Riding for recovery: Fort Cavazos sends off cyclists in Texas Challenge

FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Cyclists biked onto Fort Cavazos for a sendoff as part of the Project Hero Texas Challenge May 8 at III Armored Corps Headquarters.

Soldiers greeted and conversed with the cyclists, many of them veterans across the branches of the military, after they rode in around the III Armored Corps flagpole.

“… I’m humbled to be able to welcome you all back to The Great Place as you participate in the 2025 Project Hero Texas Challenge,” said Col. Lakicia Stokes, U.S. Army Garrison-Fort Cavazos commander, during her opening remarks. “Project Hero represents the very best of resiliency, camaraderie and purpose.

“Your dedication, riding 500 miles across Texas, is more than a physical journey,” she continued. “It is a powerful testament to the strength and healing found in community, mission and movement. As you continue in this challenge, know that your Fort Cavazos community stands with you.”

Project Hero is a nonprofit organization that assists veterans and first responders affected by post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and injury. The organization hosts a series of rides and challenges, like the Texas Challenge, which sees cyclists bike 500 miles from San Antonio to Fort Worth. This is the 16th year the challenge has ridden through Fort Cavazos.

“It’s always an honor to travel through The Great Place and experience it with all you throughout the way, high-fiving and just cheering us on and really assisting in this day’s ride,” said Todd Setter, president of Project Hero. “… If you ever want to come and ride with us, you’re welcome to. It’s a great therapeutic experience. As you know, we ride for six to seven days, and the therapy is just incredible.

What we found out is if you ride three times a week for an hour, you have about … 84% less PTSD triggers and such,” he continued. “So it’s been super helpful … Thank you for having us again.”

For retired U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Patrick Joseph Kelly, cycling saved his life. Kelly used to be on a host of medications for treatment and pain management, but through cycling, was able to reduce a majority of his prescribed medications.

“When I first started with Project Hero, I was on a hell of a cocktail, but through riding, clearing my head and with the endorphins that your body produces, which is a natural morphine, I was able to get off everything (except one) until my service dog of 15 years died in my arms,” Kelly said. “He died six times in my arms, and I swore he could fight that hard to stay with me, I could fight that hard to get off all opioids. And the only way I was able to do it is by putting in lots of miles, but it also helps me to think and solve problems. It helps me with the pain management and the camaraderie.”

Jennifer Goodbody, participant liaison director for Project Hero and an Army veteran, agreed, saying cycling helps with her healing.

“When you’re riding, the chatter in your head just stops and you become present in the moment,” Goodbody said. “Sometimes, just to get that little bit of peace is meaningful and helpful.”

She’s been riding with the organization since 2011 after being introduced to cycling while at the National Center for PTSD in Menlo Park, California.

“You kind of outride your demons when you’re going that long distance,” she said about biking the Texas Challenge. “It wears down those walls and allows you to become vulnerable and open to healing, and when you’re around a group of people that have gone through similar things with you, you can share those stories that you haven’t shared in a very long time, and people understand. You feel like you’re not alone.”