Wheels of Grit

Today I got to do something really special… I joined Wounded Warrior Project’s Soldier Ride 250 for one of their final legs as they departed Washington, DC on their journey from Jacksonville to Ground Zero in NYC.

After completing my own 2,156-mile Wheels of Grit ride from Key West to Kittery to raise money for disabled veterans, it was incredibly meaningful to clip back in and ride with a group that represents so much of the “why” behind my own mission.

We rode from Arlington to Commanders Field and had the chance to stand at center field and walk through the football locker rooms, a fun experience for sure, but the real highlight wasn’t the stadium.
It was the people.

Seeing veterans show up for one another. Watching resilience, camaraderie, humor, and determination all moving forward together on two wheels. Being reminded that healing, challenge, purpose, and community all exist in the same space.

Crossing my own finish line didn’t end the mission. Today reminded me that this community keeps moving forward together.

Thank you to Wounded Warrior Project and everyone who made today possible.
And to the Soldier Ride 250 team...keep pedaling. NYC is waiting.

A huge thanks to Fox 5 DC for their coverage of this campaign. It really helped raise visibility and fundraising efforts and I’m deeply grateful.

Local vet bikes from Florida to Maine, raises thousands for charity The long ride is over for one determined and inspirational local veteran.

Day 40: Salem, MA to … one day from Kittery. 2,102 miles complete
It’s finally starting to hit me… this whole thing.
I started planning this ride back in January. All the fears. All the things I worried about. Some happened. Some never did. And other challenges I never even imagined showed up along the way…and I survived those too.
And would you believe… not one flat tire. Not one injury. No accidents.
A few moments where I wanted to quit? Absolutely. But no real trauma. And honestly… that feels like a small miracle.
Most people say “knock on wood,” but I know differently. This trip has been full of God winks. It has been blessed.

The ending feels bittersweet.

I’m ready to go home. I miss my husband. I miss my friends. I miss my routines and my own bed. But I already know I’m going to miss this too.
This journey changed me.
The biggest lesson I’m carrying home isn’t about cycling. It’s about people.

Approach people with curiosity.
Ask: “Who are you?” “Tell me your story.” “What’s something you’re proud of?”
And then listen… really listen.
To the veterans. To the patriots. To the person staying at the low-budget motel. To the lonely friend. To the person grieving. To the stranger. Look for what you have in common. Look for what they have to teach you. Carry a few dollars in your pocket in case the opportunity comes to help someone. Invite someone to dinner. Find purpose in your community. Show up in a way that is real. Authentic. Present.
Today’s veteran post visits reminded me of that.

Our planned stop was the Polish Legion of American Veterans (chosen mostly because of Kathy’s Czechoslovakian roots), and they welcomed us with such warmth and encouragement. Then Colleen insisted we visit Salem VFW Post 1524 too, and thank goodness she did. They invited me to speak during their monthly meeting and celebrated this mission like it was their own.

These veteran posts have become one of the most meaningful parts of this entire ride. They hold some of the very best parts of America...community, service, generosity, and belonging.

Tomorrow is the final day. It’s hard to believe. I’m ready. I’m excited. And I’m pretty sure I’m going to cry. Kittery… here I come.

Key West to Kittery, ME for disabled veterans. Donate here: https://wheelsofgrit.com/key-west-to-kittery

With only two days left on this journey, I want to make one final push to help raise donations. I know I won’t reach my goal but that’s ok because this has been a total success in so many special ways. But I want to make the ask…

I’ve bicycled more than 2,000 miles from Key West to Kittery to raise money for disabled veterans, and it would mean so much to me if you would consider supporting one of the incredible organizations I’m riding for. If you’ve already donated, thank you. Truly. Every single dollar helps.

I want to share the contribution that has touched me more than any other.
Kathy and I have been staying in low-budget motels to keep costs down. At one place, we met a woman who was living there. We talked for a while and learned a little about her story. She didn’t have much… but she reached into her wallet, pulled out what she had, and donated $3.
That gift has stayed with me.

It reminded me of the story of the widow’s offering:
“Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others… they gave out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” — Luke 21:1–4

Her $3 wasn’t small. It was sacrificial. It was generous. It was love in action.

If this journey has touched your heart, please consider giving. There is no amount too small. Together, small acts create incredible impact.

Key West to Kittery for disabled veterans
Donate here: https://wheelsofgrit.com/key-west-to-kittery

Totals so far:
$15,782 of $30k for WWP
$6,461 of $15k for Achilles

Today, I met a man who embodies everything this ride has been about.
I planned my ride to stop and meet Alex Peralta who is a medically retired Marine Corps special operations veteran who turned his own pain into purpose. After losing fellow Marines to su***de and fighting through his own struggles, he chose not to retreat from the darkness… he chose to become a light for others still trapped in it.

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