Day one of the Memorial to Memorial ride started bright and early with a 0700 form-up at the Wright Brothers National Memorial. There were nearly 350 cyclists gathered at the place where humans first took flight, all preparing to begin a four-day journey to the Air Force Memorial in Washington, D.C.
We rolled out together in formation under police escort. It was deliberately slow at first, giving everyone time to settle in and allowing the group to stay together. People came out onto their balconies and lined the streets to wave and cheer as we passed. There is something powerful about riding through a community in a formation that large. Even before the real work began, it was clear that this ride was about more than accumulating miles.
We had originally been told that everyone would be responsible for carrying and buying their own food, so I started the day prepared to be self-sufficient. As it turned out, the support along the route was incredible.
Our first hydration stop came around mile 25 and was fully stocked with water, Gatorade, snacks, food, restrooms and, most importantly, pickle juice. At mile 63, we stopped at the Navy annex, where there was a food truck, a full convenience store and even more of the snacks and drinks the ride organizers had provided.
Around mile 78, we reached another stop near the end of the Dismal Swamp. Despite the name, it was one of the most beautiful sections of the day … a long, flat and quiet stretch of road surrounded by trees. After hours of riding with hundreds of people, there were moments there when everything felt remarkably still.
We finally reached the hotel around mile 91. After spending most of the day on the bike, having a real bed and a hot shower felt like luxury.
Since I already had plenty of food with me, dinner was the only thing left to figure out. Uber Eats delivered the solution from Mezeh, which happened to be running a buy-one-get-one-free special on falafel bowls. Rice, vegetables, falafel and extra pita may not sound glamorous, but after 91 miles, it was exactly what I needed, and there was plenty left for the next day (breakfast of cycling champions lol)
Everyone was spread among several hotels, but that evening we gathered at the main hotel for dinner. Pizza and burgers were provided, and several of the wounded warriors riding with us shared their stories. It became a night of hanging out, meeting people and forming the kinds of connections that are really at the heart of this ride.
The first day of a multiday event is always a shock to the body. It has not yet adjusted to spending hour after hour in the saddle, and everything that follows depends on how well you manage those opening miles. I made a point of riding conservatively, staying hydrated and taking time to recover at the stops. There was no reason to prove anything on day one with three more days still waiting.
I was in bed by 9 p.m. and managed to get nine hours of sleep.
Day one established the rhythm, introduced me to the people with whom I would share the road and reminded me why I signed up for this journey. It was a hard first day, but a great one.
Next up: the century ride.