Nearly 50 veterans rode bicycles throughout Whidbey Island to build camaraderie and promote better health.

The Soldiers Ride, which is organized by the Wounded Warrior Project, gathered 45 veterans of various riding abilities at Fort Casey State Park Sept. 20 for the 18-mile ride. After a quick warm-up, riders enjoyed seeing pristine views of the prairies and farms that are contained within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. They also enjoyed a ride along the shoreline at Ebey’s Landing and rode through historic Coupeville during their adventure that lasted for several hours on a crisp, cool, sunny morning. They ended their ride at Keystone Harbor located next to Fort Casey.

The Central Whidbey tour was the first of a two-day stop for the Soldiers Ride.

Shana Gibbs, event manager for the Wounded Warrior project, cited several benefits for the veterans who participate in the rides. The ride helps promote the physical health of the wounded veterans participating in the ride. Because the entourage travels as fast as the slowest rider of the group, it provides a way for participants to support one another.

“Riders really engage with each other and cheer each other on,” Gibbs said.

The participants were escorted by two police officers on bicycles and another in a car through the route.

Estavan Rojas traveled from Greenfield, Calif. to participate in the Seattle Soldiers Ride that included the visit to Whidbey. The weekend event marked the second Soldiers Ride he’s participated in.

Rojas was a Marine from 2001-2005 who served in the infantry during the Iraq War. He was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder. He said the rides have helped him deal with the disorder and resolve the anxiety, isolation and depression he endured.

He learned about the Soldier Ride during his treatment and traveled to San Diego last February to participate in his first ride.

Rojas added the rides build a spirit of camaraderie among the participants and he’s surprised that he’s encountered other members from his squad from the Marine Corp. The Ebey’s Landing tour was the first part of a two-day trip for the riders.

Gibbs said Central Whidbey was selected because the route is nice and flat and will benefit the cyclers who are novices.  The second day of the journey takes place on San Juan Island and features more hills. Riders will have to work with each more to complete the 18-mile journey on the second day.

The Wounded Warrior Project holds 17 Soldier Rides throughout the year. The Soldier Ride has visited Whidbey Island twice in recent years.

For more information about the Wounded Warrior Project, go to www.woundedwarriorproject.org