Wounded warriors and their supporters will take part in Soldier Ride, a sponsored bike ride through Woodbury, on Saturday, July 25. An opening ceremony featuring patriotic songs from the Klondike Kates of St. Paul Winter Carnival fame will be held at the Veterans Memorial at City Hall. Woodbury Public Safety officers will then lead the veterans and their supporters on a loop through the city. See the route map for details.
The riders will travel at about 10 mph, and residents are encouraged to gather along the route to shout encouragement and wave flags.
Mike Owens, director of adaptive sports and Soldier Ride for Wounded Warrior Project, has worked with the organization for 19 years. A medically retired Marine, Owens helps oversee Soldier Ride and adaptive sports programming for veterans with injuries including spinal cord injuries and amputations.
Owens said Woodbury’s support for the riders is one of the things that stands out each time Soldier Ride returns to the city.
“Honestly, Woodbury really comes out,” Owens said. “They go out of their way to show love and support to the warriors, whether they’re lining the street or they’re coming out of their cul-de-sacs.”
He said those displays of support remind veterans that their service has not been forgotten, even years after they return home.
“You know, times can make you think that maybe people don’t care anymore, but that’s just a good reminder,” Owens said.
Owens also praised the relationship with Woodbury and the local partners who help coordinate the route and logistics each year.
“We have a great community partner,” Owens said. “And they do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to working with the local community, our route, logistical details, all so we don’t have any issues.”
The multiday ride is sponsored by Wounded Warrior Project, whose mission focuses on the well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill or injured veterans and their families. Goals for the event are “for warriors to meet their peers, push their limits beyond what they thought possible and leave with a deeper understanding of who they are and what they are capable of.”
Wounded Warrior Project provides bicycles and gear at no cost to the veterans. Some riders use custom-built adaptive handcycles, three-wheelers and bicycles.
Owens said one goal of Soldier Ride is to challenge veterans to become active again, sometimes after years away from riding a bicycle.
“What I look forward to is the challenge that we offer our warriors,” Owens said. “We want to take them, get them back on a bike, be active. We can adapt any bike to any injury.”
Last year, Bob and Garrett Seifert of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, biked through Woodbury. Both served in the Army. After Garrett was hit by a car, he suffered a brain injury, life-threatening complications and underwent a long period of rehabilitation. Together, the Seiferts ride a tandem handcycle, which, along with other Wounded Warrior opportunities, has brought them closer together and strengthened Garrett’s physical and mental capabilities.
For residents who are not riding and spot the cyclists making their way through Woodbury, Owens said showing support can be as simple as coming outside to greet them.
“Get out and say hello and thank you,” Owens said.
You can donate to the Wounded Warrior Project by visiting their website.
