Dozens of wounded veterans, including former Marine Bill Hansen, set off on a 15-year-old tradition that brings cyclists through the Florida Keys in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. The annual event is an opportunity for the participants to connect with fellow vets and find camaraderie as they ride along the Overseas Highway.
Hansen, who served over two decades in the U.S. military before suffering serious injuries, has been a part of the Soldier Ride since its inception in 2012. His experience with the program provided him with a support system and helped him navigate his recovery. This year's event marks Hansen's first time riding over the iconic Seven Mile Bridge.
The group of 45 riders, each fitted with specially adapted bicycles, cycled through Key Largo and Islamorada on Friday before stopping for lunch at Marathon fire station. The second leg of their journey included a grueling ride across the Seven Mile Bridge, but was met with cheers from crowds along the route, including Coral Shores High School students.
Riders stopped in Big Pine Key for the day before continuing on Saturday through Key West. In addition to cycling, the event also includes swimming with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon. The Wounded Warrior Project uses the funds generated by these events to provide rehabilitation and peer-mentoring programs for injured soldiers.
The organization's CEO Walter Piatt emphasizes that physical movement is a key component of the healing process. "This is about getting them outside, getting them reconnected with people they serve with," he said. For Hansen and his fellow riders, this event represents more than just a cycling competition – it's an opportunity to find friendship and connection in a community that understands their struggles.
As Hansen aptly put it, "It's worth it for my mental health and for just my comradery with other vets." The Florida Keys Soldier Ride continues on Saturday before concluding on Sunday.
Hansen, who served over two decades in the U.S. military before suffering serious injuries, has been a part of the Soldier Ride since its inception in 2012. His experience with the program provided him with a support system and helped him navigate his recovery. This year's event marks Hansen's first time riding over the iconic Seven Mile Bridge.
The group of 45 riders, each fitted with specially adapted bicycles, cycled through Key Largo and Islamorada on Friday before stopping for lunch at Marathon fire station. The second leg of their journey included a grueling ride across the Seven Mile Bridge, but was met with cheers from crowds along the route, including Coral Shores High School students.
Riders stopped in Big Pine Key for the day before continuing on Saturday through Key West. In addition to cycling, the event also includes swimming with dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center in Marathon. The Wounded Warrior Project uses the funds generated by these events to provide rehabilitation and peer-mentoring programs for injured soldiers.
The organization's CEO Walter Piatt emphasizes that physical movement is a key component of the healing process. "This is about getting them outside, getting them reconnected with people they serve with," he said. For Hansen and his fellow riders, this event represents more than just a cycling competition – it's an opportunity to find friendship and connection in a community that understands their struggles.
As Hansen aptly put it, "It's worth it for my mental health and for just my comradery with other vets." The Florida Keys Soldier Ride continues on Saturday before concluding on Sunday.
And I love that the Wounded Warrior Project is using these events to help with rehabilitation – it's all about getting outside and reconnecting with people who get it. Mental health is so important, especially after going through trauma. It's awesome that they're finding a sense of community and friendship in this event. Can't wait to see how it all goes down on Saturday!
. I mean, back then we used to ride our bikes just for fun, not as a way to cope with injuries and PTSD 
. These vets are pushing themselves to the limit, and it's truly inspiring to see them connect with each other over their shared experiences 
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. It's amazing to see how far he's come since then, and I'm sure this trip will be a huge boost for him mentally and physically 
. I'm sure this trip will be an unforgettable experience for Bill and his fellow riders 
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I'm glad someone's making a 15-year-old tradition more than just that... I mean, can you imagine being stuck in one place for that long without some adrenaline-fueled cycling to break the monotony? 
These cyclists are definitely getting their fix of 'camaraderie' and whatnot. I kinda get why Hansen was all nostalgic about riding over the Seven Mile Bridge this year – it's like, the ultimate Florida Keys experience... 
. Like, they're doing this huge cycling event that's supposed to be about camaraderie and support for vets, but what about the ones who can't even ride a bike because their injuries are too severe? 
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. It's so inspiring to see people from all walks of life showing their support and care for those who have served our country 
. The fact that they get to swim with dolphins afterwards sounds like a dream come true 
! Bill Hansen is such an inspiration to me, I mean his injuries were super bad but he's still out there doing this crazy cool bike ride for a great cause 
. It's amazing how something as tough as a bike ride can bring people together and help them feel less alone 
it's amazing that they're using this 15-year-old tradition to raise money for a cause that helps veterans like them heal and connect with each other 
. Its awesome that the kids from Coral Shores High School were cheering them on too, they must've been so happy to see people supporting the cause 
Is the Dolphin Research Center really providing enough support for these guys to safely swim with dolphins? 
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. i mean can imagine how tough it must be for them to deal with the injuries and stuff, so its awesome that they have this community of fellow vets who understand what they're going through 
I'm sending all my positive vibes to Bill Hansen and the rest of the riders, good luck on their ride and cant wait to see how it goes!