The annual Hamptons Soldier Ride, a fund-raiser for the Wounded Warrior Project, will roll from Amagansett to Sag Harbor and back on Saturday morning.
The ride, which began as a local event and has since become a global one, pairs cyclists in the community with injured veterans to raise money for programs benefiting the former service members and their families.
“It’s all about celebrating the veterans and the community, so we appreciate all the support,” said Nick Kraus of East Hampton, a founder of the ride who continues to volunteer for — and cycle in — the event. “It all started in East Hampton and now it’s a national and even an international thing. It’s wonderful that a conversation that started in a bar” — the Stephen Talkhouse in Amagansett — “has reached across the globe. The community should be proud of that.”
This year, the ride’s 20th, “we will have some veterans riding with us that were part of the earlier rides, 17, 18, 19 years ago,” Mr. Kraus said.
The 25-mile route begins at the Amagansett Fire Department at 8:45 a.m., then heads to Sag Harbor Village and back. There will be water stops all along the way, with a longer break in Sag Harbor. Wounded veterans lead the way to Sag Harbor at a pace that should be doable even for less experienced riders; participants can return to Amagansett at their own pace.
“The ride is meant for veterans to overcome their injuries and their battles from the military. To get these individuals on a bike and ride alongside them is empowering,” Mr. Kraus said. “I get to see a veteran who is unsure about joining one of these trips, and then they come for the weekends and end up leaving with lifelong friends and just the best memories. It’s amazing to watch.”
Back at the firehouse after the ride there will be a barbecue for participants, included in the entry fee, which is $75 for adults.
Advance registration is at bit.ly/3WnEsRc. People can also register on Saturday morning starting at 7 at the firehouse.
“We are there to support the soldiers,” Mr. Kraus said. “To be able to ride with these heroes is something you can’t really put into words. Everyone who participates in the race is happy they did it. It is also great for children to ride alongside their parents in a family event to support a wonderful cause.”
