15th Soldier Ride Mobilizes Saturday
Some 800 cyclists are expected to take part in Soldier Ride the Hamptons, which takes place on Saturday on roads across the South Fork.
The annual Soldier Ride, a cycling and rehabilitative event benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project, was established in 2004 by owners and staff of the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett. This year’s ride starts at 8:30 a.m. at the field at 555 Montauk Highway.
Riders will head from Amagansett to East Hampton Village and on to Sag Harbor before returning to Amagansett. No road closures have been scheduled in East Hampton Town, but drivers “should expect significant delays” on Stephen Hand’s Path, Route 114, and other roads leading into Sag Harbor on Saturday morning, police said.
Saturday’s ride will follow one happening today in Brooklyn and another tomorrow in Lindenhurst and Babylon, proceeds of which also benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.
Individuals participating in Saturday’s event can register for a 25 or 60-mile cycle for a pledge of $35, $30 for those 12 and under. A community walk in Sag Harbor is also offered for a $35 pledge. Groups can also participate as a team, or individuals can join an existing team.
Registration begins at 7 a.m., with an opening ceremony planned for 8:30. the ride sets out from Amagansett at 9 a.m. A Lap of Heroes will begin in Sag Harbor at 11 a.m., and the community walk is to follow after cyclists depart.
The ride is expected to conclude around 12:30 p.m. with a community picnic at 555 Montauk Highway.
All of the money Soldier Ride raises is allocated to aid military veterans to address stress recovery, job training, and counseling, and adaptive sports programs, among other initiatives.
“For 15 years, Soldier Ride has empowered injured veterans to push themselves physically and mentally,” according to a release issued by Nick Kraus, a co-founder of Soldier Ride. “The rides aren’t just exercise, they’re a way to manage the visible and invisible wounds of war. And warriors don’t ride alone — they move forward together, as a unit, just like during their military service.”
Donations to Soldier Ride can be made online.