Baker (red helmet) leading the pack. Photo by Jimmy Stivers.
Professor of Criminal Justice John Baker recently completed the ride of a lifetime – a 400-mile bike ride along the coast of California with 50 other disabled veterans, active military, and public supporters.
Project Hero is a one-of-a-kind organization that helps veterans and first responders through outdoor recreation, cycling-based programs and community events. They work to change the way the country treats PTSD/TBI and the resulting mental health issues of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicide.
Over the course of six days, the group rode anywhere from 60-90 miles each day with an elevation gain edging on 20,000 feet. From Santa Cruz to Malibu, stops along the way included Carmel, San Simeon, Pismo Beach, Solvang, and Oxnard.
Scheduled stops in communities allowed the group to talk about their military experiences and how they use cycling to overcome their struggles and disabilities. They were treated to a hero’s welcome everywhere they went.
Professor John Baker with a young local supporter during the California Challenge ride.
Baker served in the United States Marine Corps from 1980 to 2002 – the last four as a Gunnery Sergeant. In June of 2018, Baker underwent open-heart valve replacement surgery, necessary because of a blood infection caught while undergoing jungle warfare training.
“I was only able to find out that I had a bad heart valve because I was active and fit. I knew something was wrong,” said Baker.
The California Challenge was not Baker’s first ride. In 2017, he completed the Great Lakes Challenge, a 500-mile ride from Minneapolis to Chicago. He saw this most recent ride as an opportunity to test himself after surgery. “When major life events happen, you have to stay active and healthy,” he said.
Riders have the opportunity to meet fellow disabled veterans and support one another – both on and off the bicycle.
Baker’s disassembled bicycle in its travel case.
Baker had the honor of meeting two Army Special Operators who were blown up together in Afghanistan a few years ago. He observed the reluctant partner, who was struggling mentally and socially, get on a bicycle with other men and women who had been through similar situations.
“I don’t think he ever stopped smiling,” he said. “There is nothing better than riding a bike for hours at a time next to someone you can talk to and not be judged.”
Planning is in the works for a summer 2020 Great Lakes Challenge. Baker is serving as co-chair.
Baker earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from St. Cloud State in 1999. After 22 years in the marines, he went on to earn his Juris Doctorate at the (then) Hamline University School of Law and was a practicing attorney for 15 years. He joined the St. Cloud State the criminal justice faculty in 2017.
I commend Prof. John Baker for his bicycle rides– and all for a cause. Also, for his service to our country in the U.S. Marines. St. Cloud State– and the CJS Dept. and School of Public Affairs are fortunate to have this former alum to the faculty.
Way to go, John!