soon after, she learned about Soldier Ride and signed up right
away. She wasn’t able to run anymore, but the idea of being able to ride a
bike was exhilarating. Today she says riding gave her back her freedom and
she can’t wait to take part in Soldier Ride New York in July.
Victor Rivera’s Bio:
After many years of service in the Air Force, Victor Rivera started feeling
run down. When he went to get checked out in 2010, he discovered he had
stage 4 cancer and doctors believed it was due to exposure while serving in
Iraq. The cancer targeted his blood, bones and digestive system, but he
didn’t let that get him down. While receiving chemo treatments he decided
to get involved in Wounded Warrior Project. After making a few calls he
decided the best activity for him would be a Soldier Ride. In the past
year, he’s participated in two rides in Key West in Nashville. Each ride
helps him realize that he’s not alone, and there are many others who are in
the same boat as him. Now he’s preparing for Soldier Ride New York, which
takes place July 17-21. He says each ride just motivates him to do more
because you never know what could
happen.
