50 wounded veterans cycle through Ponte Vedra Beach Sept. 25

Fifty wounded post-9/11 veterans pedaled through Ponte Vedra Beach on Friday, Sept. 25, as part of Soldier Ride Jacksonville, a multi-day adaptive cycling event organized by the Jacksonville-based Wounded Warrior Project.

The ride was the second leg of the event, which began Thursday, Sept. 24, with a celebration at Wounded Warrior Project headquarters and a 20-mile ride into downtown Jacksonville, Action News Jax reported. Friday's route took riders through Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach.

Riders gathered at American Legion Post 129 Canteen, 1151 Fourth St. S. in Jacksonville Beach, arriving around 8:30 a.m. for breakfast, according to a News4Jax events listing. The group set out at 9:45 a.m. and was expected back around 11:30 a.m. for lunch before departing at 12:30 p.m.

The program is free.

Wounded Warrior Project said the Soldier Ride program highlights cycling's effect on the physical, mental and emotional health of veterans who served in the military. Organizers said staff can adapt a bike to fit any injury, allowing every participant to ride alongside fellow veterans.

The nonprofit's Soldier Ride page lists hand cycles, recumbent trikes, road bikes and hybrid bicycles among the options available. The pace is set by the slowest rider, with planned stops and breaks along the route. Soldier Ride is typically a four-day event.

Community members can cheer riders along the route or sponsor a water station. The 50 veterans traveled to Northeast Florida from across the country for the event.

Remaining Soldier Ride Jacksonville dates had not been announced as of Monday, Sept. 28.