JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Veterans from across the country are in Jacksonville preparing for the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride. The ride will be starting on Friday but Thursday was all about finding the right fit.
Veterans spent the day getting their bikes set just right for the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride
A special ride for veterans like Anita Hansen. Hansen spent over twenty years in the Navy. She now lives with PTSD.
"We had a really bad incident in Iraq and lost a lot of people. It's anxiety for many including myself just to get out of my house," Hansen said.
A challenge Hansen is overcoming this weekend when she will ride alongside over fifty other veterans.
"I love it, it's quite comfortable there's no stress anywhere on me. It moves very simply, smoothly," Hansen said.
Latest News Headlines from Action News
For Soldier Rides to happen, the bikes are dropped off in the ride city by a large semi-trailer. Inside are both the bikes and tools needed to make sure every warrior can ride.
"We cover their travel their transportation, their hotel costs, meals, everything," said Katie Rinehart with the Wounded Warrior Project.
A chance for veterans to gather and most importantly start moving forward together.
"It's comfort! It's freedom! It's just about any good thing that you can imagine because there's no pain," Hansen said.
A journey without pain; one that Hansen is more than ready to start.
People are encouraged to come cheer on the riders at the start and finish of each ride.
Schedule of rides & locations.
Friday, November 20
Soldier Ride (18 miles)
Group arrival: 8:30 AM
Ride start: 9:00 AM
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa (parking lot)
1000 PGA Tour Boulevard
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
11:30 AM: Soldier Ride ends at start location
2:00 PM-3:00 PM
Mastering the Basics - GOLF
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa
1000 PGA Tour Boulevard
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Saturday, November 21
Soldier Ride (26 miles)
Group arrival: 8:00 AM
Ride start: 8:30 AM
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort and Spa (parking lot)
1000 PGA Tour Boulevard
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
12:00 PM: Soldier Ride ends
1 South Castillo Drive, Fort Administration Building
St. Augustine, FL 32084
For Action News on the go, sign up for Action News Mobile & Email alerts
WJAX
