Soldier Ride
Building confidence and strength through shared physical activities and bonds of service
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Soldier Ride® is a unique, multi-day riding event that helps warriors build their confidence and strength through shared physical activities and bonds of service in a supportive environment. The program incorporates skill-building practices that accommodate all ability levels. Warriors never ride alone; they move forward together, as a unit, just as they did during their military service.
With roots in road cycling, Soldier Ride has expanded to incorporate a variety of ride options to serve warriors. These include traditional and adaptive road biking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, virtual events, training challenges, as well as skills development camps. In each of these events, warriors engage in activities to:
- Increase motivation, confidence, and overall riding awareness
- Discover skills and drills to improve handling and the riding experience
- Learn proper equipment care and maintenance
- Gain comfort riding in a group
- Hone proper techniques for a variety of riding terrain
- Acquire additional resources to continue riding after the event
Soldier Ride welcomes warriors of various skill and fitness levels who are interested in discovering how to ride. No Equipment is necessary- we provide you with access to everything necessary at no cost.
Benefits of Soldier Ride:
Soldier Ride empowers warriors to find solace, healing, and strength through movement. The experience opens doors to new opportunities and knowledge and helps to unleash their untapped potential.
Warriors can expect to:
- Learn skills to take beyond the event
- Improve confidence and self-esteem
- Experiment with a variety of adaptive equipment
- Immerse themselves in a unique environment to connect with fellow service members
- Learn to use riding as a strategy for fitness, fun, lowering stress, and spending time with family
- A safe environment to connect with fellow veterans
Take the First Step. Contact the Resource Center
Am I eligible for Soldier Ride?
If you are interested in learning more about Soldier Ride:
888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586) or 904.405.1213
HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday - Friday 9 am - 9 pm EST
If you are in crisis or concerned about a loved one, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1.800.273.8255 and press "1" after you call or text 838255 to Veterans Crisis Line to chat live with a crisis counselor at any time.
Find other programs and services available to registered Wounded Warrior Project warriors and their family support members.
Read stories about the Soldier Ride experience and how this unique event is impacting local communities.
Not sure if Soldier Ride is for you? Learn about how WWP’s Physical Health & Wellness (PH&W) program uses movement, nutritional education, coaching, goal setting, and skill building to empower warriors to make long-term changes toward a healthier life.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are not currently registered with WWP, please visit our registration page for details about who is eligible to register with WWP and how to get started. WWP supports veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. You may also be eligible for the program if you are the family member or caregiver of a wounded warrior.
Soldier Ride is one of a variety of veteran programs and services to help you take the steps that are right for you, including programs for physical and mental wellness, career transition, and support in obtaining disabled veterans benefits from Veterans Affairs (VA).
Any warriors who are registered with WWP are eligible to participate in Soldier Ride. If you are not registered or are unsure if you qualify to participate in WWP programs, visit the registration page for more information.
No. For your safety and the safety of your fellow warriors, Soldier Ride participants are provided with inspected and tested road bikes. We ask that warriors do not bring their own bikes.
Soldier Ride can accommodate all injuries. Anyone can cycle, and we offer the use of various hand cycles, recumbent trikes, road bikes, and hybrid bicycles. Learn more about WWP’s other Adaptive Sports programs.
No. For your safety and the safety of your fellow warriors, Soldier Ride participants are provided with inspected and tested road bikes.
Soldier Ride is typically a four-day commitment. Here’s what your experience might look like:
- Day 1: Arrive, get fitted for your bike, and have lunch. In the evening, you’ll meet the other warriors on your ride and start setting goals for the next few days.
- Day 2: Go for a short program ride (10-15 miles) to test out your bike, get comfortable, and start getting to know your fellow warriors and Soldier Ride team members.
- Day 3: Reach and exceed your goals on a 15- to 20-mile (or longer!) ride.
- Day 4: Enjoy a closing breakfast before you leave.
Yes. Riding 15-20 miles does sound like a challenge. However, the pace of the ride is set by the slowest rider, and there are planned stops and breaks along the routes.
Absolutely! Community members are welcome to cheer on our warriors along the routes and can sponsor a water station for riders.
Family members/caregivers may be eligible to attend on a case-by-case basis. Remember, this event is to get you connected with your fellow warriors and encourage you to push yourself to recognize your potential.
Yes. We ride as fast as the slowest rider. Soldier Ride is about building camaraderie and having fun.
Yes; however, this is subject to WWP policy and hotel requirements.
Warriors can attend one traditional Soldier Ride Skills Development Camps (SDC) event per calendar year and two events in a lifetime.
Soldier Ride participants are selected by the region in which they live. However, warriors will have an opportunity to select an event date that will align with their availability to attend and, to the extent possible, their location preference.
Soldier Ride, like all WWP programs, is at no cost to the warrior.