Post-ride, 28 October: Fairfax, VA

Well, it’s now up to me to summarize my feelings as best I can.  It’s very difficult to “tie a bow” on this experience, as I’m sure it will take me months to process all that we’ve been through in these last two.  I still wake up and realize I’ve been dreaming that we’re back on the road.

Perhaps the best I can do is to acknowledge, as Patricia pointed out to me toward the end of the ride, that this has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience on many different levels.  Perhaps that will provide a framework to build on all the observations and lessons we’ve noted over the course of the Ride-2-Remember.

The first level is the mission itself, our rationale for taking on this ride in the first place and the first priority that Doug identified back in Astoria.  We set out to honor our departed classmates and symbolically gather their memories back to USNA for our 50^th reunion.  To that end we specifically rode for and paid tribute to one or more classmates every day.  We faithfully executed that duty on a daily basis with personal recollections, obituaries or comments from others where available, and concluded by playing the Navy Hymn.  And we raised a glass to toast them whenever we had a beverage on hand.

That ritual kept us focused and reminded us why we were here, but it also evolved as we progressed across the country.  As we began to hear back from widows and others in response to our Facebook posts, we started to realize how much these observances meant to them.  The ride took on a whole new significance as a result. Whatever doubts we had receded as we knew we had to finish the ride for them.

The second level was the purely physical aspect. We were all in relatively good shape or we never would have tried this.  Our group represented everything from “weekend warrior” cyclists to former ultramarathoners/triathletes. However, the most any of us had attempted was anywhere from a couple of days’ to a couple of weeks’ ride.  I think we all wondered if we could pull it off and whether we had trained enough. I did my best to ramp up and tackle every big hill I could find in the DC area, but I certainly had my doubts about the Pacific Northwest and whether I could make the climbs anticipated there. And nobody knew just how we would all hold up to the fatigue and wear and tear over time.

Well, our choice of route front-loaded a lot of the challenges we would face.  It took us 10 days just to get out of Oregon with three mountain ranges and over 30% of our total climb for the entire ride.  My new gravel bike got me up all the climbs and over some challenging terrain.  Somewhere, most of the way through the state, I decided I had done about all I could have to prepare, and we were all getting stronger and more confident as we went. Topping the Continental Divide 10 days later, I think we all started to feel that we were really going to make it.  A lot of riding lay ahead, but we were already performing well above anything we had previously done.

Level three was just the country itself as we saw, felt, heard and smelled it: spectacular views in the Columbia River Gorge, Cascades and Tetons, deserts and forests, endless cornfields through Nebraska and Iowa, small towns and farms that most people will never see, traces of bygone railroads, telegraph lines and canals, and a huge variety of roads and trails.  We rode everything from gravel paths to country roads to interstate shoulders, in 100-degree heat and pouring rain. It’s a huge, diverse land out there, and we were grateful to witness it in such a unique way.

Which leads directly to level four, the people we met along the way: just as diverse as the land, but almost always gracious, considerate and welcoming to us. There were tractor-trailer drivers who went out of their way to give us space where they could on roads that had little room to spare on the shoulder, numerous motel staff who accommodated our need for an early breakfast and pre-dawn launch, and a whole range of chance encounters with random, interesting folks along the way.  The hospitality of American Legion posts, firehouses, various cafés and most especially the residents of Ainsworth, in the Sand Hills of Nebraska, will always stand out in our memory. Ainsworth marked the midpoint of our ride and was symbolically the heart of the heartland for us.

The next level is really what we learned about each other and how we grew as a team and a group.  You can’t spend 60+ days together without becoming either very close or perhaps very annoyed.  We all have our quirks which we sometimes mercilessly needled each other about, but more importantly we all had our strengths and weaknesses which we all helped to leverage or overcome.  Everyone had a role. 

The riders all performed better in some conditions than others, and we all encouraged and challenged each other to keep going and catch up whenever we could.  Doug was likely the strongest of us, as the ElliptiGO takes 30% more effort to ride than a regular bike. He just kept going and rarely stopped.  And as the leader he had a lot of paperwork and correspondence to keep up on, especially on the rest days. Tes, our treasurer, was probably the fastest overall when he wanted to be, even uphill. He set some sort of land speed record one day trying to catch up to me – when I was actually several miles behind.  Dave can climb slower and go faster downhill than any human I’ve seen, and thrives on heat. He was also the resident foodie, checking out every available eatery whenever we rolled into a town.  Ron was working off some health issues here and there, but overcame them all and steadily improved every day.  I was somewhere in the middle – I climbed pretty well on one bike and did better on downhill or flats on the other.

The support crew were absolutely essential.  Sally was the den mother/mother hen keeping us in line. She stocked us with bananas and PB&Js before launch, made all the early SAG stops with her “bumper buffet” enroute and negotiated rooms and breakfast arrangements on arrival – then made the daily Facebook posts. Mark made major repairs, serviced the bikes on days off and sent us out every morning with “Make good choices.” He was also the safety officer on the very long and/or hot days, monitoring us for signs of fatigue or dehydration. Nick helped with everything and especially tech issues for us old guys, and Barley was always there whenever you needed a warm paw or a lick.

We all grew together over 2 months and 3200+ miles in our little rolling community of 8 folks and 1 dog.  I feel we share a bond that is hard to describe to anyone that hasn’t been there. In some ways it’s like being on cruise with your ship or squadron, but a bit closer and more intense.  It’s good to be back, but I also miss it.

Finally, there’s a level of what each of us learned about ourselves.  For me, it was partly just how far I could push myself and continue to perform.  In addition to giving myself little milestones along the way – the next hill, the next 5-mile lap on my Garmin, the next SAG – I found I could get into a zone where I had a sustainable pace and didn’t need to worry about how far we had to go. On one miserable 90-mile day in the rain,  Tes noted, “You know, it just doesn’t get any worse.” He was right – while we were certainly ready to be done, we could have gone another 4 or 40 miles with the same relative level of pain.  In the end, over each day, each stage, it was about just keeping going – “making circles” as somebody put it.

But it wasn’t only about personal or inner strength.  It was also about dedication to a cause, which we all committed to and carried out.  Individually, I don’t know if I could have sustained it, but the sense of community, and the shared purpose with the group, made it easier.

The accomplishment of our mission finally came home to me at the arrival in Annapolis and our Memorial Service the next day.  As they played the slideshow roll call of our departed classmates whose names we carried on our jerseys, I found myself smiling at the familiar faces – sometimes with a tear in my eye, but mostly remembering those I knew well (or came to know better through our tributes) in happier times.  It was indeed a happy event for me, and those memories should be a comfort and satisfaction to us all.  The many widows and other loved ones I encountered said much the same thing. They really appreciated all we did and now know their departed ‘73ers are not forgotten.  We hope that realization and connection may help to establish some sort of network among the survivors – that could be a lasting legacy and a model for others.

On a personal note, it’s been my privilege to edit this blog over the past 2 months, even if it meant some late nights when I should have been getting more sleep for the next day.  I appreciate all the content from my fellow riders. My role has been mostly to ensure a consistent degree of readability and at least a minimal level of accuracy – verifying we really were in the towns named on those days, for example.  Any errors that got by me are entirely my responsibility.

I hope this compendium has been informative, interesting and at times entertaining.  If it provides you with some appreciation of what we did and why, it will have served its purpose. With that, it’s bittersweet to try to close out this experience, but in some sense we have said all there is to say, at least for now.  The blog will remain up and open for comments for some time and will also be archived and available in another format for posterity. Details will be posted here at a future date.

Thank you all for your attention and interest. This concludes the blog – until next time.

Non Sibi.

Bill Montgomery

Post-ride, 20 October: Hood River, OR

It sure has been an interesting, challenging, emotional and rewarding time since we all came together in Astoria, Oregon back at the beginning of August.

I was determined to ride every mile but was a bit concerned because this ride was 10 times longer than anything I had previously attempted on a bicycle. Margie, my wife was very confident that I could do it and was a great supporter. I expressed my concern to Doug and he said that you get stronger as you ride so get through Oregon and you will be able to do it. They were both right. Once we got into our routine and built our strength in Oregon, the ride was exhausting but certainly doable. The camaraderie of our team and the support of all those who followed us on Facebook and the personal meet-ups along the way kept us moving. Thank you all for pushing me to ride every mile.

Our mission, to honor and bring our deceased classmates back to Annapolis for our 50^th reunion, was the biggest driver to keep us moving along. The daily tributes were a special part of our day. We got the chance to share many stories of our departed classmates. This was a very emotional part of our day with tears as well as laughs. As we progressed across the country more and more people joined our Facebook page and contributed information and personal stories about those we were honoring that day. This enabled us to know and appreciate these classmates even more.

It was truly an honor to be supported by so many wives and family members of our deceased classmates. They shared stories that made our tributes so much more meaningful. I was fortunate to meet many at the reunion. This was very special to me to be a part of their lives throughout this ride.

I also learned a lot more about the USA. We were welcomed everywhere we went. We had police escorts on both ends of the country at the Lewis & Clark Bridge entering Washington from Oregon and on our way from Washington, DC to Annapolis. As we entered the less populated parts of the country, we would stop many times along the way for a coffee and homemade pie. we always wound up in some good conversation with the locals. We were invited to participate as guest of honor in a county fair and rodeo. We had dinner at the American Legion. We were met along the way by local USNA grads and even a USNA parents club. I always felt very comfortable and proud as we traversed middle America. When we arrived at Arlington, we met up with the USNA ‘83 riders for a very heartfelt ceremony. The class of ‘83, which included the Secretary of the Navy, was very supportive of us and our mission. It was an honor to even be at the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery. America is a great country.

I’m not bragging but my company, 24^th Company, really stepped up and supported us in every way from beginning to end. A special thanks to Doug for his leadership of 4 old guys and his friendship. Thank you.

A very rewarding part of this ride was the camaraderie of 5 old guys riding bicycles 3200+ miles under varying topographical, weather and lodging conditions in addition to falls and dogs chasing and biting and, of course, getting lost. The bonds we created with each other were significant and I sincerely hope we not lose track of each other and continue to stay close. We all had the support at home so our wives can share in this camaraderie as well.

I have to say the happiest and most exciting time for me was riding into Fort Myer and seeing my wife, Margie. The worst day of the ride for me was the day after I got that triple vaccine Covid, Flu and RSV.

Very proud to be a part of this team.

Tom Tesoriero

Post-ride, 11 October: Freeport, ME

I’ll share some overarching thoughts regarding the Ride-2-Remember and some especially memorable moments. In no particular order, here are a some of my observations.

Physical vs Mental – I always believed the physical challenge would be the greatest challenge, but in retrospect, I believe the mental challenges were greater. That’s not to suggest the physical was easy, it’s just that once we got through the first 10 days, I was pretty sure I could handle anything from that point on, with the possible exceptions of the passes through the Rockies. The mental aspect, however, was there every day – early wake-up, hit the road, ride, ride, ride, new motel, quarters, dinner, emails, Facebook posts, Go-Fund-Me thank-yous, coordination and preps for events down the road, preps for the next day, early to bed, do it again. None of it was overwhelming or unpleasing, just tedious at times and especially when away from the routines and comforts of home for such a long period.

Individuals vs Team – Beyond zoom calls, most of us didn’t know one another before we started. We all have our quirks. It took a while for the annoyances of quirks to transition to humorous characteristics, as well as identifying the strengths of each individual. We got there, however, and by the end I believe we were a solid team. Good lesson that teams don’t develop overnight, and that shared experiences and challenges can bring folks together.

Road Riding – The dangers of everyday road riding were always on my mind. We could manage our own riding protocols to enhance safety as much as possible, but there’s no protection from a distracted driver or roads too narrow for vehicles and bikes. We had a 3,200 mile ride ahead of us. Just one mistake, miscalculation, momentary lapse by driver or rider could have resulted in a catastrophe. It was a risk we were all willing to take, yet it was a risk that was always top of mind. Idaho and triple-tandem hay bale trucks are a vivid memory. One in particular got very close, as did the cement trucks while exiting Boise. I was thoroughly relieved when we reached Steubenville, OH knowing that all but 50 miles of the remaining 400 would be on off-road trails.

Outreach vs Non Sibi – It was important, when possible, to let people know who we were, what we were doing and why. It was important to be conscious of PR opportunities and to connect with as many classmates and widows as possible. It was important to professionally represent the Naval Academy and establish good will when opportunities presented themselves, but on the flip side was the contradiction of highlighting who we were and our efforts. It required conscious and continuous reminders that this ride was for others and not about ourselves.

Classmates vs Widows – From the beginning my thinking and words expressed our mission of paying tribute to deceased classmates. This was our purpose, and that we never missed an evening quarters or a scheduled daily tribute speaks to the importance of this purpose to the team. Yet, as I expressed at the Memorial Service the day following the conclusion of the Ride-2-Remember, it became clear to me in Chadron, NE that in addition to the memories of our deceased classmates, we were really riding for those our classmates left behind. I think we all reached this understanding at some point during the ride. It was an incredibly important shift in perspective.

Ongoing Support for Widows and Widowers – This was a late discovery, not becoming clear and evident to me until the Memorial Service the day following the conclusion of our ride. There seems to be an unmet need for those who have shared the experience of losing their lifelong partner. Whether these were momentary sentiments tied to the emotions associated with the memorial service or an ongoing desire and need is yet to be determined. If it’s an ongoing need, then perhaps we can assist in getting the process started.

Most Memorable Moments – I highlighted my most memorable moment during the Memorial Service – the email from Sue Nichols and the impact it had on me and my perspective on the purpose of our ride. Other most memorable moments are probably similar to those of other teammates – completing the elevation in Oregon, reaching the Continental Divide, crossing the Mississippi, the GAP/C&O, and all events of the final two days.

Ride-2-Remember Conclusion – The final day of our ride and the memorial service on the following day will always be etched in my mind. Though each event seemingly required an extraordinary amount of communication, coordination, and red-tape busting, all came together and made for an exceptional conclusion. The Arlington National Cemetery ceremony, final day ride with ’83, entering Gate 8, the Yard loop, Herndon, Columbarium, wheel dip, Memorial Service – I wouldn’t change a thing. Nothing could have improved the conclusion for Sally and me. Our decisions to spend Thursday evening with ’83 and to head for home following the Memorial Service were made without regret and proved exactly right for us.

Sharing the Experience with Sally – As with other long distance running events, rides, and projects, I’ve always had the 100% backing and active support of Sally, and she of me. The Ride-2-Remember elevated our album of shared experiences to a new level. We are very fortunate that we will always have the period from 7/18/23 through 10/6/23, and the years of preparation beforehand to reflect upon. Our relationship with the Ride-2-Remember was emblematic of our 53-year relationship with one another. We each have our individual gifts, talents and shortcomings and we’ve always managed to bring them together to support one another and strengthen our bond.

Most gratefully,

Doug Leland

Post-ride, 18 October: Annapolis, MD

The last day started out much as the 63 days before it – EXCEPT – it was the final day of our Ride-2-Remember adventure.

It started with the same routine of an early breakfast of eggs and orange juice – EXCEPT – we were joined by a dozen Class of ‘83 riders who had arrived the day before from their own ride across the country.

The ride, itself, started out much the same as those over the past two months – EXCEPT – it started from Arlington National Cemetery where we participated in a moving ceremony recognizing “those who have gone before.”  Doug did a fabulous job of capturing the essence of OUR R-2-R mission in his comments – to “bring home to USNA the 138 brothers who had left us too early.”  I asked Doug for a copy of his remarks.  He looked at me kind of quizzically and said he had no notes – he did it extemporaneously, from the heart.  Well done, Doug.

SECNAV Del Toro – Class of ‘83 – followed with equally impressive remarks.  It was obvious he could “read the room” because his comments dovetailed perfectly with Doug’s.  We were all filled with pride and resolve as we started the 47-mile ride from Arlington to the Naval Academy in Annapolis.

Bill and Tes have done a great job covering the details of last ride in their blog inputs.  My personal take-aways were the view of 40+ red bike-lights, in single file, making their way along the Anacostia bike path.  We were not accustomed to riding in such a large group, especially with many joining the ride for the first time. There were five ‘83 riders that did the entire transit. Others did segments of the transit, and others joined just for that final day.  Caution and vigilance were the day’s watchwords. No one wanted to have a mishap on THIS ride.

We had acknowledged (in hushed tones so as not to disturb “karma”) our exceptional fortune over the two months with the “weather gods” smiling on us and only giving us a few “challenges” – including a 108.5-deg day in western Idaho, an 80-mile ride in a steady rain through eastern Idaho, a strenuous climb over the Continental Divide, and another day of rain in Illinois/Indiana. Obviously, Mother Nature wanted to make sure we understood SHE was in control and that we should not get complacent with our “luck.”

Our arrival to the Naval Academy can best be described as surreal, with police escorts and cheering family and friends along the way, culminating in a joyful reunion with Lynn and my daughter, Kristen, at the Columbarium; AND a surprisingly large number of widows and family members of Classmates we had done tributes for.  Doug gave more moving comments to those gathered, perfectly capturing WHY we had made the RIDE-2-REMEMBER.  As he spoke, Bill, Tes, Dave, and I held the gold chain with a tribute tag on each link for each of our 138 Classmates we had “brought home.”   There could be no better visual representation of our mission than that chain.  I dare say there was not a dry eye in the Columbarium.

When asked how I felt, the best I could do was being “tired”… physically tired the first day back on Thursday; and emotionally tired on Friday.  The Class Memorial Ceremony in the new Naval Institute building on Hospital Point was particularly moving.  It started with a streaming slideshow of each of the 138 passed classmates; followed by moving remarks by Doug, eloquently summarizing our RIDE-2-REMEMBER mission.  I, unashamedly, admit I could not hold my usual stoic demeanor.  It was obviously apparent because the widow standing next to me calmly placed her hand on my shoulder and whispered “thank you” in my ear.  The standing ovation was appreciated but THAT was reward and recognition enough.

That pat on the shoulder crystallized some take-aways from the last two months:

The view through the Columbia River, The Dalles, and Hood River passage was breathtaking.  Including winding our way through a half-marathon road race.

Although the Colorado Rockies are higher, the three mountain ranges (Coastal, Cascades, Cottonwood) we crossed in Oregon were more formidable, with the sole exception of crossing the Continental Divide at the Togwotee Pass in the Washakie Range in Wyoming.  35% of our ride total of 100,000 ft ascent was in Oregon.

The plains of Wyoming had a beauty of their own.  It was easy to imagine tens of thousands of bison roaming the grassy plains – with the deer and antelope playing (okay, I couldn’t resist).  I could see hunting bands of Cheyenne or Crow driving herds toward Hell’s Kitchen where they were trapped in the canyon – thus providing the tribes everything they needed to get them through the coming winter.

At one support stop in eastern Wyoming, we could see the ancient rail bed, old rail ties, and survey posts for the tracks of trains that thousands of Chinese immigrants toiled to build under the same hot sun we were then under.

We stayed at Fort Robinson in western Nebraska where Union Calvary were trained before venturing north and west during the “Indian Wars.”  We housed in the Officer Quarters that overlooked the Parade Grounds.  It was easy to imagine troops going through their drills on a field equal in size to Worden Field that we did so many Dress Parades on fifty years ago.  It is also the place Lakota Chief Crazy Horse was killed.  In later years, it was a training ground for mules and horses headed to Europe during WWI, and a German POW camp during WWII.

The hospitality of the locals was evident wherever we stopped.  You might (rightfully) think it was the Navy jerseys we wore but even in civvies we were welcomed – with no questions regarding political leaning, or even Tes’s New York accent.  Yes, there were a few drivers that – let’s say – were less than hospitable or 18-wheelers that came closer than necessary, but they were in the minority.  I will always remember the day in Nebraska, on a gravel road, a large (18-wheeler size) grain truck came lumbering toward me, creating a huge dust cloud.  I braced myself to be inundated by dust, dirt, grit and grime; but just before he reached me he stopped – right in the middle of the road – and waited until the dust had settled and I had passed.

The hospitality of everyone we met in Ainsworth, Nebraska – halfway in our journey – was amazing. We were taken into homes to meet family members; I don’t think we paid for a single meal the entire two days we were there.  We even got to ride horses in the County Fair Rodeo parade.

Crossing the Missouri at a point Lewis and Clark bivouacked was special, as was crossing the Mississippi River near Davenport.  A painting of that moment, presented to Tes and me by our 24^th Companymates, will forever be displayed in my living room.

Crossing the Eastern Continental Divide was also momentous.  Besides marking the point all waters would now flow east – meaning more downhill than up was before us – it represented the beginning of the final stage of our trek… which would be almost entirely on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) and Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Trails.

From a more poignant perspective, I will always cherish the camaraderie that grew between eight individuals (5 riders and 3 Support crew) that barely knew each other before starting on a two-month venture that put them together 24/7 for 64 days – but sharing a purpose that culminated in a pat on the shoulder from the widow of a classmate whose Tribute Tag I had carried during a long, rainy day in Indiana.

Non Sibi.

Ron Bowman

Post-ride, 13 October: Las Vegas, NV

Didn’t know anyone. Now we’re near inseparable.

Hills go on forever; Downhills are too short.

Nebraska has the kindest, most generous people in America.

Stay away from Iowa waitresses.

Mennonites have meticulously maintained yards and equipment.

Jim Lash, 15^th Company is definitely Non Sibi.

Dale Puhrman, 34^th Company provided a much-appreciated hot meal in Iowa.

Gentlemen of 24^th Company deserve individual shout-outs: Kevin Reale brought the goodies in Cumberland, MD.  Mark Young and Dick Weller drove from Northern Virginia to Pittsburgh, PA to provide much needed logistical and food and beverage support. And Mike Obert drove from Houston, TX to Western Nebraska and shepherded us all the way across NE doing whatever the riders and support crew asked of him. This from the only Company in ‘73 to not have suffered the loss of a Classmate. What a Company. Thank you, gentlemen.

Emotional days riding for close Classmates and Company mates.

Serenity and solemnity of Arlington National Cemetery.

Relief of making it to Annapolis with no injuries.

Respect we received from families of our deceased Classmates.

Impact of everyone seeing the chain with all 138 tribute tags at Columbarium.

Happiness of seeing my wife after 63 days.

Cheers. Good Health to you,

Dave Haefner

Day 64, 6 October: Annapolis, MD

Today we performed our last official act as the Ride-2-Remember. We attended the class meeting and memorial service in our Full Dress Blue jerseys with the names of our deceased classmates on the back.

The service opened with bagpipes and included personal tributes to our 10 operational losses by companymates of them all, which echoed our own tributes over the past two months. That was followed by a video roster of all who have left us with pictures where available. Those names brought many smiles to my face as I recalled the stories of them in happier times.

At the end of the service Doug was given a few minutes to recap the R-2-R and what it meant to us and to others. He went well over, with a moving account of the moment he realized what we were doing and for whom.  He received a standing ovation followed by the playing of Taps. 

Between the service and lunch, we spoke with widows and others who wanted to meet us, and presented loved ones with a paper rendition of the backs of our jerseys, suitable for framing if desired.  I continued to meet widows through the afternoon who recognized us by our jerseys, and eventually gave out all I had.   It was truly gratifying to hear how much the gifts, and more importantly the Ride, were to them all. We will need more to send to the 1^st Co. survivors who were not in attendance and all the others we know of.

Unfortunately we did not have an opportunity to display the chain again, and its disposition is one piece of unfinished business we have to follow up on.  For now, Doug will retain custody of it until we can find a suitable home to display it.

After our 1^st Co. dinner this evening I again ran into Secretary Del Toro who’s here for ‘83’s 40^th reunion. We spoke briefly, I thanked him for his words yesterday and he again congratulated us for our unprecedented achievement.

There will undoubtedly be more to tell over time, but this brings us to the end of the last regular blog post.  I have heard from many who told us they don’t want it to be over, and it isn’t quite. I’ve asked all the riders to provide an input over the next few days with any final reflections on the blog, the ride itself and the overall experience.  I will then try to add an appropriate editorial postscript to close this out. Until then, as always, your comments on any entries are welcome.

Bill Montgomery

Day 63, 5 October: Arlington, VA to Annapolis, MD

After a restful day and evening and the reunion with our spouses at Joint Base Myer and our meeting up with the Class of ‘83 riders, it was off to Arlington National Cemetery at 0700 this morning.

After a meaningful speech by Doug Leland and the Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, and prayer by retired Navy Chaplain Commander Al Lenz, it was off to Annapolis as a joint force of ‘73 and ‘83.

The train of bikes was led by Vice Admiral (ret.) Dixon Smith deftly navigating us through DC traffic and twirled spaghetti-like streets. First SAG stop was around 17 miles and breakfast was served. Next we were off on bike trail, then city streets and a police escort by the New Carrollton Police Department to lunch at SAG stop #2 and donated Chick-fil-A wraps and chips. Then the Bowie, MD Police department gave us an escort through town and we were off on another trail most of the way to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis.

After regrouping, we rode en mass to USNA where ‘83 graciously allowed the ‘73 riders to go ahead and bring our deceased Classmates back with a ceremonial loop around the Yard, stopping at the Herndon Monument and rejoining with ‘83. The class of ‘83 through tireless efforts was able to secure and refurbish the bell from USS Herndon and it now hangs on its own next to Herndon Monument. John Hults and Doug Leland rang out ‘83 on the bell. Then it was on to the Columbarium where Doug Leland gave a short speech about our ride and the ‘73 riders displayed the chain with all 138 of our deceased name tags.  From there we went to Hubbard Hall and all ‘73 and ‘83 riders dipped their front tires into the basin signifying the end of their rides, and Doug declared Mission Complete for the Ride-2-Remember.

Our reunion kicks off tonight with a cocktail party, but we will wear our jerseys to the Memorial Service tomorrow to display the chain a final time for the benefit of any widows and loved ones who want to view it or speak with us.

Dave Haefner

Day 62, 4 October: Arlington, VA

Our final rest day was a day of contrasts and transition. 

For me, it was a chance to go home and reconnect with my family. Patricia picked me up yesterday and we took everything except my road bike back to Fairfax.  I spent a good deal of time on laundry and repacking for the weekend. Our daughter Jacqueline also came from New York last night and will be at the ceremony in Arlington tomorrow, which I really appreciate. And the dog was very happy to see me.

For others, it was a chance to separate out items they don’t need for the final ride tomorrow or our reunion this weekend.  I gave Tes and Dave a ride to UPS to ship back home spare wheels, raingear and such. 

We held our final quarters this morning, at which we honored Dave Lucas, who passed away the day before yesterday after a long battle with dementia.  We always knew there was the possibility we would lose someone before we finished the ride, and it was particularly poignant that it happened this close to the end.  We added a tag for him to the 137 others to date. May we remember them all and may they rest in peace. There is no individual for tomorrow – we ride to honor all 138.

Fort Myer is a nice base and the hotel is very comfortable.  The team and their spouses relaxed and enjoyed the views and historical elements here.

The class of ’83 started arriving late this afternoon.  It turned out the hotel serves dinner only on Wednesdays and today was spaghetti and salad, a perfect cyclist’s meal.  Dinner was also an opportunity for the two teams to mingle a bit, compare notes and get ready to ride together. Afterwards the R-2-R team adjourned to the porch for ice cream (of course!).  I then departed to finish packing, notify folks of some last-minute changes to access at Arlington National Cemetery tomorrow, and hopefully get some sleep.

One more night at home, and an early start to get everyone’s bags loaded and launch from the hotel to ANC at 0700.  The end is in sight, and a return to the “real” world from the little community we have formed. It’s bittersweet, but it’s also time to finish what we started – for all those who lost classmates. Onward.

Bill Montgomery

Day 61, 3 October: Brunswick, MD to Arlington, VA

Today we folded camp in Brunswick and headed to Fort Myer at first light. We continued to ride along the Potomac River on the towpaths.

Our scenery along the Potomac was one of contrasts. Early on we witnessed calm waters, some rapids but always serenity. Whites Ferry will likely be our last naturally serene rest stop. As you can see the water marks in the second picture below, this river can wreak havoc as it did by flooding well into the second story of this building near the ferry landing.

The Potomac changes character quickly as we enter the District of Columbia area. Hard to believe it’s the same river. Here you see the Key Bridge connecting Georgetown and Arlington, Virginia. We rode along the river where we could see The Kennedy Center and then the Lincoln Memorial.

Finally we get to see the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery across the Arlington Memorial Bridge. The two statues on the first two arches were donations by Italy in 1950. We rode over the bridge and took the long way around the base to get to the Ft. Myer destination. We were greeted by our wives as we rode into our quarters.

Meeting up with my wife, Margie, was an exciting moment after nearly two months on the road putting in 3,153 miles crossing this magnificent country on a bicycle. Lynn was there for Ron and Patricia was there for Bill. Patty will be joining us shortly.

Our visit to Fort Clatsop back at the beginning of August appears to be a distant (no pun
intended) memory. Tonight, the riders and support and wives partied with a fancy dinner at
Quarterdeck Restaurant. A big thank you to Kevin Daily for the cocktails.

In addition to a great meal, we had our “awards night”. It was an emotional time for all of us,
riders and support, as we near the end of our two months together. Bill took on the role of
Master of Ceremonies.

Margie, Patricia, Lynn, Patty and Sally received thank-you cards for supporting their husbands’ participation in Ride-2-Remember. Sally, Mark, Nick and Barley (Mark’s Dog) received thank-you cards for their generous and ever-present support on the ride.

Sally and Mark received special thanks. Sally received a beautiful bouquet of flowers as well as a gym membership and some spa treatment to help her relax from this endeavor and get ready for some serious hiking in Portugal next year. Mark received a gift certificate from REI to help him get ready for his next outdoor experience.

Mark accepted a gift from the group for Nick who gave up his summer to support his dad’s efforts to support us over these past two months. Mark also accepted a gift for Barley who always brought a smile to everyone’s face after a tough riding day.

Doug was awarded a plaque from the riders for all the tireless work he has done over the last 3 years putting this ride and remembrance program together. We can’t thank him enough. The plaque states:

Doug Leland

Thanks for your vision, organization, planning and leadership of the USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember, and your compassion for our classmates and their loved ones

From the riders: Bill Montgomery, Tom Tesoriero, Ron Bowman, Dave Haefner

An unusual ceremony was conducted by Tes and Ron, both of 24^th Company. Per the request of 24^th Company leadership, Sally was awarded an honorary 24^th Company membership. Sally and Doug will be invited to all company activities. We heartily welcome them to 24^th Company. Sally got to meet various 24^th Company members who came out to support her including Mike Obert, Mark Young, Dick Weller and Kevin Reale. They all marveled at the way Sally supported these five old guys biking across the country.

After dessert – of course we had dessert – we retired to our lovely hotel accommodations at Fort Myer.

Tomorrow we prepare for Annapolis and make preps for returning home in addition to our normal routine.

Tom Tesoriero

Day 60, 2 October: Hancock to Brunswick, MD

Everything is “history in the making”, it’s just that some holds greater significance. Today we passed historical markers that have stood the test of time for significance, and for the Ride-2-Remember Team which is on the doorstep of individual and collective history.

Our day started at Happy Hills Campground where our shortcut to Hancock was closed due to open season for bow hunting. After 60 days on the road, no one wanted to take the chance of catching an errant arrow, so we backtracked our way back to the Western Maryland Rail Trail, which connected us to the C&O Canal Towpath. Though many cyclists with “skinny” tires might balk at the Towpath, our guys did fine. Having ridden this trail six times, I found the condition the best I’ve ever experienced… and it got better! The National Park Service has slowly been upgrading the trail. From about 15 miles north of Shepherdstown to Brunswick was just as good as the extraordinarily great GAP Trail we rode last week. An excellent trail and perfect weather… that alone is history in the making.

The uniqueness of the stretch we rode today is the quantity of history, its significance and the preservation for future generations. The towpath itself is historically significant, even if trains put canal barge transportation out of business almost before the canals were finished. The C&O Canal Towpath (a national park) displays lock houses, locks, tunnels and related infrastructure along with educational signage, as well as spaces for the public to enjoy the day. Some lock houses are available for short term rental, which having done so in the past truly brings the past to life.

Turning points in the Civil War also occurred along this stretch of trail. The Battle of Antietam may not have been the battle that started the war, but it was probably the first significant battle of the war. It was certainly the bloodiest. The Antietam battlefield is adjacent to the C&O Canal. Even before Antietam, John Brown made history in Harpers Ferry, just across the Potomac from the C&O Canal. Not too far from Antietam and Harpers Ferry on a remote section of the Towpath is a marker identifying “Falling Waters”, the location of a battle that didn’t happen but had it, the Civil War could have ended two years sooner, saving countless lives and carnage. It was here that General Lee was attempting to escape to the south after his defeat at Gettysburg. His entire army, however, was penned-in by a swollen Potomac River. Had General Meade pursued, Lee had nowhere to go.

The towns, buildings, homes and transportation infrastructure all have a story to tell, and most speak to times of historical significance for what was then a young country. The Ride-2-Remember also has a story to tell, though not on the scale of events just described and not a story that’s on the minds of the team members creating the history. It is, however, worth mentioning. No USNA class has ever cycled across the United States to a reunion.

This year two classes are just days away from completing this feat – Classes of 1973 and 1983. More importantly are the reasons each class is riding – ’83 to raise funds for veteran organizations while raising awareness of veteran suicides (22 per day), and ’73 is carrying the memories of our deceased classmates back to Annapolis for our fiftieth reunion. Both classes are setting the bar for future classes… a challenge to identify a purpose of significance for their class and then raise the bar. You won’t hear the riders from ’73 discuss (or even think about) the historical aspect of this ride, but readers ought to know. It’s a big deal… it’s history in the making.

Doug Leland

Day 59, 1 October: Cumberland to Hancock, MD

Today was another 0640 Start. The hotel was located right next to the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal Towpath trail.  At this point the trail was mostly single track, with numerous muddy spots, which required concentration and a steady hand.  Then we came to low fog along the river, making the ride very serene but dicey.

We are all feeling some accumulated fatigue and agreed to take it a bit easier.  That allowed us to stay together the whole ride. We took a break at 18 miles and got some photos of the locks that are located along the canal that parallels the Potomac River. Potomac to the right of us, Canal to the left.

Sally was waiting for us at 29 miles for a Support stop just before entering the Paw Paw Tunnel. Sometime in the late 1880s it was decided it would be easier to put a tunnel through the mountain blocking the towpath rather than try to follow the meandering river – shortest distance between two points as it were.  The tunnel is 3300 ft long, about ¾ of a mile.  Cyclists are directed to WALK bikes through the tunnel. A wise decision.  The path is about 4 ft wide with a curved brick wall on one side and a 3 ft open railing on the canal side.  The path itself was pockmarked with mud holes and bumps from the erosion.  I did try to get a photo of (wait for it) the light at the end of the tunnel.

After the tunnel the trail became more rocky in sections that were hard to spot, and sent jolts through already tired bodies… ugh!… but otherwise the ride was quiet with the occasional crow declaring his dismay with our intrusion.

A few miles before reaching Hancock proper, Mark met us on his bike and guided us off the C&O to back roads – hilly back roads, I might add – to our cabin sites for the evening.

As we were pulling into the cabin site, Jim and Teri Polski, friends of Bill’s from Fairfax met us – bearing a nice cherry pie.

Mark, Tes, and Dave did their spaghetti magic again for dinner, which we all thoroughly enjoyed, including cherry pie and ice cream for dessert.  We toasted today’s tributes – Gary Miller and Rich Griffin.  Rest in Peace, Classmates.

Ron Bowman

Day 58, 30 September: Cumberland, MD

Most of the day was getting ready and rested for our final push. Mark did the final servicing on our bikes. I did laundry for a second time after a syrup packet leaked all over my pants and shoes at breakfast. I did some admin stuff including closing out the lodging spreadsheet for Ron, Tes and me – this is our last night as paying roommates, rotating between solo and shared rooms for the last 2 months. 

We all decided to get Covid boosters today, since we’re headed for some big crowds and travel next week.  Sally drove Doug, Tes and Ron to the nearest CVS; Dave and I tried to get an Uber and discovered they don’t operate here.  There’s only one taxi service that took over 40 minutes to respond, so we missed our appointment time. Fortunately, it didn’t matter and they took us on arrival.  Unfortunately, Ron wasn’t able to get his without his Medicare card, so will try to get it on our Arlington day off.

Cumberland is a picturesque but struggling post-railroad, post-steel boom sort of town.  Tes took a walk yesterday to try to find some cheese to go with our wine and found it pretty rough just 2 blocks away. We ate at the Crabby Pig again today and the European dessert place next door – not many other options within reach.

We held quarters and honored Mike O’Shaughnessy (the Big O), another larger-than-life classmate who left us too soon, and Ross Springer who I did not know. Tomorrow I ride for Rich Griffin and Tes has Gary Miller.

The C&O Canal starts right outside our hotel, there’s a high-and-dry canal boat next to it and a sign that tells us we have 184.5 miles on the towpath to the end in Georgetown.  It really is getting short.

We have two nights in campground cabins before Fort Myer, which will be a nice way to wind up our time on the road together.  Mark and Tes are planning a pasta feast tomorrow in Hancock, and I heard from our former neighbors in Fairfax who now live in Winchester and are meeting us with a cherry pie – apparently Sally gave them a heads-up.

The final push begins.

Bill Montgomery

Day 57, 29 September: Meyersdale, PA to Cumberland, MD

After leaving Yoder Guesthouse this morning at 9am, we made it 2 blocks until our ride was stopped by a 135-car train. Once we were able to cross the tracks we had a 10% short climb to the trailhead. Today was to be a relaxing day of only 34 miles. However, Mark, our intrepid Support person and all-around-can-do-anything guy decided to ride with us.

I must say it was a fun day. After about a steady 10-mile uphill it was all downhill from there. The trail was in beautiful shape and we stopped for pictures at the Eastern Continental Divide and then the Mason-Dixon Line.

We set a respectable pace with Mark matching us pedal for pedal, knowing that he could ride away from us anytime. By respectable, I mean a steady 24 mph on a 1% decline in near perfect hard packed cinders, arriving at the Fairfield Inn in Cumberland, MD within just a few minutes of one another.

Tomorrow is a much-anticipated rest day after riding the previous eight days straight.

One of Doug’s Plebes, Tracy Franks, met us for lunch at the Crabby Pig, at which Bill, Tom and I devoured a dozen blue claw crabs. We followed up with ice cream and a nice bottle of wine from a couple of shops nearby.

Dave Haefner

Day 56, 28 September: Connellsville to Meyersdale, PA

The second SAG stop today was in Confluence, named for its location at the junction of Casselman River and Laurel Hill Creek with the Youghiogheny River. While grabbing a quick bite, a man working on an e-bike asked me if I was one of the Navy riders – evidently he had been chatting with Sally. I said yes and explained more about us and our mission. He introduced himself as Ed Galen, Army ROTC ’58 (I missed the school) and commissioned USAF. He started out as a logistics/air traffic management officer, deployed to Korea and got out when they wanted to make him a missile officer living in a silo. He went to the ANG and got activated and sent to Korea again when the USS Pueblo was captured. He is doing the full GAP Trail as part of a bucket list. He wished us well and took our card to follow us.

Later on Doug, Ron and I were pedaling together when a LARGE bird swooped low over our heads and up into a nearby tree to roost. The picture’s a bit grainy due to distance, but it’s either a very large hawk or possibly an immature eagle.

Just more people and sights on the trail.

Bill Montgomery

Day 56, 28 September: Connellsville to Meyersdale, PA

An early encounter with a blocked trail started out our day. We had to clear a path through the downed trees in order to move forward. Going back was not an option. We quickly pushed through the debris and set up a 5-man “bucket brigade” bending the debris as we passed the bikes through the downed trees and tree branches.

Once we got through to the other side, we were on our way to a wonderful ride. Every day has some drama – today was no exception. What a privilege to be able to ride the GAP (Great Allegheny Passage) Trail today! We biked from Connellsville to Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, along the Youghiogheny River (a tributary of the Monongahela River) and the Casselman River, a total of 58 miles. Below are some pictures of our trail. We could not pass up milestone 73 without taking a break.

Below are pictures of my fellow riders today.

We passed over Great Gorge, as seen in the pictures below from a bridge we rode over today.

The ride today was generally relaxing and surrounded us with such beauty. As an added bonus – mere yards from our final destination at the Yoder House, we were given the opportunity to see one of the many long trains that traverse this area.

Our resting place for the evening was the Yoder House. This was the town doctor’s home and office. According to the owners, the doctor would deliver babies at this house back in the day. We ventured out to a nice restaurant, The White House, for dinner before retiring for the evening at this very comfortable guest house.

Tomorrow a relatively short ride into Cumberland, Maryland!

Tom Tesoriero

Day 55, 27 September: Homestead to Connellsville, PA

You may not have noticed, but this blog is open to comments by all. We have only received one comment to date, from Kathy Meldrum when we were musing on the erroneous perception that Iowa is flat. 

As we approach the end of this ride, I invite you all to review and comment on anything you may have seen or missed on these posts – or, of course, if we got something obviously wrong. 

However, I should claim some dramatic license and add a disclaimer similar to the one used on a radio program: “Stories are true as remembered and affirmed by the storytellers.” Put another way, that’s our story and we’re sticking to it (perhaps with slight embellishments).

Embellishments aside, we look forward to your comments.

Bill Montgomery

Day 55, 27 September: Homestead to Connellsville, PA

Today was my sixth time starting out on the GAP (Great Allegheny Passage) – a trail that is routinely ranked among one of the top 10 trails in North America. I love this trail and consider it my cathedral. I’ve been thinking about the GAP trail since we started our trek in Astoria, Oregon. It’s long (150 miles) and connects to the C&O Canal Towpath (180 miles) making our last week of riding entirely off-road. Rather than a hyper-focus on the road in front or the cars and trucks approaching from behind, there’s opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenery, listen to music, and let the mind retreat to inner thoughts. It’s a stress reliever at any time, and when combined with a perfect Fall day sporting sunny skies, comfortable temperature, a trail in excellent condition, and foliage showing signs of change, a good day quickly becomes a great day.

Dave wouldn’t quite agree with that assessment as he had a flat 20 miles into our ride. With the help of Tes, a temporary fix is put in place and they make good time to the motel in Connellsville, where we were in for a few pleasant surprises.

Starting with a Facebook post, which led to an email blast, came a call from Dan Gearing, a USNA ’77 graduate who wants the opportunity to greet us in Connellsville. About 1:30 PM while catching up on some emails I receive a call from Dan. He’s in the lobby with Pennsylvania State Senator Patrick Stefano, the senator’s assistant, and a reporter. With several of the team present, we respond to a full slate of questions posed by an experienced and attentive reporter. She and Dan then join us for Quarters and photos.

Our next stop is the Kickstand, an eatery catering to the thousands of cyclists that pass through Connellsville each year. We continue stoking our bodies with a high calorie diet, top off the main course with ice cream, and then dip into the chocolate covered pretzels delivered to our table by the senator’s assistant. Dan picks up the tab, as has been done for us more than once over the past few days.

There’s still time left in the day for more pleasant surprises, but they’ll have to await another blog. Tomorrow we ride 60 miles to Meyersdale, PA along what I consider the prettiest stretch of the GAP/C&O trail.

Doug Leland

Day 54, 26 September: Steubenville, OH to Homestead, PA

Today was a testament to the flexibility and ingenuity of the Support Team.  Due to construction and traffic on the bridge we needed to cross to get from our hotel to the Panhandle Trail to start our trek to Homestead, we loaded up bikes and ferried everyone to a parking lot near the trailhead in Weirton, WV (another state down!).  We also had to coordinate meeting two classmates, Tim Ellis and Steve Dean, who would be joining us for part of the ride.

In spite of all the moving pieces, that evolution went well – except… Dave, who has been having issues with our route app, Ride With GPS, decided to opt for speed over navigation – and took off before we had even taken the group photo… more to follow on how that worked out.

The next evolution was a bit more complicated.  A tunnel along the trail is under construction that had no way around it – so we had to coordinate all 7 riders, Sally in the SAG vehicle, Mark Young and Dick Weller (24^th Co. Support for the last two days) and Mark Landry in the truck, meeting at the same spot before the tunnel at the same time.  Well, all the support vehicles made it with precision and finesse.  We riders – not so much.   We got separated from Steve and Tim; Dave had missed a turn and was headed points west.  So, after much gnashing of teeth and cursing of inconsistent maps; Mark Y. and Dick were detailed to collect Steve, Tim, and (somehow) Dave. Mark L. stayed behind to get Dave headed back in the right direction and Sally loaded Tes, Doug and I and headed to a “predetermined” rendezvous point near the trail on the other side of the tunnel… Standby – Execute!

After some U-turns, we got to the rendezvous jumping off spot – only to see a sign “Private Road. No Public Access to Montour Trail”.  All being officers of the highest quality – we ignored the sign – proceeded down the rough dirt road to see if indeed a trail was down there. Meanwhile Mark had maneuvered the truck AND trailer near Sally’s car and unloaded our bikes.  We walked our bikes down to a construction area and, with the help of a friendly construction worker, got pointed in the direction of the trail.  All good, until we came to an 8-ft fence across the trail with a big sign “TRAIL CLOSED.” Again, being “officers of the line in the highest regard” – we ignored the sign – and the fence; hand-carried our bikes to the other side of the fence… and blithely proceeded down the trail.  Next stop – Homestead.

Oops, my “inner voice” insists I mention the #@*$ hill at about 35 miles.   The cue said make a sharp right at – whatever; doesn’t matter – and SURPRISE, a climb that gave me flashbacks to Oregon; a good mile at 8 to 10% incline.   And we keep being told “it’s all trails and flat.”

With very little – comparatively – fanfare, Tes, Doug, Bill, and I made it to the  45-mile Support Stop.   Where we had a joyous reunion with Mark, Dick, Steve, Tim, and yes, even Dave was back in the fold.

Personally, I think Dave is angling toward making this trip an even 3500 miles, instead of 3241-ish.

The route from 45 mi in was mostly on the GAP Trail (Great Allegheny Passage), which consisted of a lot of industrial areas and a lot of nerve-wracking turns.   Doug had gotten the word a news crew (Pittsburgh WPXI, Channel 11, NBC) would be filming us coming in.  We (attempted to) form a nice line-abreast so all would be visible.  OK, now for the Naval oriented among you, imagine 5 Officers of the Deck giving orders to the helmsman – at the same time.  Needless to say, we had to do a few re-takes; but the cameraman was very gracious and did not laugh.

Kevin Reale (24^th Co.) was waiting with a terrific bumper buffet.  He obviously had gotten the word from Mark and Dick, who had been given the gouge by Mike Obert.

The photo of 24^th Co. representation at Homestead represents almost ⅓ of the entire Company – just sayin’.

Also, today (mercifully!) completes Stage 4 – we start the final stage tomorrow!

Ron Bowman

Day 53, 25 September: Bolivar to Steubenville, OH

Day 53 started out at 0645 at 59F as we left The Sleep Inn (which we certainly do not do) in Bolivar, OH.

A quick sprint down the highway with a left turn at the top of the hill brought us to the trailhead for the Zoar Trail.

About 5 miles in, the problem with riding road bikes on trails manifested itself with another flat tire. Ever diligent Mark soon had the flat fixed and rider on his way. At the other end of the trail I waited for someone to emerge and got a photo of Doug as he finished it.

From here on, it was mostly roads to Steubenville, some country farm, others highway. It was here that once again my Ride with GPS went on a ride of its own and instead of 18 miles off course, I only went less than a mile off course this time, but to correct I had to take dirt roads to the highway to get back on course where I met aforementioned flat tire record holder. Without whom who knows where I would have ended up even after 5 resets of Ride with GPS and an earbud change. Since arriving in Steubenville, the techies amongst us have investigated and finding all settings correct, a delete then reinstall app was performed. Stay tuned, we’ll see what tomorrow brings.

Today reminded us of riding in Oregon, lots of climbing and lots of humidity. Ophelia’s outer bands are still favoring us with overcast skies all day and near liquid air. Streets are wet, but we only had to deal with a slight mist, although there was fog over the waterways this morning.

Climbs today had peak inclines from 8-19%, short thankfully, but attention grabbers. Most of the climbing today was in the last half of the ride making it a little more difficult.

Totals for the day were a little over 61 miles with, depending on which GPS or app you believe, 3500-4100’ of ascent.

Dave Haefner

Day 52, 24 September: Oberlin to Bolivar, OH

Our hotel in Oberlin would not accommodate our breakfast needs so we took the opportunity this morning to have pastries and coffee at 6AM in my room. At first light we all took to the road. Our first stop was “Check Please” at mile 9, a nice little café recommended by Dave. We dined on fresh eggs as part of a good old-fashioned breakfast. What a treat after dining continuously on the “free” breakfasts offered by the hotels. It set us back an hour but all attendees agreed it was worth it.

After a fantastic breakfast we were off to complete our 77-mile ride to Bolivar, Ohio. We had many hills today equating to nearly 2500 feet of elevation change, including some steep inclines. One registered as a 19% grade on Dave’s Garmin! Somehow we all made it up. Around mile 48 we jumped onto canal towpath trails for the remainder of the ride. The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail is pictured here. The nice thing about canal towpaths is that they are generally flat and beautiful.

At the conclusion of our ride at the Sleep Inn in Bolivar, we were met by Dick Weller and Mark Young of 24^th company. They drove up from Virginia to offer support for the Ride-2- Remember. It was special to see them at the finish with a truckload of valuables including beer, soft pretzels and brownies. At the first bite of the brownies, Dave stated correctly that they were made with Ghirardelli chocolate! Thanks, Saundra.

After cleaning up and catching up with Mark and Dick, we held quarters. We honored Ric Samuels, Larry Rutledge and Jeff Iiams, all from 34^th Company. Dave Haefner of 34 led the tribute. Dave was intimate with these men which made for a very personal and emotional tribute.

We then went across the street to Lockport Brewery for dinner. We met up with an ensign from the class of 2022 and his parents, and spent some time chatting. Found it hard to believe that we were ever that young.

Looking forward to another ride tomorrow similar to today’s but about ten miles shorter. Till tomorrow.

Tom Tesoriero

Day 51, 23 September: Fremont to Oberlin, OH

Dave always has his scan going – scanning for obstacles, hills, traffic, and the next opportunity for food.  Today we were pedaling through the township of Norwalk when Dave stops, dismounts and leads us to Sheri’s, a nice-looking coffee shop. 

We enjoy a coffee and scone and of course Dave finds someone inside to take our picture – it’s John Evans, the local undertaker.  He obliges, and Tes cautions him not to step back into the street trying to get us in the frame. He replies, “It’s OK, I get a free burial.”

We spend several minutes chatting with him.  He tells us a bit about the history and current state of the economy in Norwalk and the greater Sandusky area and we tell him about our ride.  We give him one of our cards and he intends to follow us.  Onward.

Bill Montgomery

Day 51, 23 September: Fremont to Oberlin, OH

As per our norm we head out about 30 minutes before dawn, which in the western part of the Eastern Time Zone translates to a little before 7:00 AM. Within a few miles we reconnect with the North Coast Inland Trail. Some of the trail is quiet country road and some is rail trail. Together they combine for comfortable riding… comfortable enough to listen to music most of the day.

We pass through a number of small- to medium-sized towns, each displaying well-preserved public and private infrastructure from each town’s golden years. In that over half of our miles today are on a rail trail, which routinely parallels an active line, it was easy to deduce the source of money for the opulent and ornate homes and centuries-old commercial buildings.

Several towns have created parks adjacent the rail trail that include tennis courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, rest rooms and more. In each town the rail trail is tree-lined, paved, and ideal for local non-motorized transportation as well as long-haul cycling.

We start our day in Fremont, Ohio, a newer town that’s vying for the fast-food capital of the world. Not as nice as the towns that followed, but certainly more representative of our times. At the end of the day, however, we enter (and are spending the night) in Oberlin, Ohio, home to Oberlin College. The central park in Oberlin is impressive and almost all of the store fronts are appealing in structure as well as in their offerings. I can speak from experience that Gibson’s Bakery is a worthwhile stop.

We are spending the evening at The Hotel in Oberlin, which has an affiliation with the college. They’re pretty rigid with their policies, but in return patrons get an excellent upscale and contemporary facility in the heart of town.

Upon checking in, which I thought might be an issue since it was only noon, I am warmly greeted and advised that Sally has already arrived and checked me in. When asked for a photo ID in order to get an additional key card I’m distracted by a large television screen to my right, which is displaying pictures of our team. Several photos of both the ’73 and ’83 cross country riding teams keep reappearing on a loop along with a welcome message. Rather than producing a photo ID, I just pointed, “That’s me.” It was a lovely gesture to support our team so warmly, as they will do for ’83 when they stay here next week.

All in all, it was another nice riding day… and a beautiful Fall day!

Doug Leland

Day 50, 22 September: Archbold to Fremont, OH

The day started pretty much as usual; breakfast at 0600, the wait for enough light to ride – which took a little longer.  We are now in the Eastern Time Zone!  The final time zone change!

After a couple of left/right issues within the first 100 yards or so, we settled into cruise mode.  The morning was cool but not cold, the slight overcast kept the glare from the morning sun to a reasonable level.   The entire route was on rural county roads – which meant a lot of right angle turns – and paved trails.  There was a short section unpaved entering Wauseon on the Wabash Cannonball Trail. We had 18 miles paved on the Wabash Cannonball and another 12 on the North Coast Inland Trail. Excellent riding.

Every ride has had some anomaly pop up during the route (recall the Thelma and Louise incident) and today was no different.  Shortly after our 15-mile support stop, Mark flagged us down and informed us the route took us through an industrial section difficult to navigate.  He redirected us to a suitable alternate course only slightly out of our way – “turn right at 3^rd Street”, only there was no signed 3^rd Street.  Doug wisely chose to stop and “RTFM” (read the f#@* map).  Tes and Dave rode boldly on in search of the elusive “3^rd Street”… resulting in Dave heading to Toledo and getting in an extra 10 miles – again.

Somehow between “bio breaks”, we all met up at the 45-mile Support Stop, which was right in front of the Lake Township Fire Department station.  As we were taking advantage of Sally’s “bumper buffet”, the FD supervisor came out and offered to let us use their restroom.  Which we appreciated VERY much.  He was very interested in what we were doing – and why.  He brought out the rest of the staff, including the “Chief” who had retired after 50 years on the job.  We made new friends and got a very nice group photo for our R-2-R scrapbook.

Not too far after that, another “anomaly” struck.  As Doug and I – who were in the lead at the moment due to a quicker transition time – got a cue notice to “turn right” in ¼ mile. Problem was a train with 50 cars or so was lumbering between us and our turn.  We waited, and waited, and waited until the coast was clear only to see there was no way to cross the tracks other than carry our bikes.  I was pleased to have my lighter (by 20 lbs) bike, but Doug with his EliptiGO – not so much.

Tes, Dave, and Bill took a quick detour just before reaching Sally at the 65 Mile Support Stop.  As I understand it, Dave noticed a taco truck near the trail, made a sharp right turn and ordered tacos for all.   Unfortunately (or not), I missed the diversion, got a much-appreciated sliced turkey sandwich from Mark and was on my way… ready for the ride to be over.  Mother N. had other ideas as she threw 10-mph wind at us for the last 10 miles. Ugh!

Ron Bowman

Day 49, 21 September: Archbold, OH

Another rest day, and a very special one in several ways.

First, we are staying at the Heritage Inn in Historic Sauder Village, a definite step up for us.  The inn is very comfortable, and the Doughbox Bakery on the property features not only the excellent pie we had yesterday but also the most enormous cinnamon rolls I’ve ever seen.

The village was the creation of Erie Sauder, a woodworker who built a number of businesses from his initial woodshop and wanted to create a setting for people, especially young people, to learn about how things were done and built in earlier times. It features a number of historically accurate workshops and other buildings from the 19^th and early 20^th century that have been moved here and restored with attendants in period dress explaining the crafts and businesses.

There’s a museum, general store, small-gauge railroad and even a Lutheran church. I stopped in and heard a little about the church’s history including its 100-plus-year-old organ.  The lady then said, “I do play – is there a favorite hymn you’d like to hear?” Of course! As a result, I got to record my own personal performance of the Navy Hymn, which we played at quarters.

Quarters was doubly special. We honored Brian Cardiff, my First Company mate and in many ways the heart of the company.  And we were joined by Brian’s sister Mary Jo Lawson and her husband Jan from their home nearby.  It was great to see her after so many years. They reside in Navarre, FL most of the time, but Jan owns a Van’s RV-12 homebuilt aircraft which they use to travel and visit here.  It’s painted up in vintage Air Force trainer colors (he’s ex-USAF), but with several touches honoring Brian and his squadron, VA-85.

Brian was lost in a midair collision between his A-6E and an EA-6B in the Mediterranean in 1975. He was our company’s first loss and the second operational loss for the class after graduation.  My tribute borrowed heavily from Conrad Donahue’s comments at our company memorial service for Brian, Mark Wheeler and Kurt Rohrkemper in 2000. He captured better than I ever could what Brian did for him and all of us. Mary Jo attached Brian’s tag to the chain, which is rapidly becoming filled with the memories of our classmates.

Jim Lash departed after quarters, and Jan and Mary Jo left after treating us to dinner for the second night in a row.  We are overwhelmed by the support and generosity of these folks who have come out of their way to see us.

5 more states to go – hard to believe it’s getting close.  Doug spent the evening trying to finalize arrangements with ’83 for the last day to Annapolis. Hopefully we’ll have things firmed up very soon.  Onward!

Bill Montgomery

Day 48, 20 September: Goshen, IN to Archbold, OH

Mark switched me to the Scattante today – much better for the vast majority of the ride.  There were about 2½ miles of gravel that RWGPS reported as paved, but passable on road bikes.  Also a few rough stretches of county roads.

Then there was 10 miles of the Wabash Cannonball Trail near the end.  The condition was very uncertain from Google Maps, and we had briefed an option to bypass it on county roads if it didn’t look good.  I bypassed it initially, but Mark passed me, pulled over and asked me why I was skipping it (he wasn’t at quarters yesterday and didn’t hear the brief). Sort of shamed me into giving it a try.  Doug, who was just behind me and listening to his cues, forgot about the bypass until he was at the trail, now just ahead of me.  We rode the first mile, which was pretty rough, and Doug bailed out back to the south.

I looked ahead and it appeared better so decided to give it another mile.  It was pretty nice so I decided to keep going at mile 3, which turned into a mix of everything: gravel, packed dirt, grass, even a bit of pavement.  Now I figured I was committed for one more mile, which would take me to the 75-mile mark for a SAG stop, so I pressed on.  It would have been fun on the Trek, but a lot of work just getting through on this bike, and by mile 4 I had had enough.

At the 75-mile mark I came out on US 123, which cut across at a diagonal, and no sign of a SAG. I figured everybody else and the SAG must be on the county road, so I asked a hiker coming off the trail ahead of me if 123 took me there. He said he had no idea and was from out of town. I asked where he was from, he asked about our ride, and we struck up a conversation.

He was Ron Dodge from Santa Clara, CA. He’s here visiting relatives on the family farm (Sadowski’s Produce). He’s retired from various jobs at UPS, from ops to investigations, and enjoys hiking the Wabash Cannonball whenever he’s in town.  He allowed as how it’s a lot better for hiking than road riding.  He appreciated our mission, thanked us for our service, and will follow our progress east.

I headed down 123 and found my way back to the road in. Apparently the 75-mile SAG never happened, and Sally was just another ¼ mile from where I came out if I had kept going. Mark passed me on the way in – he had been looking for Ron who they thought was lost but wasn’t. Another day done.

Bill Montgomery

Day 48, 20 September: Goshen, IN to Archbold, OH

0700 start.

Being a little east of Lake Michigan afforded us a warmer start this morning. 58F vs. yesterday’s 48F to be precise. It rained all night and we were on wet roads until 9:45 am or so.

Today we went 85 miles with 2565’ of ascent. All small hills, but about 200 of them. Just enough to get your legs working hard to get over them.

We rode past many spotless Mennonite farms with Mark commenting that their yards were more immaculate than most Major League Baseball parks. The downside was the Mennonites use horses and buggies to get around and the roads are covered in horse manure. Throw in that with the wet roads, and our bikes and ourselves were covered in you-know-what from head to toe. And this all occurred in the first 30 miles or so. Remember we’re going 85 miles today. So the sun comes out and all the road detritus dries hard to us and our bikes.  We leave Indiana behind and cruise into Ohio after Tes and I are attacked 3 different times today by unleashed dogs. Didn’t know we could pedal so fast.

After deli sandwiches at mile 60 rest stop, we blow through our 75-mile rest stop since we’re on the highway now and the Support Crew is looking for us to be on the trail, and hightail it to Sauder Homestead stopping at their bakery before checking in, to devour a whole cherry pie between the 5 of us.

Jim Lash arrived from Pittsburgh to provide moral support and very graciously bought us dinner. These unselfish acts by our classmates to come support us is so humbling, I have trouble putting into words what it means to the 5 of us. Thank you.

Non Sibi

Dave Haefner

Day 47, 19 September: LaPorte to Goshen, IN

Yesterday afternoon capped two days in a row of riding in the rain. After slogging in the rain all day, we got some good news as we were paid a visit by my cousin and godson, Joe McGuire. Joe was a little guy while we were at USNA and he always proudly wore Navy paraphernalia including our dixie cups on his many visits to the Yard. It was very special that he took the time from his busy schedule to visit and support us. Thanks, Joe.

Today the forecast was for rain in LaPorte, Indiana around 10AM but clear at our destination in Goshen, Indiana. The dark clouds remained above or just behind us as we motored towards the sunshine in order to maximize our chances of staying out of the rain.

We were successful in this endeavor. We also achieved another milestone. The team is now on our final time zone (Eastern). Our first clear day since entering Indiana let us more thoroughly enjoy the Hoosier State. Our ride today was mostly farmland. Mostly corn but other crops as well. The pumpkin stand sent a clear message that Autumn is close at hand. We could not resist stopping to see the crop dusters all parked in a row.

Most importantly-today, I was personally honored to ride for Bob Wakefield. He was a fellow Nuke with a special love for USNA, especially his Class of 1973. I cherish even the little time I had to speak with Bob at our 45^th reunion.

Tom Tesoriero

Day 46, 18 September: Munster to LaPorte, IN

Mother Nature is a fickle, fickle, bitch.  There, I said it. I could be putting myself in her crosshairs but so be it.  As Doug says below, we had three different weather apps – all saying something different for the day’s forecast.  I was reminded of one of Dave’s missives – “There are only two professions where you can be wrong 100% of the time and STILL be an “expert”… meteorologist/forecaster and economist (Sorry, Duncan, I’m sure you are a quite good economist – looking forward to seeing you in a couple days. Don’t bring any rain).

Taking the “no way would it rain on us again after yesterday’s deluge” attitude, we all dressed for the cold… not the wet kind.  About two hours in, I swear I could hear Mom N. chuckling as a drizzle turned to a light rain, to an eye-stinging downpour.  Then to add insult to injury, it stopped, even a sliver of sun appeared – for about an hour, then the skies turned grey and dark and it became a race to get the last five miles done before we got another dousing.

So as I write this, the hotel room looks like a Laundry blew up – jerseys, raincoats, windbreaker, shoes, and tights hanging from every chair, curtain and other surface drying out – waiting to see what tomorrow will bring.

Ron Bowman

Day 46, 18 September: Munster to LaPorte, IN

That would make a good title for a song, and an appropriate one for today. It is Monday and it rained… hard, even though all but Ron’s weather app called for a sunny day. We dressed for cool weather, not wet weather and making wardrobe changes in the middle of a ride is avoided as much as possible. It started as a drizzle, then came down hard. After about 25 miles the rain moved on and the rest of the 50-mile ride was either overcast or sunny.

Almost half of our ride was on a really good trail system, which is a much better place to be than on the roads, especially in rain. Sally and Mark had to navigate the roads, which apparently had a lot of standing water and a number of accidents. Given the rain, I was not keen to take pictures of the trail, which looked much like trails we were on yesterday afternoon. Once the rain passed, we passed out of the urban area where we started and onto quiet, rural county roads.

Three vignettes are worth noting today. The first was at the motel while having breakfast and preparing to depart. The woman responsible for preparing and monitoring the continental breakfast was absolutely amazed to hear what we were up to. She couldn’t stop with exclamations of disbelief, admiration, and gratitude for the riders and Ride-2-Remember. She was delighted to receive a “business card” identifying means to stay in touch with our ride and elated to get a handful for her friends. Phyllis was a sweetheart… excited to have her picture taken with the team and sincere in her words of astonishment and support.

The second vignette presented itself once the rain stopped and there was opportunity to take in my surroundings and accompanying scenery. I noticed a cute cottage with flowers, so stopped and took a picture. I then noticed a very different but equally appealing home across the street… and took a picture. There were many lovely homes in this rural section of Northwest Indiana and most, from modest to opulent, displayed pride with upkeep and well-tended grounds.

I arrived at our next motel in LaPorte at the tail end of the third vignette, which holds useful information for anyone arriving early to motel. All but one lodging facility since we started on 8/4 has had a policy of no check-ins before 3:00 or 3:30 PM. We always arrive earlier. No amount of reasoning, pleading, telling our story or anything has helped us get into rooms early. From the first week we discovered that the secret to getting around the policy is to just accept what they tell us and then politely inform them that we have no place to go, so hopefully they won’t have a problem with us “setting up camp” in the lobby. It has never taken more than thirty minutes to learn that some rooms have become available and they can check us in.

Today, Tes arrived at about 10:45 AM. Same routine. So Tes didn’t push back, but he did start to take off his riding gear, advising the desk folks that his clothes were all wet and he needed to get out of them. When down to bare feet and starting to remove another layer, he was informed that our rooms had just been cleaned and they would be happy to provide us early check-in. Bottom line, motel staff do not want you hanging around the lobby like it’s your family room and so far, they’ve always managed to find a way to expedite the check-in process and by-pass their policy.

It was a rainy day (two in a row) and it was a Monday, but contrary to the song, neither got us down.

Doug Leland

Day 45, 17 September: Morris, IL to Munster, IN

We went over 2200 miles today (total to date – not all today!); less than 1,000 to go; and we left Illinois.

Today actually started out last night – checking the weather every hour to see if the rain being called for was going to start before dawn or wait to mid-morning, be a light drizzle or a downpour.  Every hour… all night. “It is what it is” as Tes says.  Turns out it did, in fact, rain all day. We got in a few miles before it picked up , but it DID pick up to a steady rain, turning to a good downpour the last 8 miles.

We were joined for today’s ride by John Hults, ‘83 and his wife Lee.  John has been riding with the Class of ‘83 Ride Across America but had to take some time off to take care of his business.  He reached out to Doug about possibly joining us for this segment which was close to his home.  It was a pleasure to have him, and Lee, join us for this – very wet – day.

The day was not without “incidents”.  First, John had a flat, fixed it, and had no problem catching up to the rest of us.  Most of the route was on trail – the Michigan-Illinois Canal Trail and Old Plank Trail, not all paved, which made for a lot of puddles – and mud.  It wasn’t the mud that got Tes but a slick rubber mat that was covering a wood bridge.  Tes’s wheel caught an edge that made him slip and go down.  No damage – to man nor bike.  Then we had to come to a hard stop when the bridge we were supposed to cross was completely out and we had to navigate around the detour.

Bill and I were navigating through the town of Joliet when we came upon Tes, bike upside down, rear wheel off – yep, another flat. Mark was already pulling into a nearby parking lot to render assistance – so we knew Tes would not be far behind us.

I knew we were getting close to the finish when I heard Bill singing “Pedalin’ in the Rain”; maybe that’s why we missed the big “trophy” buck or red fox that Dave told us he saw.

At the hotel, we were admonished by hotel staff to stay off the carpet. I guess five soaked old guys with mud covered bikes are not an everyday thing they have to deal with. They did get us into our rooms in a hurry, too.

Ron Bowman

Day 44, 16 September: Morris, IL

Even on days off, our now-ingrained routine seems to keep us going.  I got up earlyish, ran a bit and got a good long workout in. Breakfast was unimpressive except for some wonderful fresh cinnamon rolls.  Did a huge load of laundry and repacked for an expected rain day tomorrow – hopefully not as bad as forecast.

Admin stuff continues in the background: in addition to preflighting tomorrow’s route and posting this blog, I paid some bills, ate both lunch and dinner for a change and found time to call home.

At quarters Doug gave a very moving tribute to John Dailey, especially his remarks at his retirement and the gifts he gave to his kids.  I hardly knew Dails but feel as if I do now. Tomorrow is 32^nd Co. – I will carry the tag for Rico Del Puppo and Tom has Bill Sanderson. 

Doug has way more on his plate than the rest of us – he sent two detailed e-mails to ’83 and Arlington Cemetery trying to finalize the schedule for our final day.  I know lots of folks want to know what’s happening and we’ll put it out as soon as we find out.

John Hults ‘83, one of their organizers who’s not currently with them due to work commitments, will join us tomorrow for the ride from Morris to Munster, IN.  Will be good to get to know him and maybe discuss some things. Looks like a wet one, but almost all on trails, mostly paved.

Not much else to report except another state down – moving east!

Bill Montgomery

Day 43, 15 September: Princeton to Morris, IL

Our ride this morning started at 0630 with a chilly 48F and damp conditions.

We rode through Princeton, then had 4 climbs in the first 2 hours, relatively short, but some fairly steep, they ranged from 6-11% inclines. At the 11.3 mile mark of the ride we encountered our route closed and barricaded. Notifying Sally of the closure, Tes and I went exploring. We were able to navigate through the closure downhill, dismounting our bikes to exit and notifying Sally to tell everyone else they could get through.

At the 42-mile mark we began riding the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail. It started out as a 2-lane, but at times went down to single track before ending. I must commend Tommy T, AKA “The Animal” for his riding skills today. Not too many 70+ year olds can ride single track at 18 mph, much less while riding a skinny tire road bike.

Bill and Ron weren’t so skillful (or lucky). Encounters with logs and the tree above resulted in a couple of spills. No harm done except to a phone mount — as long as they didn’t get poison ivy.

Dave Haefner

Day 42, 14 September: East Moline to Princeton, IL

Iowa gave us a great send-off yesterday as we rode the Mississippi River Trail through the towns of Davenport and Bettendorf and over “Old Man River” into East Moline, Illinois. Today Illinois treated us to the Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail for the majority of our 61-mile ride. In my opinion it was one of the most relaxing rides to date. Not much elevation change, no car and truck traffic, pretty scenery and pretty good riding surfaces. The Hennepin Canal was constructed from 1892 to 1907 to connect the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. We rode the towpaths adjacent to the canal.

Our day started early as usual with morning temperatures in the mid-40s rising to mid-70s by the end of our ride in Princeton, Illinois. You can feel the high humidity difference from our mornings out west. It sure is feeling and looking more and more like Autumn every day.

After going through East Moline we entered the bike path (towpath). As you can see in the pictures, it was a wonderful experience for us.

As we progressed along the trail, we stopped at what appeared to be a working lock.

Now for the exciting part of our ride. Our mile 30 rest stop was to be the last we would see of Dave on this ride.

Dave was equipped with all the latest high tech gadgets and communication systems to make sure you cannot get lost. Dave did just that, he got lost, as he careened off on a towpath heading 180 degrees from the correct track. We tried everything to try to reach Dave to find out where he was and turn him around as you can see in the picture below. All to no avail.

After veering off course for about 15 miles, Dave arrived at what he thought was mile 45 expecting to see Sally and the support vehicle. He then called Sally to inquire where she was. Sally said she was at mile 45 per plan. Dave then realized he was off course. Mark also noticed an unusual location for Dave’s AirTag and called Sally, who by then was on the way to pick Dave up. We did have fun for the remainder of the day at Dave’s expense. Dave made this relaxing ride quite a bit more exciting.

Tom Tesoriero

Day 41, 13 September: Iowa City, IA to East Moline, IL

Day 41 of our 63 day journey began a little rough as getting out of Iowa City required a number of quick turns, which can lead to quickly corrected but frustrating wrong turns. Once on the open road we ran into about a 15 mile stretch of busy road with no usable shoulder due to a rumble strip placed in the middle of what little shoulder existed. We managed. No one was pleased, but within a mile of our first support stop traffic dropped off to a volume that allowed both drivers and cyclists a little breathing room. As an aside, I should mention that despite current day route planning tools like Ride With GPS or Komoot, along with paper maps and Google Earth “street view”, route planning remains very challenging. You really can’t judge a route or road until you’re on it. The tools help reduce bad choices, but they are not perfect or sufficiently developed to assist with shoulder size, composition, presence of rumble strips or volume of traffic. Sometimes we nail it… sometimes we don’t.

About halfway through our 72 mile ride I encounter a big dog — unleashed and unattended. He takes a couple of runs at me but I manage to find a new uphill speed sufficient to discourage further chase. By the time Bill arrived a few minutes later the dog had honed his skills and successfully attached himself to Bill’s backside. Fortunately, the skin wasn’t broken and as of an hour ago Bill wasn’t frothing at the mouth, so I think all is good.

None of what I’ve shared so far has anything to do with milestones, but they surfaced later in the day. Milestones are important. They break big undertakings into smaller pieces making the overall objective more achievable — little victories that keep adding up. One type of milestone that we’ve celebrated on a few occasions is crossing state lines. Today was another such day as we bid adieu to Iowa and welcomed Illinois. The Western states are big, especially when traversing from west to east. To date, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska and Iowa have taken 5 to 8 riding days to cross. Illinois and Indiana will take three each. State line milestones are about to pick-up steam.

Whether traveling by air, train, auto, or foot, crossing the Mississippi River is a special landmark and milestone. We departed Iowa halfway across the Mississippi on the Iowa/Illinois Memorial Bridge. Two big milestones with one pedal stroke! We also had a great final 10 miles on a seldom used road and dedicated bike paths, all hugging the Mississippi, first on the west side through Davenport, IA and then the east side directly to our hotel on the banks of the Mississippi in East Moline, IL. It feels different being on the east side… it feels really good. Forty-one days behind us and twenty-two to go. We also finished Stage 3 and crossed the two-thirds completion mark today… another milestone. Onward to Princeton, Illinois.

Doug Leland

Day 40, 12 September: Montezuma to Iowa City, IA

I headed to the Village Inn across the street from our motel for a late breakfast/early lunch as soon as we arrived.  While in line there a man commented, “You have on the right shirt!” He turned out to be Wes Schutt, a Navy veteran on 100% disability as a result of Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.  He was a Storekeeper in the Mekong Delta supplying the riverine forces, and has lost four toes as a result of Agent Orange-related diabetes. He and his friend Mike Herman, former Army MP, were just returning from the VA office and had nothing but good things to say about their services in Iowa, which was good to hear. 

I thanked them both for their service, told them about our ride and our class’s experiences with Agent Orange. They wished us well and will follow us on our media.

Bill Montgomery

Day 40, 12 September: Montezuma to Iowa City, IA

Today’s ride from Montezuma to Iowa City, 58 miles, started with a cold, wet, dark wake up at 5am in a tent overlooking Diamond Lake, near the town of Montezuma.  Now I don’t mind camping at all.  It’s the getting up in the dark, walking 100 yds or so to the restroom/showers, in wet grass. Then getting into your cycling kit, prepping your bike, and packing up all your camping and personal gear to be loaded onto Mark’s truck – still in the dark, and wet.

Mark had coffee, and all the usual morning fare ready for us; including donuts, and fried egg sandwiches… still in the dark, and wet, but much appreciated.

The ride itself got off to an inauspicious start when one of us – not mentioning names but he is from the same Company as me – went left instead of right, and then went past the next intended turn.  All still in the dark, by the way.   It only added a couple miles to the route and some of us are not convinced “he” did not do it on purpose.  Apparently “this individual” is in a competition within his Bicycle Club back home to see can accumulate the most miles – and this “person” informed us a couple days ago that he had fallen to 2^nd place.  We will see if these errant course changes continue before drawing conclusions.

The ride was uneventful – which is a good thing – just more rolling hills… continually up, then down, up then down, repeat.  More small towns, interspersed between miles and miles of corn fields. Fortunately, the rain that had been threatening all day held off until we were settled in the hotel.

Today did have milestones, it’s official we went over 2,000 miles to date, and over 70,000 ft of climbing. Tomorrow we leave the state of IOWA, cross the MISSISSIPPI RIVER, and enter the state of ILLINOIS. WOOHOO!

Ron Bowman

Day 39, 11 September: Clive to Montezuma, IA

Start: 0630

Temp: 59F

Humidity: Mucho

Total distance: 72 miles

Total distance ridden: 59 miles.

It rained all night stopping at 0600 costing me $1.00. A bet with Mark on when the rain would stop.

Leaving the hotel we once again picked up the Clive Greenbelt Trail riding it for 5.5 miles then through an old neighborhood with beautiful stone houses from the 40s. This took us all the way to Old Town Des Moines where the old part of the city has been rejuvenated with bars and restaurants. We then took a right onto MLK Trail taking us South of Des Moines with a beautiful view of the Cathedral and all of downtown.

Once clear of Des Moines we were back in the rolling hills of Iowa with corn and soybean fields for as far as you could see.

Sally stopped at the 25-mile mark for a sitrep, but I took the right turn from the cue in Ride with GPS to Rt. 163.  Sally phones me and has me come back, 2 extra miles for the day, 1 down and 1 back. The reason, Rt. 163 is a 4-lane high speed road with no shoulder. Our alternate route is straight from where Sally is parked, but it’s gravel and has been made a mess by the all-night rain.

So Mark and Nick rack the bikes and we shuttle 13 miles on Rt. 163 to Farm Rd. 63 and are off again. Hills, hills and more hills for the rest of the day to Diamond Lake Park where we are camping. Tes and I ride on to Montezuma Country Club, a private club, but they are kind enough to let us in and order lunch.

We’re now all showered and in our tents hiding from a brief rain shower. Cooking Chicken Alfredo over linguine for dinner this afternoon.

Dave Haefner

Day 38, 10 September: Clive, IA

Today is a “rest” day, but lots to do.  I got up early out of habit, did a short run and workout. A bit stiff when I got up, but once I loosened up nothing bothered me.  Since it’s Sunday I went to a church nearby and tried to run a few errands.  My return Uber was a disaster – the driver hardly spoke English, couldn’t follow instructions, kept demanding tips and finally left me at a pharmacy when he was supposed to wait.

At 1215 two friends of Dale Puhrmann’s with the local USNA Parents’ Club brought us a huge lunch, which was most appreciated. 

We held quarters immediately afterward and honored Ed Pons and John Hudspeth.  Ed was a high achiever in everything he did as a lawyer and law enforcement officer after his Marine service.  Huds served in USS Robt. E. Lee and Flying Fish – I wasn’t able to determine what he did after getting out of the Navy and attending Darden. Tomorrow I ride for Mike Norman, which is special to me since we went to high school together.

Ron, Tom and I needed haircuts and Sally took us to a nice establishment called Lady Jane’s – I got the full treatment. 

It’s amazing how much still needs to get done on our days off.  For one, we always need to preflight the route for the next day.  Our navigation tool, Ride With GPS, does a good job of directing us in real time but has some shortcomings as a planning tool.  The only way to be sure it’s accurate with respect to the cues and listed road surface is to compare it almost mile-by-mile with satellite views from Google Maps. Very time-consuming, but helps keep us from getting surprised when a supposedly paved road or trail turns to gravel with no ready detours available.

Of course, we also need to do our Facebook and blog posts, find whatever info is available for our tributes – and the usual, charge everything, finish laundry, and repack. Oh, yes, and rest!

It looks like rain tomorrow morning – only our second bad weather day, but after that the next 10 days look great. 

Bill Montgomery

Day 37, 9 September: Manning to Clive, IA

Our day started earlier than normal due to a longer than normal ride today. We started the ride at a cool mid 50F temperature gliding up and down rollers for the first half of the ride which enabled us to hit 2,081 feet of elevation change for our 78 mile day. We were treated to clear and beautiful skies and some fine farm scenery along the way. This took our minds off the 32 hills plus two 7% climbs.

I was following Bill on our way to the Raccoon Trail right after our 30 mile mark. All of a sudden Bill takes a spill still clipped to his bike. Fortunately, he got right back up and continued to ride with his colorful road rash on his legs. All seemed good with Bill. His flight school parachute instructors would have been proud of the professional way he landed. He now joins Tes as the only two people to fall off their bikes.

About midway through the ride, we were treated to an outstanding trail for the remainder of our journey. The Raccoon River Valley Trail took us into the Des Moines area (Clive). The trail was wide, smooth and generally straight and level. It also was heavily lined with trees and, of course, corn stalks. While on the trail, I came up on Doug and caught him in his own world-listening to music and generally chilling while riding the beautiful trail. I think we all had a chance to relax-while-riding that 25-mile trail. The trail brought to my mind Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing “Happy Trails to You…”

Like every day, it is always a welcome site to see Sally at our 15-mile intervals with her refreshments, food and water and some good conversation.

After our ride we checked into our hotel and held quarters. We honored Mike Gage and JB Peterson. Both very talented and distinguished gentlemen.

Afterwards, we all convened at Biaggi’s Restaurant for an Italian meal. It’s not New York but it was pretty good food. A pleasant surprise for Dave and me – we ordered medium priced Port for dessert but instead received a wine glass worth of their 40 year old Port (about 3 times a normal pour). No complaints. It was delicious.

Tom Tesoriero

Day 36, 8 September: Onawa to Manning, IA

For those members of the team who thought Iowa was flat, this was a disappointing and challenging day. As per our norm, we departed the Blue Lake KOA in Onawa, IA about thirty minutes before sunrise. The route started out flat, and then came the never ending rolling hills. By the end of the ride we covered 68 miles and 3,364 feet of elevation gain. The abrupt shift from relatively flat Nebraska (and very flat Cowboy Trail) was a bit of a jolt and wake-up call that we still have a lot of miles ahead of us, and they won’t be easy.

It seems that once we crossed the Missouri River every vista included a sea of corn and soybean fields. Some harvesting has begun, but most fields are awaiting a combine before the land is disced and put to bed for winter. The number of grain trucks on the roads we ride is increasing by the day. So far not a problem, but could become an issue from here to Pennsylvania on narrow county roads.

We ended our day at the Boulder Inn and Suites in Manning, IA. I was warmly greeted by Abby, who has been awaiting our arrival ever since Sally spoke with her a few months ago to confirm reservations. She thinks the Ride-2-Remember and its purpose is one of the greatest events she’s heard of and is doing everything she can to support us during our short stay, to include contacting the local newspaper. Thank you, Abby!

Tomorrow we ride to Clive, IA, a suburb of Des Moines, where we will take a liberty day. If the ride is anything like today’s, we’ll welcome a down day.

Doug Leland

Day 35, 7 September: Norfolk, NE to Onawa, IA

Today was a more sedate 0645 start and a bittersweet farewell to Mike Obert. He has been a combination of Sherpa, maid, and go’fer for our trek across Nebraska. When he first offered, we were not sure how best to integrate him into our routine, but he quickly became a key, and welcome, cog in the machinery of R2R.

Much to Dave’s, and my, chagrin, the first 15 miles were long rollers – up and down.

Our plan for the day was to ride to the 45 mile point where a gravel road section began.  If rideable, we would continue on to the Missouri River bridge at about 65 miles. The bridge is NOT designed for bicycles – see photo – so we would load bikes on Mark’s truck and transport the last 5 miles to our KOA cabins.

As it turned out the smoke from the Canadian fires, gravel and dust from big rigs, and Bill’s 2^nd flat tire convinced us the wisest course of action was to load up the bikes at the 45-mile point.  So it was a shorter than expected day, but my lungs are grateful.

Our two-person cabins are small, similar to the ones we had in Arco… whenever that was. Grilled cheeseburgers for dinner. Hoping for some rain tonight to wash out the smoke and on to the east tomorrow.

Ron Bowman

Day 34, 6 September: O‘Neill to Norfolk, NE

Today’s ride was from O’Neill to Norfolk, Neb, 73 miles – which turned out to be 78 for Bill and me, but more on that later. Today I rode for Raoul Conway, 21^st Co from Charleston, SC. He became a dentist after leaving the Navy. He passed at age 51.

We have been riding the Cowboy Trail – cinder, gravel bike trail – for 435 miles… OK, maybe 200. Not ALL was on the trail because when the gravel and cinder got soft and it was harder to not get bogged down, we would jump onto Rt 20 which paralleled the trail.  Remember my James Bond analogy: “… and how would you like to die, Mr. Bond”?   It was riding in what often felt like riding on the beach, or, for my Farmington, NM homeboys, like riding your bike in the dry riverbed – or facing the *&#@ expansion cracks on the shoulder.  Sometimes I question my life choices. 😒

 While we were dealing with “the life choice of the day”, we didn’t notice the haze over the entire area. Turns out smoke from Canadian fires has drifted our way. Now we just have figure out how to hold our breath for 70 miles tomorrow.  

Tomorrow has some significance because a) we depart Nebraska, b) we cross the Missouri River.  NO I will NOT be swimming across.

Bill and I had a Thelma & Louise moment when our cues told us to make a hard right on the main road.  Well, we were doing a fairly good pace on this section of the trail which also looked more direct to Norfolk – our destination.  Ignoring the repeated admonitions of the Ride With GPS version of Siri, we proceeded… at least until we came to – no trail. It just ended with a 20-foot drop to the Elkhorn River, which was about 200 yards wide.  Fortunately, we were not moving fast enough to do a REAL T&L re-enactment, but that’s the best analogy I could come up with.  That little excursion added about 5 miles to our day.

Ron Bowman

Day 34, 6 September: O‘Neill to Norfolk, NE

Start 0700

Weather: 48F and high humidity, almost to Dew Point

56F at 0900

63F at 1200

Less than a quarter mile from the hotel going across railroad tracks to get on the Cowboy Trail, unbeknownst to me, one of my 2 rear lights dislodged. Fortunately, Doug was riding sweep and picked it up, then had a Devil of a time getting my attention. Light back on, I was off again.

The first part of the Cowboy Trail was fine. Then we hit a five-mile stretch that was like riding on a beach. That caused us to move over onto Route 20 to ride a very smooth shoulder for 10 or more miles, then it got rough. Tried the Cowboy Trail again, but that was more of the same so Tes and I stayed on Route 20 to Route 275 all the way into Norfolk, Nebraska. In fact, Doug was the only one who took the Trail all the way into town, which apparently was the nicest part of the whole day’s ride.

So today was six of one, half a dozen of another. Sixes.

Dave Haefner

Day 33, 5 September: Ainsworth to O‘Neill, NE

Our day started early as usual with breakfast at the Rodeway Inn. Brett Fernau showed up bright and early to see us off. The hospitality and genuine friendship that developed over the past two days was a wonderful experience for all of us. We can’t thank him enough.

Our 70-mile ride today started out chilly which was a far cry from the 100-degree plus days we had recently experienced. We all wore long sleeve under- and overgarments. We were finally feeling the Autumn weather that is normally associated with September. We left for our ride around sunrise and headed east on the Cowboy Trail looking directly at the sun as she rose.

We were making good time until we had to stop because the bridge over a ravine had been knocked out. We backtracked and found a way to reconnect to the trail, bypassing the ravine. This diversion set us back but not by much.

Mark, who handles all our bike issues, lent me his bike to traverse the Cowboy Trail today. His bigger tires helped me keep better control as we went through a gravelly stretch. His bike gave me enough stability to make for a fun ride. We had the wind at our backs which helped us keep our speed up through even the toughest terrain of the trail.

We were making great time in our travels from Ainsworth to O’Neill, Nebraska. This exuberance was short-lived, however. I had the first confirmed “goathead” flat tire, my second flat of the ride.

Mark quickly came to my rescue and got me back on my way. I was welcomed into the town of O’Neill, which claims to be the Irish Capital of Nebraska.

The town has shamrocks painted on the intersections and you can see Irish flags throughout the town. Shortly after getting into town the clouds got darker and the temperature dropped. We even witnessed some rain drops. We stopped complaining about the hot weather and realized we were now witnessing some real September weather. We all agreed that tomorrow we would don a warmer wardrobe for our 75-mile ride.

Quarters was held where we honored Noe Salazar, Paul Fitzgerald and Jack Dempsey. These classmates were well known by the group which made it a pretty special occasion.

Afterwards, we went to dinner and dessert. We now look forward to tomorrow’s adventure after a good night’s sleep.

Tom Tesoriero

Day 32, 4 September: Ainsworth, NE

Day 32 is “off” but lots going on. I got up for a short run and workout before breakfast. We held a planning meeting at 0800 to address the upcoming (Thursday) route from Norfolk, NE to Onawa, IA, a good deal of which is on Highway 51 which we deem unsafe for riders (and the local police there agree with us). We found a route that accepts a bit of unpaved road without adding too much distance, and will load up the bikes when we hit a final unavoidable patch of 51.

We held quarters and honored Don Marquardt, Don Atchison and Tom Sliva.  We ride tomorrow for Paul Fitzgerald, Noe Salazar and Jack Dempsey of 20^th Company. 

Jake Fernau took Ron, Tom, Dave and me to the Brown County Fair and Rodeo in Johnstown.  We met Brett at the beer garden on the fairgrounds.  While there, they asked us if we would be willing to march in the parade and we said sure. Then someone asked, “Do you want horses?”  Dave, Ron and I looked at each other and said sure, so they found some steeds for us. Tes has never been on a horse in his life and decided not to try it for the first time in a public event.  However, he marched with the local American Legion post color guard.

The other three of us mounted up and entered the stadium, behind the rodeo queen and in front of the fire department at the end.  I gave them Doug’s brief description of us for the announcer.  Brett and Mike got some good video of us.

Afterward we had lunch (a great smoked brisket sandwich followed by ice cream), watched some calf roping and bronco riding.  The rodeo committee asked us to pose with them for pics, and we finally returned to the motel as the temps topped 100. Back to Big John’s for dinner this evening and prep for another day on the road.

I can’t say enough about the welcome we’ve received in Ainsworth. The Fernaus and everyone here have been simply wonderful. It truly gives us a sense of small-town Americana that few of us from the cities ever experience.

Breakfast at 0600, 0645 launch.  2 more stops in Nebraska.

Bill Montgomery

Day 31, 3 September: Valentine to Ainsworth, NE

Today begins with yet another gorgeous sunrise. After sleeping in one and a half hours later than the previous day, and following a motel continental breakfast we are on our way for a relatively short yet unpredictable ride.

For the first time, we spend the entire ride on an off-road bike path. The Cowboy Trail is a rail trail that will eventually run across all of Nebraska, but for now the most usable portion extends from Valentine, NE to Norfolk, NE… about 170 miles or three full days of bike riding. It feels good to get off of the busy East/West Route 20, which in addition to high-speed traffic includes shoulders with annoying and poorly maintained expansion joints that make passing over them with a bike similar to the feel of car hitting a pothole every 15 yards. The shoulder is wide enough and safe… two critical criteria, yet annoying with expansion joints, and for today we eliminate that annoyance.

Often the elimination of one annoyance beckons another to take its place. The Cowboy Trail is wide, well maintained, completely off-road, scenic, and safe… but, the downside is the consistency of the trail, which in many areas translates to soft spots of collected pebbles and sand that at times feels like riding on a beach at high tide. Some of these patches are big enough to throw a rider. We all have close calls, but manage to stay up on our mounts. It is a tiring 47 miles, but we make good time nonetheless, finishing in just a tad over four hours.

Jumping onto the Cowboy Trail feels like a transition. For the past few weeks the towns we passed through have been dependent upon ranchers, and the land we passed by owned by the same. Until yesterday we were in the Pacific and Mountain time zones and everything felt like we were in the West. Now, however, we’re in the Plains, a new time zone, and soon to shift from ranching to farming. The Cowboy Trail will take us to the edge of this country’s breadbasket and out of cowboy territory.

Standing in line at a Labor Day/Sunday buffet following our first day on the Cowboy Trail from Valentine to Ainsworth, the gentleman in front of Sally – having noticed our Navy riding gear, begins asking about our ride. Sally enthusiastically offers an overview as he and his wife listen. When Sally finishes, I offer the tidbit that Ainsworth is the halfway point of our trek across America. Without skipping a beat the woman remarks, “I didn’t know Ainsworth was halfway to anything!” Now she knows it is.

Lastly, there’s nothing “halfway” about the hospitality afforded the Ride-2-Remember Team by Bill Montgomery’s Washington D.C. friend Blair Fernau and Blair’s brother, Brett, an Ainsworth resident. Blair has generously covered four motel rooms for two nights for the team. Brett treated the team to a Sunday buffet and has arranged for a number of activities, to include relaxing at a nearby cabin this afternoon and attending the county fair and rodeo, as well as transportation. Super generous and a wonderful way to celebrate the halfway point of the Ride-2-Remember.

Doug Leland

Day 30, 2 September: Gordon to Valentine, NE

After three “short” days, today’s 91 miles was an eye-opener. Temps were expected to get into the 90s so we decided on starting earlier than usual.  My flashing white (front) light barely illuminated the 10 yards needed to avoid potholes or debris for the first 45 min or so.  The sun did – finally – come up, and a spectacular sunrise it was.  The spectacular part lasted about 10 miles before the glare made hard to see the road, more specifically, the expansion cracks and oncoming traffic.

Eventually, I settled into pounding (literally – did I mention the @#&* expansion cracks?) out the miles. Western Nebraska is much like eastern Wyoming with long rolling hills; except greener.  At one point I stopped to switch water bottles because it was too precarious to do in motion (did I mention the 8&#* expansion cracks?) – as I was standing there, I could hear coyote pups howling.  I guess it was breakfast time.  I took a photo of the meadow they were hidden in.

By the time I got to Sally at the 245 mile Support stop (OK, 60 mile stop but my butt was telling me it was at least 200 mi).  As I was gingerly placing my bike on the ground to avoid the dreaded Goat Head thorns (they actually do look like a goat’s head, albeit the ones you see in occult movies); I heard Sally chuckle and say, “You’re a star.”  I was caught off guard and turned to see her pointing at a row of about 30 cows lined up against the fence – watching us like we were the most amazing thing they had ever seen.  Sally got a nice photo to commemorate our – short – celebrity.

After that it got hot – 102 when the last rider finished.  No one opted to go the extra 8 miles to make it an even Century ride. Another looong day in the books.

One final note on the day; by now we have settled into routines but having fellow Hardcore 24^th Companymate, Mike Obert, join us for our sojourn across Nebraska has been a highlight… especially when he carried my bags up to my room.  I even let him take a photo of me drinking a beer… and enjoying it.

Ron Bowman

Day 29, 1 September: Chadron to Gordon, NE

Start 0600

Temp 65F, overcast and humid. Showers threatening on horizon.

Expansion/contraction joints were horrendous on shoulder so after 19 minutes of abuse, numbing of hands, wrists, arms and shoulders and incessant pounding of your butt, I pulled onto the road for some much needed relief with Tes right on my rear wheel. Short respite since at 0620 we were in the clutches of the law. Nebraska State Police to be precise.  He informed us that we had to be on the shoulder. We knew this to be untrue because Mark had researched Nebraska Statutes and DOT and you can ride on the road. But rather than argue with a tightly wound State Trooper with a loaded weapon we stayed on the shoulder. The trooper soon came blasting back with lights and siren pulling over a speeding Jeep. Seems that section of road sees a lot of early morning drunks.

Bill reconnoitered a segment of the Cowboy Trail that parallels the highway as an alternative to the incessant joints on the shoulder. Parts are very good but others are really only suitable for gravel bikes.  We hope to find better sections in a few days.

Rolling hills with large ranches were the scenery for the day. Lots of acres of sunflowers, hay and corn with one field of sorghum. They call it Milo here.  

We rode the 46 miles in 3 hours and 20 minutes today including 2 rest stops.

Arriving in Gordon early we first went to the American Legion and waited till the Legionnaires arrived and talked with a few of them. They invited us to their dinner and meeting tonight, but it’s at 6pm. Bill, Tes and Ron went. Longest ride tomorrow, 91 miles.

Rawhide refers to our butts.

Dave Haefner

Day 28, 31 August: Crawford to Chadron, NE

We bunked last night in one of the well preserved original Officer’s Quarters at Fort Robinson. It had a number of rooms as well as a fully stocked kitchen. Dave & Tom took the opportunity to cook up a spaghetti and meatball dinner. Doug served up ice cream for desert and Doug, Bill and Ron cleaned up afterwards.

It was interesting waking early this morning to the sounds of coyotes at Fort Robinson. The coyotes let you know that you are still “out west.” Couple that with the blue moon which brightly showed itself, it was a great morning.

Early this morning before we had breakfast, Mike Obert (24^th Company) showed up at our quarters. He had driven up from Houston, Texas to support our ride through Nebraska. He eagerly joined our support team. It was inspiring to see him out on the road to Chadron cheering us on.

When we got to Chadron we met Mike and Sally at the Bean Broker Coffee Shop where we had a great cup of coffee and breakfast. At the coffee shop, we ran into Mark Dykes, a reporter for the local newspaper, The Chadron Record. Mark wanted to interview us and write up our story. We discussed our mission in detail including how satisfying it was for us to pay tribute each day to our deceased classmates and that we hoped their widows could get some comfort in what we were doing.

Mark invited us to the Chadron Rotary luncheon. We gladly attended and met some wonderful people. We got a bit of local history from the guest speaker, Professor Matt Everston. We were also entertained by a local Rotary guitarist and singer.

Bill was a bit late to the luncheon, due to his first flat tire enroute. They wrangled his bike into Sally’s SAG and the flat club membership is now complete.

I was lucky to be the carrier of Stephen Sudkamp’s tag today. Suds was a good friend with whom I shared some great memories while we struggled getting through nuclear power school. Bill Montgomery carried Don White’s tag today.

Tom Tesoriero

Day 27, 30 August: Lusk, WY to Crawford, NE

We departed Lusk at about 6:20 AM for a 55 mile ride to Fort Robinson State Park in Crawford, Nebraska. Windy day, mostly crosswinds at 15 to 20 mph detracting from an otherwise beautiful riding day through open prairie and grazing land. Traffic was light and shoulders more than adequate. The high point, however, was crossing the state line… any state line really, but today it was good-bye to Wyoming and the beginning of our trek across the northern tier of Nebraska.

Recently I wrote that on long bike rides it’s not uncommon to miss a number of attractions. Though I did ride by some historical landmarks that may have been most interesting, it was impossible to miss the biggest landmark of all – Fort Robinson State Park, since that’s where we’re spending the evening.

Fort Robinson was established in 1876 to implement and oversee US Governments efforts to subdue the tribes in the surrounding areas. The Indian Wars as they were called continued until 1890 and the fort remained active until 1916. Of historical interest, Fort Robinson is where Chief Crazy Horse surrendered on May 6, 1877. While in captivity he had a scuffle with Chief Dull Knife regarding next steps each considered in the best interest of the impacted tribes. Crazy Horse was against continued fighting, especially give the ratio of losses between warriors and soldiers. Chief Dull Knife favored continuation of fighting, angered with the US Government policy of corralling tribes onto a small parcel of land and then starving them in the winter until the tribes submitted to government demands. Apparently Chief Dull Knife’s knife wasn’t too dull as one story has it that he stabbed and killed Crazy Horse.

The fort was also used to train and breed horses and mules for WWI and was used as a POW camp in WWII. The US Agriculture Department found the animal husbandry infrastructure very conducive to their research agenda and used the fort for those purposes for several years beginning in 1947. In the 1960s a civilian-led effort assumed responsibility for the fort in order to preserve the original buildings still standing, which are many to include the officer quarters we are staying in this evening.

Today, Fort Robinson State Park encompasses 22,000 acres and offers year round recreational activities and entertainment. It’s extremely well maintained and the ability to lodge in original quarters is a treat. A family could easily spend a week here and never repeat an activity.

Tomorrow a short hop to Chadron, NE before taking on the open spaces of northern Nebraska in the days to follow.

Doug Leland

Day 26, 29 August: Douglas to Lusk, WY

Today’s ride started a little later, 30 min or so, to let the temps warm a little and since midday temps were projected to be only in the 80’s when we expected to finish.

The ride was not as filled with historical landmarks or unique vistas, but it was not uneventful or without eye catching views.  Just the vastness of the prairie plains was breathtaking.  More of the “railroad tracks to infinity.”  

The route took us away from the bulk of the heavy traffic but did put us on some sections with road work ongoing.  A 10 mile section of fine gravel surface created dust clouds and pebble strikes when the large trucks passed at speed.  We have noticed that, out here, road crews hold traffic in one direction and have a Pilot vehicle lead the other lane of traffic over the area under construction.  I imagine it’s frustrating for drivers waiting 10 min or more for their turn but it certainly reduces the windshield strikes – on cars as well as cyclists. The road crew were very deferential to us as well, holding traffic until we could get past the worst of it.  Bill and I had a nice conversation with one flagman (woman); explaining what the heck we were doing out in the middle of nowhere.  We learned she had a son getting ready to graduate from MARINE OCS.  A nice diversion.

Something that did catch our attention was a string of rail cars on tracks paralleling the road.  THIS line of cars just kept going and going… for like 2 miles. Bill and I did our best 8^th grade math and estimate there were over 100 cars lined up.

Over the past few days in Wyoming we have seen a LOT of trains.  At one of the Support Stops, Mark even came across an old rail bed, complete with ancient rail ties.  It wasn’t hard to imagine multitudes of Chinese workers toiling all day, alongside surveyors, iron workers, and other support crews to move America west.

The looong low climbs – the kind you don’t really notice until after a couple hours, you feel like you are working way too hard to maintain pace. Ugh. The last 15 miles is always the worst, whether it’s 45 mi or 90 mi.  I just kept hoping to see the outskirts of Lusk just over the NEXT rise.

 Finally, that rise came and we dropped into Lusk, pop 5000, and pulled into the Covered Wagon Motel.  Another day in the books.

Ron Bowman

Day 25, 28 August: Casper to Douglas, WY

Today, Ed Cotter joined us once again this morning to see us off and he drove to the first rest stop to see us come in, spend our break with us and then bid us adieu. I must say for Ed to come over from Denver to visit us was a most magnanimous gesture and speaks worlds about his character. He truly exemplifies Non Sibi. And it was a great morale booster for all of us. Thanks, Ed.

The ride today was relatively short, 55 miles with 2000 ft. of ascent. It consisted of 25 hills and 3 climbs for a total of 28 ascents.

You might ask what I consider a hill. Well, if it looks like a hill, i.e., it’s somewhat rounded on the top and is elevated from my viewpoint and I need to downshift 2 or more times, then I consider it a hill. Now you may be wondering “so what’s a climb?” Well, when my Garmin 1040 automatically shifts from data mode to a screen showing green, yellow, red and sometimes purple vertical lines with length and height of ascent, then I consider that a climb. Interestingly, my Garmin has a somewhat warped sense of humor, for as I reach the base of the climb it pings and lights up a green GO at the base of the display. This I don’t appreciate.

So the ride today was cool but dry. Rain was threatening from afar, but never reached us. It was a pleasant day with a herd of antelope off to the right and the biggest sheep I have ever seen in a pasture on our right. We all rode the 55 miles to Douglas in about 4 hours.

I picked up a piece of steel wire in my rear tire yesterday, and when Mark serviced the bikes last evening he pulled it out and air escaped through the hole. Since I am riding tubeless tires, Mark was able to patch the tire. However, this morning my tire was flat again, so Mark took me and my bike over to the trailer and put my gravel wheel and tire on and away I went. Don’t know what we would do without him.

Dave Haefner

Day 24, 27 August: Casper, WY

Day 24 was another catch-up day: laundry, mail that Patricia brought me, a few bills and preflighting for tomorrow’s route. As it’s the first Sunday we have off, I also went to church in town. Mark serviced all the bikes including some new tires and we should all be ready to go.

Ed Cotter, my 1^st Company-mate, drove up from Denver to see us. He joined us for quarters and dinner and will drive partway with us tomorrow. It was great to see him and we appreciate the support.

We honored Bob Nestlerode, including some fine words from one of Doug’s former plebes who took the time to write. Tomorrow Ron will ride for Pat Young, one of our operational losses. Pat took the oath with us but ultimately graduated with the class of ’75. He died in an F-4 crash in 1977.

Nothing else to report today; tomorrow we begin Stage 3. I’ll leave you with an image of my nightly recharging evolution: laptop, lights, Garmin, earbuds, shifter battery, watch, phone (the empty lead since it’s taking the picture), sometimes GoPro (not pictured), and the 2-way radios that Mark charges for us. A lot of gadgets.

Bill Montgomery

Day 23, 26 August: Riverton to Casper, WY

Team 2 took US 20 north out of town – sadly, Ron was med down most of the day and rode the SAG. The road was good the whole way with wide shoulders. At one stretch there was road construction that held up traffic, but the nice flag lady waved us through on the dead lane – 3 miles of brand-new highway all to ourselves.

The weather started out chilly in the 50s, but warmed up nicely after an hour or so. We passed over the Boysen Reservoir, part of a state park, and 20 turned east. As we passed the huge 307 Ranch there were several signs including one apparently marking the trackbed of the first rail line to come through the region. We’re also now entering oil country and saw our first wells, apparently serviced by helicopter (notice the windsock). Finally, at Hiland we found the now-abandoned motel that would have been the only place to stay between Riverton and Casper.

We made it to the Waltman Rest Stop, loaded up the bikes and drove the rest of the way to Casper. We had hoped to see Hell’s Half Acre, a canyon the Indians used to drive bison into when hunting, but we were going too fast to stop when the only sign appeared right at the turnoff. We arrived at the hotel an hour or more after Team 1.

A much-needed rest day tomorrow and hopefully Ron will be back up in short order.

Bill Montgomery

Day 23, 26 August: Riverton to Casper, WY

Due to the absence of a location for an overnight stay between Riverton and Casper, we conducted a relay today. There were two teams that together covered the roughly 120 miles. One team (Doug and Tom) was driven out an hour before first light to the midpoint between Riverton and Casper. This team rode to Casper at first light. The second team (Bill, Dave and Ron) left directly from Riverton at first light and rode to the midpoint; they were then driven to the hotel in Casper.

Now that we have passed over the Continental Divide, we enter the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains at Casper, Wyoming. The Front Range runs North-South from Casper to Pueblo, Colorado. In a few days we should be saying goodbye to the mountains as we will be in the flat Great Plains.

On today’s ride into Casper we experienced plenty of wind and wind shifts. The day started in the mid 50 deg F and reached 80 deg F in the afternoon. Today’s ride was about a mile high in altitude all day.

As we approached Casper we were fortunate to get on a trail that took us along the North Platte River, as you can see in the picture below. This was the most peaceful and beautiful part of the ride.

When we all finally arrived at the Best Western Plus in Casper, we held quarters and remembered those classmates who did not graduate and had passed away.

Dinner was at the FireRock Steakhouse. Enjoyed a great dinner with a toast to our fallen classmates that we honored on today’s ride. Our evening was especially enjoyable because tomorrow is a well-deserved rest day from riding.

Tom Tesoriero

Day 22, 25 August: Dubois to Riverton, WY

During the past few weeks Facebook and Blog posts have provided some wonderful photographs and portraits of places we’re seeing along our cross country journey. It’s hard to describe and fully appreciate such natural wonders as the Columbia River Gorge, Painted Hills, and traversing 25 miles of paved bike path adjacent the towering Grand Teton Mountains. There is, however, another side to our travels that is not as dramatic and one that consumes most of our time… riding.

Our days begin early. Most days we start riding 30 minutes before sunrise, roughly nautical twilight. This gives us enough light to ride, while providing the earliest possible departure, which in turn offers less traffic early in the ride, often less wind, and early completions that provide the most possible time for recovery before starting the routine again.

Getting in miles consumes much of our day, and in the process we often miss some attractions that require time we don’t have, or places that open after we’ve passed by. Knowing how many miles remain also skews decisions towards moving on.

Today we had an early start, which means wake-up calls that precede launch by at least an hour and often more. Seven miles into our 80 mile ride we encounter the National Military Vehicle Museum, obviously closed at 6:30 AM. This museum had been highly recommended to me by riders with the Class of 1983 cross country ride team. In the opinion of this group that visited the museum two years ago, it’s one of the finest museums in the country and is on par or exceeds the Smithsonian. The museum was the vision of one man who orchestrated and funded the entire project. The Class of 1983 cross country riders started their trek two days ago. They’re taking only one rest day as they cross the country, and it will be in Dubois, Wyoming in order to spend the day at the museum. We got a few exterior shots, but otherwise It was a miss for us.

We often pass historical markers, national parks, and the treasures of small towns taking in only what can be seen at bike riding speed. These are misses, the same as we all experience when we speed along at much higher speeds. Every town has a story — there just isn’t time to unearth them all.

One gem we did discover today is the Crowheart Store. It offers all the necessary provisions for local families and ranchers. The building’s structure, smells, floors aged by decades of wear all harken back to the country stores and general stores once the staple of towns across America. This store is located on a reservation. It is family owned and the silver-haired woman running the store during our visit was one of the most gentle and peaceful spirits of I’ve ever encountered. Conduct a search for “Crowheart Store” and you’ll see and read that my experience wasn’t unique.

Eighty miles today from Dubois to Riverton, Wyoming. Tomorrow we reach Casper and the end of Stage 2. More than a third of our trip is behind us, but there are still many miles and “missings” ahead.

Doug Leland

Day 22, 25 August: Dubois to Riverton, WY

I wanted to mention that I had a treat when my wife Patricia and daughter Jacqueline joined the group for the past 2 days from Virginia and New York, respectively. Jacqueline had a wedding to attend in Banff and was already going to be in the West, so they decided to take a short vacation along our route.

They had guides for a half-day tour of Grand Teton National Park and a full day in Yellowstone. They saw a lot of wildlife that we tend to miss (see Doug’s post above).

They joined us in both Moran and Dubois and were delighted to meet the group, hear some “sea stories” and get a sense of our experience as well. They saw us off this morning at 0-dark-thirty and are winging their way back to the East Coast. It was great to see them and I look forward to reuniting in another 5 weeks or so.

Bill Montgomery

Day 21, 24 August: Moran to Dubois, WY

Today was momentous – not easy by any means – but momentous.  The day started at 0620, 30 minutes to sunrise.  It was the chilliest start we have had.   A very crisp 46 deg; fortunately, little wind.  Everyone had on cold weather gear.  I even considered wearing my new Give’R gloves.

You will hear a lot about the beautiful sunrise, gorgeous fields of green, bubbling Wind River just off to our right, the tree covered vista’s meshing into the mountains as we climbed out of the valley.   Ya da ya da; for me, most of the 20 mile climb at 4 to 6% grade was a lesson in the “10 yard rule”… head down, focused 10 yards ahead – to give enough time to react to debris on the shoulder, the “devils invention” rumble strips; concentrating on staying on the shoulder outside the white line but slipping inside when the shoulder got dicey after a quick check of the rear view mirror; and feeling like a kid knowing he is doing something he shouldn’t…

About halfway up, near a pull-out, we came across a VMB (Visual Message Board) flashing a message something to the effect, “Do not stop for bears, Leave the bears alone, Let wildlife be wildlife”… well, if there had been a dozen bears doing a square-dance in the – very pretty – field alongside the road – I would not have noticed.

The climb just kept going, and going, and going; 20 miles at 5 mph takes a while.  The sun was just coming up but it was still cold – but the effort was causing me to sweat… wet chill… but just keep moving because while stopping may give the legs a chance to flush some lactic acid, the chill made it one of those James Bond decisions – “…and just HOW would you like to die, Mr Bond?”

Enough about me; well almost.   I knew my “fellow idiots” were going through the same sufferfest I was; but somehow, at the time, I felt it a bit unfair that fellow Hardcore ’24 Company mate, Tom was powering up the pass on bionic knees (plural, as in both).  He has been a machine and I can’t help thinking that there might be a bit of antigravimonium mixed with the titanium in those joints… compared to the 100,000+ miles my original issue knees have on them.  But I digress… but still about me. After all, I didn’t have Tom’s benefit of training in the Oregon mountains since I was restricted to the eastern flatlands and foothills. But that excuse doesn’t work either, because somehow Bill, from Virginia, still makes it up these grades (he claims it’s the bike, not him).

Mark and Sally have shown the patience of a saint and today was no different.  Mark’s encouragement, and occasional holding my bike so I did not fall over at a Support stop, was the “shining light on the hill” I kept aiming for – 10, then 5, then every 2 miles.   

It was about halfway up that the view seemed to become clearer, more crisp.  I also noticed my breathing was becoming more labored.   Then I realized we were nearing 9500 ft elevation – and the air was thinner.   Fewer Oxygen molecules to get in the way of a grand view.

It was about this time I realized that I needed to do the proverbial “bear in the woods” activity.  I pulled off at an Observation Point where Mark/Nick/Barley were waiting.  Without too many details, and considering my brain was fogged, I recognized I had to get far enough down the slope to avoid being easily seen by a family stopping to take in the view – BUT – I could not risk getting TOO far down the slope for fear of not being able to make it back up.  Sure enough, Mark admonished me to be “more strategic where I did my business”… apparently a car DID stop, but he intercepted them with something about a friend puking down the hill.

That’s the prelude to ANOTHER anecdote to this “momentous day”.  As we all – finally – reached the summit of Togwotee Pass at 9560 ft; Sally summoned us all for the obligatory photo.   All present… except Dave, who was nowhere to be seen.   We knew he wasn’t far because his bike was still there.  After calling him a couple times, we heard a “I’m coming” from further down the hill off the road.  He had been doing his own “bear in the woods” activity, unbeknownst to the rest of us.  We put our jackets back on and waited for Dave to make the climb back up.  He was MUCH more “strategic” than I was.

What goes up must come down; and down we did go.  Dave was in his element and charged off with a gleeful shout – not to be seen again until we pulled into the Stagecoach Inn.  Despite Dave’s exuberance, downhills can be tense.  Especially if your fingers are still somewhat numb and your brain – i.e., reaction time – is as well.  Again, the eternal vigilance between white line, rumble strips, narrow shoulder, debris, trucks, etc. applies to downhill as well.  You are just doing it at 30 mph rather than 5 mph.

We did get a glimpse of a fly fisherman along the banks of the Wind River, and the dead trees all along the slopes devastated by the Mountain Pine Beetle; but no bears.

We arrived in Dubois, spread out, between 1115 and 1145.  Another day in the books.

Now the momentous part:

We crossed the Continental Divide 9560 ft… intact.

We have completed 55% of the climbing for the entire trip.

We have completed ⅓ of the total distance.  The Plains of Wyoming, Nebraska lie ahead.

Ron Bowman

Day 20, 23 August: Victor, ID to Moran, WY

Official: Victor, ID to Moran, WY. Actual: Wilson, WY to Moran, WY

How to begin? Probably best to go back to yesterday afternoon when we had a near mishap. Best to mention that no names but mine will be used in this blog to protect the guilty!

The near catastrophe was one of the riders while trying to get a bug out of his eye came uncomfortably close to encountering an oncoming Ford F-150. Had I not been there to yell STOP, we might be adding another name on the back of our shirts.

Now to our Quarters meeting of yesterday where it was decided that due to the danger presented in riding up and over Teton Pass that we would load bikes at 0600 this morning and shuttle over to Persephone Bakery and Café in Wilson. It should be noted that Persephone Café has multiple locations.

As to Persephone, she was the Greek goddess who was Queen of Hades (Hell for those of you not familiar with Greek Mythology). Perhaps she had it in for us today.

So the lead vehicle goes blowing by the turn for Wilson to Persephone in downtown Jackson. The trail vehicle also misses the turn for Wilson, but recognizes it and U-turns back to the Wilson turnoff, arriving at the correct Persephone.

It should be noted here that rush hour from Victor to Jackson starts at 6am and is literally bumper to bumper all the way up and over Teton Pass. Additionally, although the downhill bike trail is off-highway all the way down the mountain, a good portion of it was completely torn up and under construction. So the decision to shuttle was well worth it.

Once we regrouped, the Persephone maidens took excellent care of us with quality coffees and excellent ingredients in the breakfast foods.

Our ride started at 0800 in 57F weather. We hadn’t gone a mile when I called an abrupt stop for a Moose on the side of the trail. Which upon closer inspection turned out to be an actual life size plywood cutout in exact Moose shading. Having survived that encounter we were off on bicycle trails for about 28 miles until they stopped. There were a few other incidents including an emergency mission to retrieve a phone left at the hotel, and a rider who forgot his helmet at a stop and added a mile sprint to get it back.

The ride to Jackson was scenic and serene along the bike path. Once in Jackson our Ride with GPS routed us around the outskirts so we didn’t have to put up with the gridlock downtown. We then rode by the National Elk Refuge which was filled with hundreds of cattails. No Elk today. We continued on and up into Teton National Park, stopping and visiting the Visitor Center. Cars filled all the parking lots and were parked on both sides of the highway for a quarter mile in both directions. Our trek then took us along the Snake River and over Jackson Lake. We arrived safely in Moran, WY at 1:30pm.

Once the entertaining confusion of the morning was over it was a very pleasant day of bicycling for all.

Dave Haefner

Day 19, 22 August: Rexburg to Victor, ID

Almost to the Continental Divide as we spent the whole day today riding toward and looking at the Tetons. We were very fortunate to get out of Rexburg, Idaho (4100 ft) and into Victor, Idaho (6000 ft) before the rains came. Tomorrow we expect to be in Wyoming and log the attainment of our first thousand miles. The day after, we get over the Continental Divide.

We were treated very special today as we received a warm welcome in Victor. The owner of the Give’r Company, a manufacturer of high quality gloves and outerwear, invited us to his shop and presented us with personalized gloves and hoodies. He believes in what the USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember team is doing and was delighted that we came through his town. These gifts are special to us because they come from the heart.

According to the weather forecast for tomorrow, the clouds should be disappearing and the sun will be shining with a more favorable wind. We hope the forecast is accurate this time. During dinner, we saluted classmate James Radney. So saddened to lose such a talented man at such a young age.

Tom Tesoriero

Day 18, 21 August: Rexburg, ID

A welcome Day 18 of rest and catching up. The laundry at our hotel wasn’t working but they let us use the one next door.  The weather was nice but changeable.  A sudden squall in the afternoon, otherwise sunny but windy with additional storms in the distance. 

Four of us went to the Teton House restaurant, another of Dave’s discoveries in a nearby town.  Quite a setting, with a hand-carved bar and a very distinguished caribou.  Great food as well and we toasted Jim and Don.

We returned for evening quarters and the more formal honors for them.  Tomorrow we ride for Jim Radney, another operational loss who died when his SH-2 crashed off Key West in 1982. The rest of the crew survived.

The weather is a bit iffy but the route is straightforward tomorrow: 57.2 miles and 2207 ft of climb to Victor but nothing steep.  Hopefully a relatively easy ride.

Bill Montgomery

Day 17, 20 August: Arco to Rexburg, ID

As Tes followed changing and conflicting weather forecasts this morning (Day 17), we initially concluded we had a window of opportunity to get out of Arco and into Rexburg missing the bulk of the rain. The plan was to start in our regular windbreakers and stage raingear in Sally’s car as a contingency.  The rain picked up as launch time approached, however, and we collectively made the decision to switch to full raingear at the last minute.  Good call, for all it was worth.

The rain was from the leading bands thrown out by Tropical Storm Hilary, and continued for all 87 miles, letting up somewhat just at the end.  Roads were generally good and relatively flat, but the wind made most of it feel like a climb. We crossed a lot of rangeland, farms and part of Idaho National Lab, but mostly just kept our heads down and pedaling. The SAG went to 10-mile rest stops which helped but we couldn’t stop long or you’d get chilled, so they were quick water or sandwich breaks and back on the road again.

Tes, Dave and I rode the last 4 miles together after concluding we had reached a steady state of pain and it really didn’t matter if we finished in 4 miles or 40 – it just couldn’t get any worse.

I was pretty happy with my selection of rain gear. It kept me relatively warm and dry (except once when I forgot to tuck my jersey into my rain pants).  At least I thought so until we finally arrived, decompressed and I found out how damp my socks were, and took awhile to truly warm up again.

We honored Steve, Jeff and Rex at quarters. Sadly, like a few other classmates, we were unable to find much info on Jeff Welch since graduation. Tomorrow (a merciful rest day) we carry the tags for Jim Hopkins and Don Lewis of 12^th Co.

Bill Montgomery

Day 17, 20 August: Arco to Rexburg, ID

Not much to say about today except for long, 87 miles, wet, rained all day, and cold. Gentle uphill all the way. 1038 feet of climbing today. Hot showers were greatly appreciated by all. Rest day tomorrow.

Dave Haefner

Day 16, 19 August: Carey to Arco, ID

Cool start, overcast all day. 24.25 mile climb started right outside our rented house for the night. 1356 ft. of climbing through Craters of the Moon National Park. Arriving in Arco we stopped at the nuclear power exhibit and the sail from SSN-666. Then across the street for dinner, then to KOA campground for the night.

Dave Haefner

Day 16, 19 August: Carey to Arco, ID

Day 16 was basically a repeat of yesterday in terms of distance and climb, but a bit more to see.  About 10 miles out we entered Craters of the Moon National Monument, a lava landscape created by eruptions along the Great Rift volcanic zone from 15,000 to about 2,000 years ago.

After a descent to the desert floor and rest stop, we regrouped at a park in Arco and proceeded to a museum commemorating the town’s history as the first in the world to be lighted by nuclear-generated power – only for an hour or so in 1955, but a watershed event nonetheless.  That and many more contributions from the nearby Idaho National Laboratory are documented here. One of the prototype reactors that submarine officers train on was located here. The site includes a submarine memorial and the sail of the USS Hawkbill (SSN-666), which of course was meaningful to Tes.

We held evening quarters honoring Scott Hendrickson.  We ride tomorrow for Steve Dole, Jeff Welsh and Rex Aaron, all of 11^th Co.

Dave grilled cheeseburgers for dinner and we partook of the Arco KOA’s evening ice cream social. Thanks, Tes!

Tomorrow is a long one, 89 miles and likely rain. I’m not sure exactly how to dress and will make the call when we see how it is in the morning.  At least it’s relatively flat and should be good road.  After that a welcome day off in Rexburg!

Bill Montgomery

Day 15, 18 August: Fairfield to Carey, ID

Day 15 was short, only 45 mis and 675 ft of climb. We started out cool at 60 degrees with jackets and sped through the course. With only 2 rest stops and 2 noticeable hills, we arrived in under 3 hours. High for the day was about 80 – a welcome change.

Road conditions were much better, with good shoulder most of the way and no rumble strip. At our second rest top we saw a couple of moose ramble through some trees across the road; unusual for this area. Appeared to be a cow and calf, but they were too far away and too fast to get a picture.

At 0930 our house hadn’t even been vacated by the previous guests, so we grabbed a coffee at the local gas station (except for Tes, who opted for a beer). We hung out until the diner opened at 11 and had lunch, then took a nap at the picnic area next door (which ended badly for Tes) until the house was ready for us at 2.

The house has 3 bedrooms, and Bill took an air mattress in the dining area. We were able to do laundry, reducing the load at our next rest day in Rexburg.

We held quarters and reviewed the day.  Tomorrow looks like a repeat with 44 miles. We do have 1520 feet of climb but basically a gentle uphill with a couple of bumps, and a long down and flat to Arco.  We reviewed the possibilities of some weather on a long 87 mile ride Sunday – showers and maybe thunderstorms – and briefed lightning procedures (get off the road).

We honored Rod Shockley – Bruce Hargus wrote a nice comment on Facebook. Tom rides tomorrow for Scott Hendrickson, our only loss from 9^th Co.

Mark and Tes prepared another fine pasta feast, and Sally and I polished off two bowls of microwave popcorn after dinner. Turning in early – got 8 full hours last night but still could have gone back to bed.

Day 15, 18 August: Fairfield to Carey, ID

Fairfield to Carey, ID. Pleasantly cool start this morning with dry conditions all day. Relatively short day due to only 2 climbs totaling 666ft. of elevation.

Today I rode tribute for Rod Shockley. USNA ‘73 grad. Navy Air select. P-3 pilot who flew commercial after retiring from the Navy. Buried in Salem, NJ at Salem County War Veterans Memorial Park and Cemetery. Coincidentally, my father’s final resting spot.

Dave Haefner

Day 14, 17 August: Mountain Home to Fairfield, ID

It was definitely not as hot today. Around 75 for the start and just hitting 90 as we finished. It felt tougher than expected after yesterday, however. We had two big climbs up front with only modest descents as a reward, then a long ride on US-20 with very little shoulder between the rumble strip and the weeds/gravel. It required a lot of concentration to try to maintain ±6 inches laterally for many miles in a row. Very tiring, but a serious safety precaution here. 

There were a number of viewpoints and historical markers on the route, which largely follows the Oregon Trail – if we were able to get off and take the time to look.

At one of my unscheduled stops, I found dozens of large black “Mormon crickets”, so named for having destroyed the crops of Mormon settlers in the 19th century and technically something called a shield-backed katydid. They’re native to the region but are multiplying in numbers that have caused them to be treated as an invasive species. They all scampered for the weeds before I could get a picture. More on the road, dead and alive. All the ones I saw were black, but they range to brown, purple, red, or green.

We held quarters early at 3:15 to allow us to get dinner at a highly recommended place for Alaskan fish & chips that opened at 4.

At quarters we reviewed the challenges of the day; more of the same but a much shorter and cooler day tomorrow at 45 miles starting around 60 degrees. We all agreed to stay on US-20 to save time – alternative routes would have added 15-20 miles, much of it unpaved.  Doug stressed the importance of staying on the shoulder as much as humanly possible.

We honored Matt and Danny at quarters; Dave rides tomorrow for Rod Shockley.

Ultimately, every restaurant in town was closed except the Wrangler Drive-In, which was more than adequate. Good food, Jarritos Mexican soda and soft-serve ice cream. On to Carey tomorrow.

Bill Montgomery

Previously, I provided my description of a routine day on the R2R.  I guess it only appropriate that I give you all a sense of what goes on between shoving off 30 minutes before sunrise and pulling into whatever abode we are staying at for the night – i.e., the ride itself.

First, every ride is different but there are some commonalities – at least for me. After making sure all our safety lights are on, we shove off in no particular order and quickly spread out according to how everyone is feeling that day. For me, the first few miles are filled with some apprehension about the climbs coming up and the heat as my body reluctantly begins to become less stiff and warms up. I do take a moment to enjoy the sunrise, the quiet rustling of the breeze, the morning noises of cows looking for their calves, birds chirping and occasional coyotes’ serenade. The high desert reminds me of growing up in the Four Corners area of New Mexico. Lots of sagebrush smells.

Usually, but certainly not always, we have a few miles before the climbs start. That’s when I get the “10-yard stare” and wonder – “what in the hell, I’m doing.”

It’s usually an internal conversation. While my mind is surveying the venue, my body is saying –“Wait a minute… we’re doing this AGAIN!!?? After we finished IRONMAN ARIZONA 9 years ago, we agreed no more of this *^%# !! I don’t recall agreeing to ANYTHING like THIS *#@&*“. (I have a very profane inner voice).

After the climbs have ended – if ever – or my legs have adapted and given up revolting – I settle into a zone I call “making circles”… just keep riding. Some, like Bill, are much better at “smelling the roses” than I am. Sometimes I have to consciously make myself look up, look around, and take in the grandeur of this country. If the terrain is fairly flat, or there is a nice pull-out, I will even take a photo or two.

It is now time for our Evening Meeting so I will close for now and continue with – the ‘rest of the ride’ later… and let your imaginations run wild as to how the middle part of the ride brings.

Ron Bowman

Day 13, 16 August: Boise to Mountain Home, ID

I can only add that today is as hot as I ever hope to see. 

We had some late or erroneous cues which slowed us up a bit. Then climbing out Hwy. 20 from Boise Airport was positively scary: 2-way heavy truck traffic with little to no shoulder and no place for the trucks to give way to us. At the top we decided it was unsafe and called Mark to ferry us a couple of miles to the next turn off the main road. 

At about 28 miles we had a choice to make and elected to take the shoulder of I-85 rather than 7 miles of gravel.  It turned out to be the right call – it was good and wide, with a heavy rumble strip to keep the cars away (but we didn’t want to hit it either).  Ron had a flat just short of our exit off the interstate and walked it up to where Mark changed it quickly (Dave and I grabbed a slice of pie while waiting).

It was well into the 90s as we started the last 20 miles. We went to 5-mile support stops to hydrate, soak down and continue.  We made it to the motel just before noon and under 100 degrees.

It continued to climb as we decompressed. 103 officially, local indications were even higher. At one point Mark saw 108.5 on his truck thermometer – in the shade!  The wind came up and it was basically a blast furnace just getting to the restaurant next door for a nice steak dinner.

We toasted Craig Reynolds of 7^th Co., our first operational loss tribute of the ride, and honored him at quarters.  Craig died in an SH-3 crash while on a Combat SAR exercise at Fallon, NV in 1978. I knew him and most of the guys in 7 as they lived “next door” to First Co. Tomorrow we ride for Matt Minahan and Danny Simpson, also of 7^th Co.

We held quarters at the restaurant. It appears we’re over the worst of the heat and it will start to cool off, which is not saying much at this point.  We’ll continue to get an early start and stay ahead of it as much as possible. 59 miles to Fairfield tomorrow and 3375 feet of climb.

Bill Montgomery

Day 13, 16 August: Boise to Mountain Home, ID

A 6:30 am start saw a very pleasant 68F clear dry morning for our departure from Boise. Not so our arrival at Mountain Home, ID, where it was near 100F upon our arrival. And we are at 3300’ above sea level. It was a hot, dry ride today with crosswinds. Everyone rode strong and together today. Steak dinner this afternoon.

Dave Haefner

Day 13, 16 August: Boise to Mountain Home, ID

I have been relying a lot on Sally’s excellent daily updates.  I think of a LOT of things to say during a ride… but they just seem to fade with the fog of fatigue when I get to the hotel.

In my defense, here is what is becoming our basic routine:

– Wake up 1 to 1½ hour before ‘breakfast’ to do the ‘necessities’, prep bike (lights, Garmin, cycling kit for the day, take overnight bags to Entrance for Mark/Nic to load).  Then breakfast, which depends on the willingness of the hotel to put items out as early as 5am.  Mark ALWAYS has breakfast ready 1hr before sunrise… because…

 – The plan is to depart 30 min before sunrise. To get as much mileage in before the heat sets in… and it IS starting to set in.  94 deg when I finished yesterday and 92 today.

 – Support stops with Sally and/or Mark every 10 to 20 miles, depending on difficulty of terrain and temps – with a sumptuous, i.e., pb&j or ham sandwiches – midway meal stop.

 – Continue riding for whatever *(% miles remain; finishing anywhere from 11am to 3pm local depending on length, difficulty of days ride (read as how many, how difficult the climbs are).

  – Arrive at lodgings for the night. Immediately decompress with massive amount of cold fluid… which includes a beer toast to that day’s classmate memorial.

   –  Evening Quarters meeting 3 to 4 hours after arrival… usually about 4pm.  Most of us like to eat a BIG meal before the meeting so we can crash right after.

— At the meeting, we go over observations from the days ride… which includes comments about the *&% climbs. Then one of us gives a short memorial of that day honoree(s).  I admit not knowing a lot about many; maybe recognizing a name but not much else…  These memorial sessions have been very beneficial putting essence to who these men were.

Then we go over the next day’s ride… how many *&^ climbs there are is becoming more important than the length of the ride.

— Then we CRASH, unless you have enough mental energy left to write up the Blog – Bill Montgomery is doing a terrific job managing it.  I highly recommend you pass the word to check it out.  The link is also on the Group FB site.

— So ‘Lights out’ can be anywhere from 6pm to 9pm.  I will leave it to you which I gravitate to.

— REPEAT

— REPEAT………

……….and it now being 8:15, you can guess my next activity.

Ron Bowman

Day 12, 15 August: Boise, ID

I think we all really enjoyed the gathering with the BOISE ALUMNI GROUP.  I admit to being a bit reluctant at first because I was very much looking forward to the downtime… off my feet.  That changed when Tom got us to the brewery and we started talking to the members as they joined us.  Sharing careers and finding a surprising number of crossovers.  Like the 23^rd Company officer Tes mentioned and the Classmate of Jack Renard, who was Dean of Admissions when I was  Noms & Appts Officer ’83 to ’86.  It was good to see some “younger” grads as well; ‘86 and ‘96.

Over the years, I’ve found most of my interaction has been with my Hardcore 24^th Company brothers, then with fellow NAPSTERS, then Wrestling teammates, then those in the same Major, then other Classmates at large… recognize most names, even after 50 years – it was refreshing to meet other alumni in such a casual, friendly way… well worth a couple of hours sleep. 😴

Ron Bowman

Day 12, 15 August: Boise, ID

Today, 15 August, was a much-needed rest day. The team caught up on washing clothes, taking care of admin and personal items before heading out to meet the members and spouses of the Southern Idaho Chapter of the Alumni Association. We met up at the Payette, a brew pub in downtown Boise. As you can see from the pictures it was well attended. It was great to meet up with such a wonderful group of people who were very supportive of what we were doing.

I had the opportunity to meet LCDR Rufus L. Taylor (as he was known our First Class year). He was 23^rd Company Officer. He had wonderful things to say about his 1973 firsties.  As a member of 24^th Company, I knew the six 23^rd Company members who had passed and could relate well to our conversation. Rufus added: “There never was a better group of guys. RIP to our shipmates passed on.” We will recall those words when we get to them in our tributes. 

Thanks goes to Tom Simmonds for setting this up as well as the members who took the time and effort to host us.

Tom Tesoriero

Day 11, 14 August: Ontario, OR to Boise, ID

Day 11 was surprisingly challenging day, although “only” 63 mis and 4280 ft of climb after yesterday’s epic.  It started warm for a change, at 67 degrees, and reached 99 in Boise.  The climbs were manageable and we all felt pretty good early on. However, a number of events conspired to disrupt the day.

First, there were several cues that just didn’t work – they either led into dead ends or didn’t connect where they were supposed to.  And although the course was supposed to be almost all paved, we ran into what someone told us was a mile of gravel.  I swapped out the Scattante for the Trek, Dave switched to his gravel tires and we started to try it, but Sally checked and it turned out to be at least 4 miles with climbs. It would have taken us over an hour to get through on gravel bikes and no way anyone else could make it, so we loaded up all the bikes and drove through.

When we got back on pavement we had lost some momentum and the heat was getting to us. We made it to the 42 mile mark where we stopped for ham & cheese sandwiches – thanks, Mark.  At 52 miles we met Tom Simmonds in Eagle, and he rode the last 12 miles with us into Boise.  It was a very pretty ride along the Boise River Greenbelt, with some great views including a group “surfing” the spillway of a dam. However, parts were in pretty bad shape, with root risers that rattled our teeth.  Tom set a leisurely pace which should have been relaxing, but we were getting very dry and going through water fast. We took 2 breaks and finally made it to the hotel around 2:30.

The rest of the day was spent recuperating and doing laundry. We honored Steve Weise at our evening quarters – another good 3^rd Co. friend who I went through flight school with and was plowed back as an instructor like me.  Tomorrow we carry the tags for three 4^th Co. classmates: Paul Carstens, Dwight Handforth, and I will have Greg Pallas.

Tomorrow Tom Simmonds and the local Alumni assn. chapter are hosting us at an early happy hour, then back for a good night’s sleep and on to Stage 2. Forecast is for 103 degrees – we’re now under the “heat dome” so will need to take it very carefully.

Bill Montgomery

Day 10, 13 August: Unity to Ontario, OR

Day 10 was by far the longest so far. 86 miles, with a cold start out of Unity Lake in the 40s, but warning up quickly today. Not a lot of climbs, but a couple of summits and some rolling hills on a plateau. After a gratifying descent (especially for Dave), it just plain got hot, well into the 90s by midday. I did switch to my road bike at the halfway point — the Scattante was much more comfortable on the long flats.

We entered the Mountain Time Zone in Malheur County, OR. Most of us took an extended lunch break at the only café anywhere after someone told us it was just a mile and a half ahead (turned out to be well over 8 miles). Food helped but service took forever and split us up even more.  Mark monitored everyone for signs of heat issues. 

Following some erroneous cues and a detour, we all made it into Ontario. We had a slightly later dinner and meeting due to the time zone change. We honored Randy and Bruce. I made a few remarks about how much Randy had contributed as essentially our informal class chaplain. Doug will ride tomorrow for Steve Weise, with whom Sally has family connections.

We move on to Idaho tomorrow, and will be linking up with Tom Simmonds for the last stretch into Boise. It’s been a great tour through a big state, and we’ve enjoyed everyone’s hospitality. 

Bill Montgomery

Day 9, 12 August: John Day to Unity, OR

Not a very long day — 49 miles — but it felt like it to me. We started at 54 degrees in John Day at 0530, but it dropped to 43 a few miles outside town. The sun broke the horizon just short of Sally’s first rest stop and was shining directly in my eyes. I almost ran into the SAG wagon before I saw her.

We had 2 long climbs of 7 and 3.5 miles; the second one felt as long as the first to me. We warmed up nicely on the first climb and Dave, Ron and I gave up our jackets at the stop on top. Big mistake — the descent dropped us back into the 40s with wind chill. Then it was close to 80 by the time we got in. The last leg included an optional short cut with 2 miles of gravel — the Trek handled it well, but Ron and Dave completed it also!

it was a pretty ride, with an overlook of Strawberry Mountain, which is the headwaters of the John Day River we’ve been following for several days. We also traversed 2 national forests with impressive trees.

We made it into Unity before noon and had a leisurely afternoon to recuperate before tomorrow’s challenge. We’re camping in tents at the Unity Lake State Park tonight. Mark prepared a great dinner of grilled pork chops and corn on the cob, and for dessert a chocolate cake to celebrate Sally’s birthday!

We honored John Yepsen and ride for 2 of our classmates from 3^rd Company tomorrow. I will ride for Randy Reinhardt and Ron will take Bruce Bachman.

We’ve now completed over 450 miles and 30,000 feet of climb. Definitely turning in early tonight to rest up for a looong day tomorrow. Wish us luck.

Bill Montgomery

Day 8, 11 August: Mitchell to John Day, OR

Day 8 was fairly long with one climb and descent but otherwise a gentle rise most of the day. Cold in the morning – I’m breaking out the jacket for tomorrow.  Hot by 1100, I was taking breaks every 5 miles after the halfway point.

I did OK on the first climb, but faded on the descent and flat.  My Trek just doesn’t have the speed.  We had our first two flat tires, Ron and then Doug.  Mark and the SAG responded and got them back on the road expeditiously.  I caught up with Doug after his flat and we finished together. Tes was a speed demon, 10 mis ahead of the rest at one point (he admitted later he probably overdid it).  Ron did great as well, getting stronger all the time.

We followed the John Day River pretty much the whole way, not much else of note enroute.  In Dayville the café was closed “Taking our daughter to college, back 23 Aug” or something to that effect. The mercantile across the street had free coffee, and a row of building fronts that looked like a small movie set.

On arrival in John Day we were met by Will Blood, a friend of Tom’s with the Oregon State Police, who had arranged an interview with us by the local paper. It should be published next Wednesday or the Wednesday after, and hopefully will make the wire services. 

We had dinner with Will at a local brew pub, then back for a belated evening quarters. We honored Ray Herring, and Ron will ride tomorrow for John Yepsen of 2^nd Co.

Tomorrow is only 48 mis to Unity but with another 3575 feet of climb.  We’ll be camping at the state park there so likely no cell or wifi service, therefore may not be able to update this blog until Sunday.

The next day will be our biggest challenge to date in terms of distance and heat: 87 miles which will take us well into the afternoon, luckily only 1575 feet of climb.  We all need to be aware of our own condition, but Mark will be monitoring us as well and will make the final call if he thinks we need to be off the road.

The day after that is Boise, a day off with Tom Simmonds and other alumni and the end of Stage 1!

Bill Montgomery

Day 7, 10 August: Mitchell, OR

A fairly relaxed Day 7 off to recharge at Sunset Vacation Cottage in Mitchell, OR. Sally cooked a wonderful breakfast of eggs, bacon and English muffins!

We met the owner, Barbara Jacobi this morning. She’s originally from Frankfurt, Germany and has a fascinating history. She fell in love with Mitchell, a former rough-and-tumble mining town (hence the nickname “Tiger Town”) and the nearby Painted Hills and has made it her mission to promote the area as a vacation destination, which is having considerable success.  She also has a small art gallery/yoga studio on the property, and a tree covered with delicious apricots.

Most of the day was spent catching up on sleep, laundry, e-mails, etc.  We had a late lunch/early dinner back at the Tiger Town Brewing Company and drove out to see Painted Hills National Monument.  It’s an impressive sight, with layers of exposed soil in various hues due to cycling periods of wet and dry climate conditions.

I carried the tags for Ray Wenderlich and Mark Wheeler today and said a few words about each at evening quarters. Their full Lucky Bag citations and bios from our two company memorial services are posted on the Facebook page.  Ray was dynamic and irrepressible, Mark calm and measured. Both were brilliant and good friends, missed by all.  Tomorrow I ride again for Ray Herring, also of 1^st Co.

Mark has checked out all our bikes. It will be a bit strange getting back in the saddle again.  We have an immediate 7-mile climb that doesn’t look too steep (but we’ve been fooled before!). Then a nice descent and a long but gentle climb to John Day, OR – 69 mis total. A bit cool to start but warming up quickly. Onward.

Bill Montgomery

Day 6, 9 August: Fossil to Mitchell, OR

43 miles and 3930 ft. of climbing.  We departed our B&B at 0530 in 56F, overcast dry conditions.  Right off we started climbing for 10 miles, then a 12-mile descent down and through Twickenham, OR, a ranching community, across the John Day River and then another 10-mile steep climb, followed by multiple short climbs into Mitchell. Upon arriving in Mitchell, I ran out of gas in front of the Tiger Town Pub, so I waited a few minutes for Tes, Ron and Bill to arrive and then we celebrated the ride with a Scottish lager followed by lunch.

We then rode up another hill ½ mile to our rented home for the night and a much needed and looked forward to rest day.

The last three days were very emotional for me as I rode tribute Monday for Reggie Campbell, Tuesday for Jack Allen and Wednesday for Steve Coats.

Reggie was my Chemistry Lab partner, an All-American soccer player and a great friend.  He was killed in a parachuting accident second class (junior) year.

Jack and Steve were my company mates in 34^th Company, excellent students and roommates. They were both selected for Nuclear Power and tragically were both killed in an auto accident just weeks before graduation.

Dave Haefner

Day 6, 9 August: Fossil to Mitchell, OR

A pretty chilly morning for Day 6, and my jacket was buried in the bag I told Mark I didn’t need.  Probably shorter and not as steep climbs as we’ve had, but we’re all starting to drag and it seemed harder than it should have. 

There were two long climbs and a very long (12-mile) descent, plus a nasty 11% grade surprise climb at the end.  We limped into town and stopped at the Tiger Town brew pub (and the only restaurant in town) for lunch, before even going to the house. 

The house is nice and roomy.  We held our evening quarters to honor Steve Coats with Eternal Father and a few words from Dave.  Tomorrow is a well-deserved rest day but I will be wearing the lanyard for both Ray Wenderlich and Mark Wheeler of First Company.

Mark and Dave made a great pasta dinner and salad, and some of us watched the sunset from the rear deck before turning in early.  Lots of catch-up on the blog and other admin coverage tomorrow.

Bill Montgomery

Day 5, 8 August: Moro to Fossil, OR

Day 5 was another tough day.  We started out of Cottonwood Canyon with a 22-mi climb. Truly a beautiful morning, heating up as the sun rose. At our first rest stop we had a panoramic view of all 5 major volcanic mountains and a lot of distance we’ve already pedaled.

Mid-ride our navigation system, Ride with GPS, tried to route us around the small town of Condon, OR.  However, it was missing a cue which resulted in Dave taking a left turn out into the boondocks. While we attempted to redirect him by radio, we decided to just ride through town to get back on course. By pure coincidence, K’Lynn Lane, the director of the local Chamber of Commerce who unknown to us had already met Sally and heard all about us, happened to see us coming and was taking pictures as we approached. She invited us in, offered water and a bathroom break, and gave us a typically enthusiastic small-town welcome. 

We had a 10-mile descent and another 10-mile climb in the heat before dropping into Fossil, OR. All in all, a very challenging day especially after yesterday. It seems like we’re all getting stronger even as we’re more tired. These three days are sort of a test to get us ready for the rest of the ride.

We honored Jack Allen and Dave rides again tomorrow for Steve Coats, Jack’s roommate who died in the same accident with him.

Fossil is another quaint town we would never see if we weren’t on this ride. The Hyatt House B&B is comfortable, everything is walking distance and there are a few sights you wouldn’t find just anywhere. And yes, there are fossils here for the finding.

The support crew has been doing a tremendous job of anticipating our needs and meeting us when we need them most.  We would never have made it this far without all of their help!

Up early again tomorrow for another day of two major climbs, hopefully not as steep as today.  Then a welcome day off in Mitchell, OR.

Bill Montgomery

Day 5, 8 August: Moro to Fossil, OR

Beautiful morning start out of Cottonwood Camp. Our 7 mile descent into the camp yesterday turned into a 22 mile climb out of the canyon today. Which at the top of the climb we could see Mounts Rainier, Hood, Adams and Jefferson.

David Haefner

Day 4, 7 August: Hood River to Moro, OR

Cool wet windy morning to start. Tom’s brother Jim and his friend Tim joined us for the climb out of Hood River on the bike path overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.  Long, long climbs today totaling almost 5000 ft. and a distance of 73.5 miles. Starting warming up by 11:00 am as we climbed through high plains before a 7 mile descent to Cottonwood State Camp.

David Haefner

Day 4, 7 August: Hood River to Moro, OR

Day 4 was by far the most challenging day so far, and perhaps for the whole ride, in terms of distance, climb, heat and mix of conditions. 

The day was forecast sunny and hot but started overcast and windy.  We started with a climb out of Hood River to wake us up. Tom’s brother Jim and friend Tim joined us for a bigger climb up to the Columbia River Trail, which was beautiful. We caught some pretty sporty sidewind gusts on top.  We missed several rain showers but caught lots of puddles and spray through The Dalles, where things started to clear up, dry out and heat up. 

At mile 35 there was a 7-mile stretch of unpaved gravel which everyone elected to skip and ride the SAG to a lunch stop on the other side.  However, Mark suggested that with my bike I could probably ride it.  With the only true gravel bike with gravel tires, I decided to give it a try.  I learned a lot in those 7 miles:  Take it slow, look for tire tracks to follow, avoid washboard and look out for big rocks (and cows). I think the whole stretch took me over an hour.

At the Deschutes River we had a great picnic lunch from Subway before taking on the last 20 miles. While there, Mark met up with a guy just coming in from fishing who was most interested in our ride. We didn’t get his name but he told us his son’s friend Charlie Evans is a plebe this year after a year at NAPS, recruited for the wrestling team, and another friend Sam Sheridan is a firstie.

We had over 15 miles of climb up onto some plateaus of wind farms with Mt. Adams visible in the distance, before an exciting descent into the desert of Cottonwood Canyon Stare Park at Moro. We had 2 cabins at the park and a campsite for Mark’s trailer. Mark brought beer and grilled burgers to perfection for dinner.  No wifi or cell coverage, and lots of stars.

We held our evening quarters and honored Reggie Campbell. Dave will ride again tomorrow for Jack Allen, who died in a car crash just before June Week our First Class year.

Tomorrow is mercifully short at only 46 mis to Fossil but still almost 4700 feet of climb. None of it looks too steep, but we’ll see.

Bill Montgomery

Day 3, 6 August: Troutdale to Hood River, OR

Day 3 was truly a great ride with some challenges and surprises. First was a 7-mile climb right out of the box, but we were rewarded with some great views of the Columbia River Gorge at the top.  

From there on it was a spectacular jaunt through the Cascades, with a rainy, chilly descent from the first summit, some wonderful forest trails and several waterfalls including Multnomah. One surprise was the half marathon, with runners in both directions for 7 miles! 

There was another steep climb that Tes thought we would miss, then into his hometown of Hood River.  His family and friends met us at the hotel to cheer us in and offer fresh cherries to recover.

The next 3 days promise to ramp up the challenges considerably. If we get through those, we finally get our first rest day!

Bill Montgomery

Day 3, 6 August: Troutdale to Hood River, OR

It was a nice distraction at about 30 miles to find ourselves amidst approximately 900 runners, according to their website. They were participating in the Bridge to the Gods Half Marathon and 10k. We all got through the throngs without incident… except for one close call for Bill.

Bill also took time to stop and pick blackberries at one of the rest stops.

I missed most of the six waterfalls Tom suggested we look out for trying to avoid playing pinball with runners.

Ron Bowman

Day 2, 6 August: Kelso, WA to Troutdale, OR

Day 2 is in the bag.  Doug, Dave and Ron pressed out at 0530 and Tes and I followed at 0620.  Overcast and cool for most of the ride, which made it nice. At mile 15 we hit a major climb of almost 2 miles with up to a 17% grade in places.  There was another nasty surprise of 13% in Vancouver. I’m very surprised that I’ve been able to handle these hills so far and can only think I made a very good decision purchasing the Trek.

The route ran on and off Old Pacific Highway most of the day. Not a lot of traffic and some nice views of the Columbia River, but we couldn’t take a lot of time to enjoy them on the curves we were negotiating. The last part of the ride through various towns and suburbs was on well-marked and maintained bike lanes and trails and a nice park in Vancouver.  One unique experience was the multiuse trail that forms the median for I-205 crossing the Columbia back to OR!

At quarters in Troutdale we honored Tom Sokol whom I rode for today, and I will ride again for Collins Harvey tomorrow. He was a good friend plebe year – I took refuge in his room (30^th Co.) a few times when hiding out from some upperclass in 25^th Co.  He died in a tragic gun accident while home on leave Youngster year.

Nick gave everybody a tutorial on GoPro and we will try to use it tomorrow. Breakfast is available at 0400!  We will shoot for an 0530 departure to Tes’s hometown of Hood River.  The day promises some great photo ops and hope to pull together a decent Relive video.

Bill Montgomery

Day 1, 4 August: Astoria, OR to Kelso, WA

Today’s ride was from Astoria, OR, to Kelso, WA. Bill Montgomery and I set out together at 0630 from the Astoria Crest Motel. We traded positions with Bill climbing effortlessly and me struggling on the climbs but sailing past him on the descents.

In Wauna, OR a pickup truck went blasting into the propane tank farm, skidding to a stop in a cloud of dust. An elderly gentleman jumped out wearing jeans and a t-shirt with an orange ball cap on and came running over to the side of the road. He comes to attention and salutes me as I go by. Going away I hear Go Navy, so naturally I responded, Beat Army.

Dave Haefner

Day 1, 4 August: Astoria, OR to Kelso, WA

The gentleman with the braid is Frosty Wooldridge from Golden, CO who happened to see a few of the riders pass along route 30.  Shared he was a Vietnam Vet who served in Vietnam ‘68-‘71.  U.S. Army, 2^nd Lieutenant, MSC (Medical Supply Corps). He saw the worst of the worst and grapples with it daily… and he proudly wears the peace symbol ring his buddy, from the University of Michigan gave him to wear, if he met his fate… and added, “I hope it gives you peace.” That ring has crossed the U. S. 15 times… cycling.  It has never been taken off and it has traveled the world.  Frosty was actually wearing an Astoria to Bar Harbor, Maine T-shirt from several years ago.  The ring is worn with much pride and affection for his fallen comrade, but the ring cannot stave off the horrors of war completely.  Frosty is grateful to be alive and has the greatest admiration for the Ride-2-Remember team.  He saluted me!  And then… I absolutely dissolved.

Sally Leland

Day 1, 4 August: Astoria, OR to Kelso, WA

We are underway for the R-2-R and Day 1 is in the books! 

Doug, Tes and Ron launched at 0545. Dave and I stayed for breakfast and left at 0630.  A good first day.  Weather was cool to start.  We basically followed US 30 the whole way, busy with lots of traffic but mostly a good shoulder.  Some good climbs but nothing I was uncomfortable with. Dave screamed by me on the downhills, but I climbed faster than him.  The last and longest climb was a bit hairy with no shoulder in places and lots of logging trucks crowding us.  Dave had a couple of close calls. 

Our support team followed the two groups, Sally with the lead trio and Mark following Dave and me. Our original plan for regularly schedule rest stops sort of dissolved and we took our breaks wherever we needed them. We rendezvoused before the descent to the river to stay together for the final stage.

We arrived at the crossing for the escort across the Lewis & Clark Bridge at 1100, an hour earlier than expected. Sgt. Manning of the Rainier, OR police met us and trailed us across.  Ron rode in the cruiser for the climb and the rest of us descended in diamond formation to the Washington side. Ron then made the descent with police lights right behind him.

Doug rode today for Joe Anderton, our first classmate loss who died of heat-related illness following football practice about a week after plebe summer. Doug carried his tag and it will be added to the anchor chain for the ride. We honored his memory with a moment of silence and playing of “Eternal Father” at our daily debrief, which will be a regular observance.

Another early start tomorrow and an extra 10 miles over today.  I have the tag for Tom Sokol, another who did not graduate. Remember why we ride…

Bill Montgomery

Day 0, 3 August: Astoria, OR

Greetings, everyone. We wanted to document the R-2-R in as many ways as possible.  This blog will hopefully provide a nice complement to the Facebook page in a somewhat more linear format.  I hope all of our team and crew will chime in with their thoughts and impressions over the next two months, so I’ll kick it off for today.

We’ve all assembled in Astoria to make this commemorative ride to honor our departed classmates.  The vision was Doug Leland’s and has been three years in the making, finally coming together as the five of us launch at 0600 tomorrow (well, Doug does, and the rest of us follow as soon as we can grab some breakfast).

I’ve been inspired by this concept as we have lost 6 classmates from First Company and have held two memorial services of our own to remember them. This ride symbolically gathers us all back to the academy after 50 years, and I’m honored to be a part of it.

We’ve bonded a bit the last few days, briefed every contingency we can think of and tried to set the tone for the ride. Doug set four priorities for the group that we all endorsed:

1.  Every day, make sure we do the tributes to our classmates.

2.  Safety!  We don’t need to take chances out there.

3.  Have fun, or it’s not worth it.

Last.  Number of miles pedaled – it is what it is, not likely anyone’s going to do every mile.

We had our final tune-up ride and ceremonial start today with a quick jaunt up to Navy Heights for pics at the intersections of Nimitz, Halsey, Spruance and McCain Roads.  Then down to the Columbia to dip our rear wheels in the Pacific (close enough). The front wheels will touch Santee Basin 2 months and a day from now.

We had our final brief for tomorrow. Weather looks good, we have police escort for the most challenging stretch, and we’re as ready as we’re going to be.  Farewell to the Pacific Coast sunsets of the last few days. Join us!

Bill Montgomery

Day -1, 2 August 2023 – Astoria, OR

doug@DougLeland.com

207-522-7620

Dear family and friends:

I am writing to those who are aware of the Ride-2-Remember cross country bike ride and have asked for more information, as well as others who may find this event of interest. This letter introduces the background and purpose of the ride and provides a means for following along.

Over 54 years ago, on June 30, 1969, 1,389 young men were spliced into U.S. Naval Academy history by raising their right hand to become Midshipmen, United States Navy. Most graduated, some did not — all became a link in the chain of Naval Academy history and that of the Class of 1973.

Since that day we have lost more than 135 classmates. The Ride-2-Remember — a 3,200 mile cross country bicycle ride, has been organized to symbolically gather our fallen classmates back to Annapolis for our fiftieth reunion. The Ride-2-Remember Team invites all classmates, widows, family members and friends to join us as we devote each day of the ride to one or more of our deceased classmates.

A dedicated Facebook Group, “USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember” will provide daily tributes, ride updates, and shared memories of departed classmates. We encourage you to join us, engage, and share your tributes so that all 1,389 members of the USNA Class of 1973 are remembered and represented at our 50^th, if not in body, then in spirit.

Though the ride officially begins 8/4/23, the “USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember” Facebook Group is now open to the public. Within the “files” tab on the menu bar you can find important links, to include the Ride-2-Remember Route, Team Introductions and the Ride-2-Remember Tribute Schedule.

During July, posts at the USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember Facebook page will include introductions of team members, some pre-launch training rides, and our gathering in Astoria, Oregon. Beginning 8/4 you can expect a new posting each day dedicated to one or more of our departed classmates along with additional Ride-2-Remember updates.

For those who prefer QR codes, the attached scan of our calling card can be used for direct access to our Facebook page and Class of 1973 website, as well as a Go Fund Me page for those who requested a means for supporting this event. We encourage you to share this email broadly with all who may be interested in following this “moving” memorial.

We look forward to sharing our transcontinental ride with you… and for you to share your stories, insights and memories with all.

Non Sibi,

Doug

USNA ’73

Rider