What a ride

Soldier Ride's amazing journey across the United States serves a dual purpose. Not only does the Soldier Ride event raise public awareness for the needs of wounded soldiers, it also helps wounded cyclists in their own rehabilitation. Those who embark on the cross-country journey go through a process of rehabilitation as they have the opportunity each day to reinvigorate their bodies and truly experience how much life still has to offer them. When asked about his most memorable moment along the ride, Steve Nardizzi replied, "It is so hard to put it all in perspective, because so much has happened along the way. The opportunity I have had to meet some of the most amazing people, from volunteers to the participants would not have been possible if I were not a part of Soldier Ride."

Steve explained that all of these people have challenged him to be better in his own life, but he recalls a particular moment that was extremely moving for him. Steve tells a story of Heath Calhoun, a double-leg amputee who began Soldier Ride 2005 as a novice hand cyclist. Struggling with the difficulty of hand cycling, Heath remained at the back of the pack throughout the ride. Steve recalls, "Heath stuck with it, and the progress that he made was tremendous. Having stuck with it, Heath finished strong. It was amazing to see him finish at the front of the pack!"

Soldier Ride founder Chris Carney states, "Despite our success over the past two years, our work is far from complete and there are still many families in need."

Over the past two years, the Soldier Ride journey has cycled closer and closer to making Chris Carney's hope of building a truly unique organization a reality. Carney believes that "with the support and assistance of a grateful American public, these brave individuals will overcome the challenges they face and return to successful, independent lives."