Annapolis Hosts Wounded Warriors Soldier Ride: Photos

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride cruised through the Annapolis area Wednesday, April 25, as a group of our nation’s heroes began a journey toward recovery alongside their fellow warriors, marking the 11th year the cycling program visits Washington, DC. Annapolis area residents could come out to cheer warriors along the route.

Over three days, wounded veterans will be empowered as they push themselves physically and mentally. They will be fitted with adaptive cycling equipment that allows them to ride comfortably. (See photos above from Jon Korin.)

“Wounded Warrior Project is committed to connecting our wounded veterans with programs and services that empower them to live their lives on their own terms,” said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington in a news release. “And the need is great and growing for warriors. Wounded Warrior Project will continue to collaborate with our nation’s leaders on long-term solutions to the greatest challenges that face our nation’s wounded service members.”

Warriors will begin with an 18-mile ride through the streets of Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy, where the local community, Naval personnel, and cadets will cheer them on. And they won’t be riding alone – they will move forward together, as a unit, just like they did during their military service. Soldier Ride connects warriors with groups of local wounded veterans so they can build support systems that help them better manage visible and invisible wounds of war.

County Executive Steve Schuh and other officials are expected at the opening ceremony at the Fire Station. The ride schedule is below.

• Wednesday, April 25 Annapolis Ride (18 miles)
• Start and End: 991 Bay Ridge Road, Annapolis
• 9:30 a.m. Warriors arrive at Fire Station.
• 9:45 a.m. Welcome speech/opening ceremony
• 10:20 a.m. Ride begins
• 12:45 p.m. Ride ends at Fire Station with lunch for the riders provided by Mission BBQ.

The ride will be police escorted and is by invitation only. Residents, visitors and cyclists are encouraged to cheer the riding heroes at various points along the route. Here are some suggested locations and estimated times:

• Fire Station at 991 Bay Ridge Road, 9:45 to 10:15 a.m. Start and about 12:45 p.m. finish
• Eastport Shopping Center along Bay Ridge Road, about 10:40 to 11:10 a.m.
• Spa Creek Bridge/Compromise Street, about 10:50 to 11:20 a.m.
• City Dock – water stop about 11 to 11:30 a.m.
• West Annapolis – Annapolis Street about 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
• US Naval Academy Stadium on Farragut Street about 11:30 a.m. to noon
• Westgate Circle – Taylor Road/Spa Road about 11:40 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.
• Hilltop Road about 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Images courtesy of Jon Korin