More than a thousand people took part Friday in the 11th annual Soldier Ride to raise money for Wounded Warriors.

The 25-mile course took cyclists from Lindenhurst to Overlook Beach. Among the participants were 50 members of the armed forces who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan with life-changing injuries.

Clive Smith, of the United Kingdom, lost both of his legs to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan eight years ago. But it hasn't stopped him from powering his bike with his hands, arms and his positive outlook.

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"Things happen in life. It's a journey, it's an experience and you've just got to take it for what it is," says Smith.

An army of hundreds of supporters rode alongside the injured service members.

Navy veteran Brian Calloway says knowing the community cares and being with fellow wounded warriors has helped him deal with his PTSD.

"It's very therapeutic to be with these guys and have that military camaraderie come back together again," says Calloway.

This year's Soldier Ride raised more than $1 million for Suffolk County United Veterans and the Wounded Warriors Project.