Wounded Warriors Get Hands On With Their Ride To Recovery

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- 50 veterans from across the country have found the perfect fit on the road to cycling towards recovery.

Military veteran and Wounded Warrior Mychael Rodriguez was fitted for a handbike after suffering a spinal cord injury in the Middle East last year. It allows him to use his arms to power a bicycle instead of his legs.

"Gives me the opportunity to actually be strong again," said Rodriguez, a San Diego resident.

He's been prepping for the Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride for months.

"It helps to be free. To do something that I can't do with my legs but I can do with my hands. And to actually still feel like I'm burning calories. Good for the heart, good for the soul," Rodriguez added.

The ride gets rolling on Thursday -- a challenging 48-mile trek across south Florida, designed to help our nations' heroes heal by pushing them to overcome physical and emotional wounds.

"Help them overcome their injuries, let them learn that they can get back on the bike again. They can be active and engage with each other," said Soldier Ride Specialist Amanda Becker with the Wounded Warrior Project.

The ride has not only become an inspiration to them but it also helps inspire others.

"To also encourage others that there is always hope," said Rodriguez.

Rain or shine, the ride starts Thursday on Miami Beach and the group will end up in Key West by Sunday.