Let's Ride!

Day 4 of the ride takes us from Annapolis to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.  We were blessed again with sunny, warm weather.   

As a cyclist, the 4th day is probably my favorite.  The first part of the ride takes us through swoopy descents and punchy climbs on tree-lined roads.  As we near D.C., the ride is decidedly more urban, with even more punchy little climbs in the appropriately named Landover Hills, MD.   

As a Police Officer, the 4th day is my favorite.  After riding in from Annapolis, we stage at RFK stadium to await the arrival of the Chapters that ride in on other routes.  At RFK I put on a lei with a spoke card that I made to honor Matt Tokuoka.  Matt was Hawai'ian, hence the lei, but his life was taken in Alaska, where he was one of two Hoonah Police Officers shot and killed last August.  

Once all the riders get to RFK, we head out, two by two, through the streets of D.C. to the Memorial. 

 At the Memorial, all 1200 cyclists get to ride through the crowds and past the approximately 19,000 names engraved on the walls.

The ride concludes with the arrival ceremony and presentation of the PUT donation to the National Law Enforcement Memorial. 

After the ceremony, the cyclists linger at the Memorial, meeting with survivors, leaving tributes and reflecting on what it means to Ride For Those Who Died.