USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember

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