Honor Ride benefits healing veterans and first responders

For Phil Cooper, helping afflicted veterans and first responders is more than just a kindness: it's his responsibility. That mantle will be taken up by hundreds of cyclists May 4 in Rocklin, when the Placer County Association of Realtors hosts the Project Hero Honor Ride, benefitting healing veterans and first responders. "This honor ride is the only one of its kind in Northern California," said Cooper, chairman of the Greater Sacramento Project Hero Honor Ride. "We hope to bring in people who appreciate what these veterans and first responders have sacrificed. This is a way for people to give back to those who have given so much." For the second consecutive year, the Placer County Association of Realtors hosts the event, which will bring together hundreds of cyclists of all ages and ability levels. Veterans and first responders ride for free. "The Placer County Association of Realtors is proud to once again partner with Project Hero, as we support the 2019 Honor Ride and the incredible efforts of this invaluable organization on behalf of our community's veterans," said association President Dayna Summers. "It is our hope that through donating our space to the group, we are able to assist them in raising much needed funds to help grow their very important work through veterans training programs." Founded in 2008, the national nonprofit organization helps veterans and first responders affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury and hindering physical injury achieve rehabilitation, recovery and resilience in their daily lives. The organization's goals are something the 49-year-old Cooper, who lives in Lincoln, can relate to. As a U.S. Navy veteran and California law enforcement officer for 20 years, Cooper said he is knowledgeable of the horrors that veterans and first responders are often confronted with. "I was fortunate in my career that I haven't been injured or suffer from PTSD, so in a way, it does feel like it's my responsibility to help," Cooper said. "A lot of times is just about listening, being there and showing them you understand." According to a Project Hero press release, the national organization has helped more than 10,000 veterans and first responders through cycling-based programs and other events since 2008. In addition, Project Hero has built more than 200 adaptive bikes for injured veterans, donated more than 2,500 bikes and logged more than 30,000 bicycling miles in 30 states and six countries. Project Hero participants' have also recorded greater injury recovery rates, improved sleep habits, a decrease in the use of prescription drugs and overall improvement in daily life functions, according to the press release. Know and Go: What: Project Hero Honor Ride When: May 4. Rider check in and day of registration begins at 6:45 a.m. Pre-ride ceremony begins at 7:30 a.m. Ride for all routes begins at 8 a.m. Where: 270 Technology Way, Rocklin Cost: Registration for all routes is $75 before 8 p.m May 3 and $85 after that time. Wounded veterans ride for free. Info: weareprojecthero.org and click the "All Events" tab