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Wounded veterans prepare to bike 30-mile Soldier Ride

Provides bonding and freedom for wounded warriors
Posted at 6:41 PM, Feb 23, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-23 18:41:17-05

Right now, dozens of veterans are gearing up to bike 30 miles, starting Friday. The Wounded Warrior Project Soldier Ride is happening in Tampa Bay this weekend.

For veteran Lindsay Wiggins, this isn’t just any bike ride.

“I haven’t been able to ride a bike in a really long time,” Wiggins said. “I have balance problems so I can’t ride a normal bike and I have three children so I can’t exactly afford a recumbent.”

This will be a chance to put her PTSD, severe anxiety and physical ailments aside.

“To be able to go and do something on my own without being supervised feeling almost like a child is amazing,” Wiggins said.

She spent years serving her country, just like the other 30 veterans getting outfitted for specialty bikes Thursday.

The veterans will be riding 15 miles near Ballast Point Friday and 15 miles along Fort De Soto Saturday. It’s a time for Tampa Bay veterans to bond.

“That teamwork to meet other people and give support and that’s what we do,” veteran Jesus Rios said.

The program helps veterans getting back to civilian life.

“Make you feel that you’re worth the sacrifice you make,” Rios said.

The first ride starts Friday at 9 a.m. at 5300 Interbay Blvd.  

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