A ride in the English countryside

SANDRINGHAM, England - Wounded warriors from the U.K. and U.S., along with supporters, take off for the start of Soldier Ride 2012 Oct. 6, 2012. The soldier ride is a six-day event beginning in Sandringham and ending in London, and is centered on rehabilitation, fun and cohesion with others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany M. Grigg)

A ride in the English countryside

SANDRINGHAM, England - Wounded warriors from the U.K. and U.S., along with supporters, depart from Sandringham House to begin Soldier Ride 2012 Oct. 6, 2012. The soldier ride is a six-day event beginning in Sandringham and ending in London, and is centered on rehabilitation, fun and cohesion with others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany M. Grigg)

A ride in the English countryside

SANDRINGHAM, England - Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, speaks with wounded warriors from the U.K. and U.S., along with supporters, before the start of Soldier Ride 2012 Oct. 6, 2012. The soldier ride is a six-day event beginning in Sandringham and ending in London, and is centered on rehabilitation, fun and cohesion with others. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tiffany M. Grigg)

A ride in the English countryside

Soldiers ride through English countryside

Published Oct. 12, 2012
By Senior Airman Tiffany M. Grigg
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SANDRINGHAM, England -- Nearly 50 people came out to Sandringham to watch or ride with 15 U.K. and 15 U.S. wounded servicemembers cycle in Soldier Ride 2012 Oct. 6, 2012.

Soldier Ride was started by Chris Carney, a man who cycled coast-to-coast and raised one million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project.

He rode again in 2005 with veterans and thus an annual event was born.

Soldier Ride U.K. 2012 is a multi-day cycling event whose participants biked from Sandringham to Greenwich, London. Over the course of the ride, cyclists cover 30 miles on average per leg, totaling more than 200 miles of cycling. Cycling alongside the veterans were supporters from all over the world.

"Getting to ride along with all of the wounded veterans was a great honor, and something that will remain with me always," said Master Sgt. Chad Cox, 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron NCO in charge of weapons and co-event coordinator.

The cycling event provides the opportunity for wounded warriors to overcome their physical, mental or emotional limitations. The event is not only centered on improving health, but also having fun and meeting new people.

"It provides cohesion with other servicemembers and it's fun," said Dom Ragay, a U.S. event participant from Vilseck, Germany. "This is my first time (participating in a cycling event) and I'm excited."

The race allowed participants to meet other wounded warriors from around the world.
"It's a great way to interact with the Americans. I really enjoy it," said Neil Hughes, British Army wounded warrior from Wales, who is participating for the second time. "It's nice to see people from last year."

To kick off the first leg of the race, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, met the group outside Sandringham House and gave the countdown for the cyclists to begin.

"Having Prince Philip start the event was a great honor for the wounded veterans," said Cox. "His dedication to all those who have served and sacrificed was very apparent."

Following the event, the participants will undertake a short trip to Normandy, France to visit historical landmarks including Omaha Beach and the American Cemetery. This event was made possible by the Soldiers' Charity, British Limbless Ex Service Men's Association and the Wounded Warrior Project.

For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project or to find out more about soldier rides, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.