 In 2004, Chris Carney from Long Island, New York, completed a coast-to-coast bicycle ride in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. Chris rode over 5,000 miles and raised in excess of $1,000,000. This was the first of what would become an annual event, Soldier Ride. In 2005, Chris again conducted a coast-to coast-ride, this time with Staff Sergeants Heath Calhoun and Ryan Kelley, as well as other combat-wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. Chirs, Heath and Ryan cycled from California to Montauk, New York where Chris had started his 2004 journey. In 2006, Soldier Ride made a third trip across the country, with Sergeant Drew Biddle, Staff Sergeant Yegor Bondarenko, and many more combat-wounded veterans. 
In 2007, Soldier Ride switched to a regional ride format with seven regional rides across the country. This provided the opportunity for increased local participation. Soldier Ride also added registered fundraiser rides to the schedule, allowing the general public to ride along with the wounded veterans and help raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project. 
In 2008 the regional ride format continued and new cities were added. President Bush welcomed the riders to the White House and called Soldier Ride "The most inspiring athletic event in the country". 
In 2009 even more cities were added and the national tour once again started at the White House, this time with President Obama. 
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