Soldier Ride 250: Celebrating 250 Years of American Independence

The journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single pedal. As the United States approaches its 250^th anniversary, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is marking the milestone with initiatives that honor military service and highlight the courage and resilience of our nation’s veterans. One of those initiatives is a 1,000-mile cycling event from May 14-29, when warriors from around the country participated in Soldier Ride® 250, presented by NFL Salute to Service.   

Soldier Ride 250 is an adaptive cycling event that celebrates 250 years of American independence. In partnership with America250 – the nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence – WWP® is recognizing the warriors who helped shape the nation and continue to strengthen it today 

The event began at WWP headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, and will conclude at FDNY Ten House next to Ground Zero in New York City. The ride featured 80 warriors, comprised of four segments with 20 warriors riding 250 miles per segment. Much like a traditional Soldier Ride, the 250 event offers warriors of all abilities, regardless of their injuries, the ability to participate. WWP provides no-cost programs and services to help warriors feel healthier, build strength, and stay active. Through coaching, adaptive activities, and connection with others, warriors improve their confidence and mental health and develop lasting habits that support their overall well-being. 

Soldier Ride 250 is ongoing, and this article will be updated with stories and pictures from warriors as the ride progresses along the East Coast. 

Segment One: Jacksonville, Florida to Charleston, South Carolina 

Soldier Ride 250 kicked off in Jacksonville on May 14 with a celebration for the 20 warriors who started the journey. Hundreds of supporters cheered on the warriors, who were joined by Jacksonville Jaguars mascot Jaxson de Ville, THE ROAR cheerleaders, and former players who are part of the Jaguars Legends organization for the start of the ride.   

“To be able to participate in Soldier Ride 250 is amazing,” said warrior Chris Wolff. “To be able to be out here with 19 other warriors, to be able to push past our limitations, and to honor what our country has done for us for 250 years.” 

Chris is paralyzed from the waist down and is participating in Soldier Ride 250 with a hand cycle. He transitions from his wheelchair to a hand cycle and then cranks the gears with his hands, similar to the motions of pedaling a traditional upright bike. For Chris, Soldier Ride 250 is more than just a ride.  

“What’s awesome about this is to be able to push forth and continue the mission of what we’ve done in the military, which is to serve,” said Chris. “And in this case, we’re going to serve next to each other and be a representation of the Wounded Warrior Project logo, which is carrying another warrior in their time of need.  This gives me an opportunity to see and participate with other warriors who are doing the same.” 

The connection and camaraderie that Chris felt on Soldier Ride 250 is one that is shared by many other warriors on their own healing journey.  According to the WWP Warrior Survey* about 2 in 3 warriors (67%) say that talking to another veteran helps them cope with stress or mental health concerns. 

Chris and the first group of warriors finished their 250-mile segment of Soldier Ride 250 in Charleston, South Carolina, on May 17.  

This article will be updated as the following segments of Soldier Ride 250 are completed. The segments are Wilmington, North Carolina to Portsmouth, Virginia; Norfolk, Virginia to Washington D.C.; and Washington D.C. to New York City. 

*Warrior Survey, Wave 3 (conducted May 25 – Aug. 1, 2023) 

Contact: Rich Donnelly, Public Relations, rdonnelly@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.831.7315 

About Wounded Warrior Project 

Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is the nation’s leading veterans service organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.