Last year, I was supposed to ride the M2M, but it didn’t happen.
Toby came down with kennel cough right before the ride, and I wasn’t going to leave him behind when he wasn’t doing well. So I made the decision to stay home.
I was disappointed, but sometimes the plans you make for yourself have to take a back seat to the things that matter more.
This year, I’m finally doing it.
The M2M, or Memorial to Memorial Ride, is an annual ride organized by the U.S. Air Force Cycling Team. This year’s ride runs September 10-13 and covers roughly 350 miles from the Wright Brothers Memorial in North Carolina to the Air Force Memorial in Washington, D.C., with about 13,100 feet of climbing along the way.
It’s more than just a long bike ride. The event celebrates Air Force heritage, brings Airmen, Guardians, veterans, and civilians together, and helps support wounded Airmen and Guardians through the Wounded Airmen & Guardians Program.
For me, there’s also something pretty cool about doing this ride with the Air Force Cycling Team. I’ve spent a big part of my life in the Air Force, and cycling has become such a huge part of my life outside of work. Getting to combine the two for 350 miles feels like a pretty good way to spend four days.
And after missing it last year because I stayed home with Toby, I’m especially looking forward to finally making it to the starting line.
Sometimes you don’t get to do something when you planned.
You just get another chance.
This year, I’m taking it.