Episode #27
More Than a Bike Ride: Ten Years of the Valley Veterans Ride for Heroes
Ten years ago, a group of veterans who didn’t ride bicycles decided that a bicycle ride might be exactly what could bring VFW posts from across the central Shenandoah Valley together. What began with approximately 45 riders and $8,500 raised in its first year has grown into the Valley Veterans Ride for Heroes—a regional tradition that has now donated more than $300,000 to Boulder Crest Foundation. Melissa Patrick returns to Veteran Story Hour alongside Raymond Carrier, commander of Verona VFW Post 10826 and a longtime member of the ride’s planning committee. Together, they explain how veterans built the original event in only three months, how area VFW posts continue working together to make it possible, and why supporting Boulder Crest became the mission behind the miles. This is also far more than an ordinary bicycle ride. The course includes veteran-operated rest stops, living-history displays, military memorabilia, challenge coins, patriotic opening ceremonies, and opportunities for civilian riders to slow down and spend time with the veterans who make the event possible. Melissa and Raymond also discuss Boulder Crest’s focus on Posttraumatic Growth and its training-based, peer-supported programs offered at no cost to participating veterans, service members, first responders, and their families. The tenth-anniversary Valley Veterans Ride for Heroes takes place September 12, 2026, at Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery in Raphine, Virginia. Ride, sponsor, donate, or learn more at: https://www.valleyvetsride4heroes.com/ Veteran Story Hour: Voices of Valor, Presented by SALUTE of Virginia.
