Greater Babylon coverage is funded in part by The Argyle Theatre, where Broadway comes to Babylon. Click here for tickets to ‘Bye Bye Birdie,’ performing July 11 through Sept. 1.
The Wounded Warrior Project’s annual Soldier Ride in the town of Babylon kicks off Friday, July 14.
The 25-mile bicycle ride through the town supports injured service members and their families. Now in its 16th year in Babylon, this ride has raised well over $1.5 million for the nonprofit.
The kick-off ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. in front of Babylon Town Hall in Lindenhurst. From there, the racers will head across the Robert Moses Causeway and finish at Overlook Beach. The riders consist of veterans along with citizens.
The Wounded Warrior Project hosts community rides in towns and cities across the U.S., but the two races on Long Island — Babylon Town and another on the South Fork — hold the most history.
The concept was derived from Long Islander Chis Carney, who rode from the Hamptons to San Diego to raise awareness for wounded veterans.
Inspired by U.S. Army veteran John Fernandez, who overcame severe injuries from his deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Carney’s journey evolved from a local fundraiser into a transformative 5,000-mile cross-country ride. It later became the separate Soldier Rides you see today across the country.
Below is the full schedule for the Babylon event. Click here to register and for more information.
- Opening Ceremony: 9 a.m. – Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst
- Ride begins: 9:20 a.m. – Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., Lindenhurst
- Water stop: 10:30 a.m. – Lindenhurst Middle School, 350 S. Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst
- Water stop: 11:15 a.m.- St. Johns the Baptist High School, 1170 Montauk Highway, West Islip
- BBQ begins: 12:30 pm: Ride Ends and BBQ starts at Overlook Beach
Top: Racers participating in the 2017 Babylon Soldier Ride on Main Street in Babylon Village (Nicholas Esposito).
