The decade-old Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride, for which East Enders come together every July, will look different this summer in light of Covid-19, but the tradition itself will soldier on. Like many races around the world, and like i-Tri's local triathlon, participants will compete individually in the 2020 Soldier Ride.
The virtual Soldier Ride and fund-raiser will have "the same patriotic spirit and opportunity to support wounded warriors and their families, but with your own small group and route," the organization's website says.
Participants can pick any day that works for them from now until Aug. 31, and then decide whether they want to ride alone or with friends and family, adhering to social-distancing guidelines. Online registration is $35 per adult and $15 for children 6 to 17 riding alongside a competing adult. Younger children can participate for free with an adult. A bib and T-shirt will be mailed to participants two or three days after registering.
Riders should plan for a route of 25 miles, when and wherever they like, including on a stationary bike.
Participants can organize their fund-raising goals using the Wounded Warrior Project's online suggestions, and can earn W.W.P. gear as they raise money. A portion of monies raised during the Soldier Ride New York Virtual Community Ride will be donated to support Covid-19 relief efforts at Long Island hospitals.
A registration link is online at woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/soldier-ride/community.