USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember

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