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UPPER KEYS WEEKLY / JANUARY 13, 2022
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Wounded Warriors return to visit the Keys
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caravan of nearly 40 cyclists made their way down sections of the Overseas Highway and across the Seven Mile Bridge for Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride this past weekend. The annual ride is designed as an inspirational fundraiser for veterans recovering from both visible and invisible wounds of war in American military hospitals. Though several of the participants were missing one or more limbs due to previous combat injuries, they used specially adapted bicycles to travel as one unit. The riders began in Key Largo on Friday and made their way to Key West by Saturday, ending with a community ride around the Southernmost City with members of the public. On Sunday, the crew returned to Grassy Key for Dolphin Research Center’s Charles Evans Day, where each warrior was given the opportunity to swim with DRC’s dolphins. — Alex Rickert 1. Cyclists with Wounded Warrior Project arrive for a water stop at Coral Shores High School. DOUG FINGER/Keys Weekly 2. Cyclists take a moment for a selfie during a brief water stop at Coral Shores High School. DOUG FINGER/ Keys Weekly 3. The riders head across the Seven Mile Bridge. FLORIDA KEYS NEWS BUREAU/Contributed 4. The warriors enjoy unparalleled views of turquoise waters during their Seven Mile Bridge crossing. DAVID GROSS/Keys Weekly 5. Soldier Riders celebrate the completion of their ride with a victory lap down Key West’s Duval Street on Saturday. LARRY BLACKBURN/Keys Weekly
