Coast Guard veteran rides 2,000 miles to support disabled veterans

Coast Guard veteran embarks on 2,000-mile ride to help disabled veterans

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — One pedal stroke at a time, Jodie Knox is in the middle of a bike ride of a lifetime to help disabled veterans.

Knox is taking on “Wheels of Grit,” a 2,000-mile cycling journey up the East Coast.

“They’re incredible people who have done amazing things for their country,” Knox said.

“I kind of just get in the mindset of this is all I have to do today, this is it, so just think about it one minute at a time,” she added.

A few years ago, Knox, who lives in Washington, D.C., suffered a serious accident on her bicycle. Spending months in the hospital, she saw the challenges disabled veterans face up close.

She’s a Coast Guard veteran herself.

“I just felt inspired by the people I met and their determination to embrace life and do the best with what they’ve got now,” Knox said.

Her sendoff was in Key West on Thursday alongside two American Legion posts.

By Saturday, she made it to downtown Miami. On Sunday, she reached Fort Lauderdale.

“Part of my journey is to hit American Legions and VFW posts at the end of every ride each day,” she said.

The goal is to finish the journey in southern Maine.

She expects the trip to take 42 days, riding more than 60 miles a day.

No matter the distance or how long it takes, Knox hopes this helps people believe they can go after their goals.

“I really hope to inspire people who watch this stuff to think about something that feels impossible to them,” she said.

She has already raised more than $8,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project and another $2,000 for Achilles International, which helps people with disabilities.

For more information on her journey, visit her Instagram page.

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About The Author
Byron Tollefson

Byron Tollefson

Byron Tollefson joined Local 10 News as a reporter in July 2025.