Project Hero (Ride 2 Recovery)
Serves: Nationwide, CA
National nonprofit founded in 2008 helping veterans and first responders affected by PTSD, TBI, and injury achieve rehabilitation, recovery, and resilience through cycling. Best known for its multi-day Challenge rides — group cycling events of up to several hundred miles where injured veterans ride for free on specially adapted bikes, hand-cycles, recumbents, and custom tandems — plus more than a dozen single-day Honor Rides in major markets and community-based HUB centers in over 45 cities where veterans and first responders connect and ride together year-round. The program grew out of Ride 2 Recovery, and its 2009 Texas Challenge was where the DoD Warrior Games concept was born. Reports strong self-reported outcomes: a majority of participants describe reduced or eliminated need for prescription medication and improved pain, sleep, and daily function. Veterans participate free.