Wounded veterans end 400-mile bike trek in Port Hueneme

More than 50 wounded veterans and supporters rode their bicycles over 400 miles from Santa Cruz to Port Hueneme in the Project Hero California Challenge.

The challenge is an annual non-competitive bike journey and rehabilitation therapy event that started Monday and ended Saturday in Port Hueneme.

On Friday, participants rode from Solvang to Port Hueneme, with a stop in Ventura, to advocate for Project Hero. The national nonprofit helps veterans and first responders recover from traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and other injuries.

The route started with a leg from Santa Cruz to Carmel on the first day. On Friday night, riders ended their journey at the Holiday Inn Express in Port Hueneme.

Saturday's plans called for a ride around Port Hueneme before returning to the hotel for a celebration.

"If anyone knows of someone who needs help, who's in that dark place, we are the ones they can turn to for assistance and support," said Project Hero California Challenge spokesperson Peter Bylsma.

For more information, visit weareprojecthero.org.

Wes Woods II covers West County for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at wesley.woodsii@vcstar.com, 805-437-0262 or @JournoWes.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Wounded veterans end 400 mile bike trek in Port Hueneme