Bike ride provides veterans sense of belonging

The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride is heading to Chula Vista as part of a three-day cycling event aimed at creating camaraderie and teamwork for wounded veterans during the national cycling event.

Mattison Brooks, a public relations specialist for the Wounded Warrior Project, said having injured veterans participate in such an event helps with the recovery and healing process.

“These guys haven’t had any camaraderie since they left the service,” Brooks said. “We want to give them a chance to feel empowered again. To be active and physical again is a big step when recovering from injury. We want them to feel like they can do anything.”

Before the riders take off, each cyclist met at the Hilton in Mission Bay on March 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to get fitted with adaptive equipment to fit their specific needs.

Then on Friday, cyclists will trek 13 miles to and from Tidelands Park in Coronado from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The following day, Saturday, March 5, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. riders will cover a 14-mile stretch to and from the Olympic Training Center at 2800 Olympic Parkway. In total, wounded veterans will ride more than 27 miles through Coronado and Chula Vista as a team during the event.

During the evenings the veterans will participate in several teambuilding exercises such as nutrition classes and yoga.

Brooks said the purpose of the ride is to help the 55 participating wounded warriors adjust to everyday life.