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 50th 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, 24th 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
USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember 
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