Getting inspiration along the way, one lap at a time.

Honor Miles

Every mile is a story, offering motivation as you pass each mile marker, lap after lap.

Bringing together all the communities that impact this event: the military, the cycling, the local community, and the industry. Sharing a common passion and inspiration. Honoring all the parts of the. . .supporting us. . .

After the ride, we will relocate all the flags on either side of our Awards stage.

Learn more about each of our honorees below and their impact on the cycling community.

Honoring deserving individuals who have impacted this event in an array of ways.

Many have been associated with the success of this event, and with the causes we support. Others have made a difference, a positive influence, contributing to making this sport and the world a better place than when they came in.

Mile markers are a way to celebrate their lives and serve as encouragement and inspiration as you complete your laps.

2026 Honor Mile Tributes

2026 Honor Miles for The Armed Forces Cycling Classic
  • Honor Mile 1: Col Andrew Winthrop

  • Nicole Reinhart

    Honor Mile 2: Nicole Reinhart

    Nicole Reinhart was a standout American professional cyclist whose talent and spirit left an indelible mark on the sport. A nine-time Junior National Champion, she transitioned seamlessly into the professional ranks, earning two gold medals at the Pan American Games and two national elite track championships.

    Tragically, Nicole’s life was cut short at the age of 24 during the final race of the 2000 BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix in Arlington, Massachusetts. Today, she is remembered not only for her extraordinary podium finishes but for her enduring legacy of sportsmanship and passion for the ride. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Reinhart

  • Honor Mile 3: Andrew Shaw

    Andrew Shaw was a world-class cyclist who approached the sport with relentless discipline. Off the bike, he was known for his humility, refined taste, and an authenticity that never wavered. He was a man of deep conviction who wore his brilliance lightly and cherished the company of his family and dear friends.

    Andrew “Andy” Shaw, beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, passed away suddenly on July 26, 2025, at age 59, during a bicycle race—doing what he loved most. https://www.hamlettdobson.com/obituaries/andrew-shaw

  • Randy Nixon

    Honor Mile 4: Randy Nixon

    Randall "Randy" Nixon was a devoted family man whose passions and pursuits left a lasting impact on all who knew him. An avid cyclist, he built a close-knit community of friends through the sport and team he loved. A proud alumnus of both Cornell and Harvard, Randy carried a deep affection for Cornell, where his spirit and enthusiasm for learning and life took root.

    His warmth, loyalty, and tireless commitment to the people and places he loved will be remembered always.

    https://www.eclipsefunerals.com/obituaries/randy-nixon

  • Abraham Ehlers

    Honor Mile 5: Abraham Ehlers

    Abraham Michael Ehlers, a beloved father, son, and friend, passed away on September 15, 2025, in Bethesda, MD, at the age of 54. Abe radiated kindness, humor, and generosity throughout his life. He was a man who embraced every moment and inspired those around him to live life fully.

    Abe was a true nature lover, with biking being his true passion. He participated in various races, fostering a sense of community within the biking world that will carry on. Riding provided him with his "happy place," a sanctuary where he felt alive and free. His adventurous spirit and daredevil nature inspired those around him to expect the unexpected. https://obituaries.carewellcremations.com/abraham-ehlers

  • Honor Mile 6: Lisa Martin

    Lisa Mary Martin, 50, of Riverdale, Maryland was taken from this life far too soon on October 8th 2025 while doing what she loved - cycling. Lisa was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, teammate, union sister, and a passionate advocate.

    Her talent as a cyclist led her to join competitive racing team Route 1 Velo where she participated and medaled in dozens of races across the region. Lisa was recognized for her accomplishments as a leader and teammate and was chosen to be the group’s president last year.

    https://www.dmvcremation.com/obituary/Lisa-Martin

  • Honor Mile 7: Ralph Muoio

    Ralph Muoio was well known in the DC-area cycling community as an accomplished racer, competing in road races for decades. Later in life, he developed a love of mountain biking and completed many 100-mile races that took his family from Leadville, CO, to Cascades, OR, and he rode annually in the Shenandoah 100. Many of his happiest hours were riding through the woods to mountaintops.

    R also had a lifelong love of music, and played bass in numerous bands in DC and NYC. As one friend noted, he may be the only person to have played at CBGB and read all of Proust in French.

    https://www.moneyandking.com/obits/ralph-montgomery-muoio/

  • Honor Mile 8: Christine Mary Cooper

    Christine personified joie de vivre. She was always up for an adventure, dangerously spicy food, and old-world wines. Along with Alan, she became an avid golfer and cyclist – twice completing the famous 500 mile RAGBRAI bicycle ride across Iowa. Christine was also an avid hockey fan and season ticket holder for the Washington Capitals.

    Christine will be remembered for her intelligence, impeccable style, keen sense of humor, and her kindness and thoughtfulness – handwritten notes of thanks and text messages of love, celebration, and encouragement were a hallmark of the care she showed others. She never forgot a birthday, milestone or failed to reach out to someone going through a tough time.

    https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/washington-dc/christine-cooper-12577258

  • Honor Mile 9: Joan Durdaller

    Joan served as a registered nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Queens, New York, where she dedicated her career until retirement. Compassionate, skilled, and steadfast in her commitment to others, she touched countless lives through her work.

    Outside of her profession, Joan lived a vibrant and active life. She was deeply involved in cycling as an International Commissaire, proudly officiating events at 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, 1996 Atlanta Olympics, numerous Para and Special Olympics; Junior World Championships and ultimately being honored with induction into the U.S. Bicycling Hall of Fame. She was also an avid bridge player, a passionate sailor, and a joyful traveler who explored the world with curiosity and enthusiasm. Above all, Joan cherished time spent with her family and friends, whose lives are richer for having known her.

    https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/marietta-ga/joan-durdaller-12657451

  • Honor Mile 10: Bill Mould

    Bill Mould launched his career in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, retiring as a Colonel after 36 years of service from his final post at The Pentagon. Unwilling to rest upon retirement, and with great love of the bicycling community in and around DC, he launched a new career as a master wheel builder-engineer, ultimately building a world-wide following.

    Bill had many great loves and interests: classical music, teaching, everything-bicycling, everything-science, constitutional law, and all matters related to human rights and dignity. His interests revolved around shared interests and service, and he preferred to be in the company of others. He will be deeply missed by the many he touched as a result.

    https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/william-mould-obituary?id=60036379

  • Marilyn Sonye
  • Dwayne Baird

    Honor Mile 12: Dwayne Baird

    The Executive of the Anguilla Cycling Association and the wider cycling community in Anguilla extend our deepest sorrow at the tragic passing of our fellow cyclist, Dwayne “Smurf” Baird. Dwayne was a committed and passionate member of our cycling community whose presence was felt both on and off the road. Known for his enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and friendly spirit, he brought energy and camaraderie to every ride and event. His dedication to the sport and the fellowship he shared with fellow cyclists made him a valued member of our cycling family. The Anguilla Cycling Association recognizes and appreciates the positive impact Dwayne had on our cycling community. His contribution to the sport and the friendships he built along the way will not be forgotten. On behalf of the Executive and the entire cycling fraternity, we extend our sincere condolences to his wife, family, and loved ones during this difficult time. ~ Anguilla Cycling Association ~

    https://www.kleanstreamanguilla.com/_files/ugd/0cd68b_f95a1ef9499a49c7ba703f957107fa91.pdf

2025 Honor Mile Tributes

  • Honor Mile Start/Finish: Inspector Wayne Ellis David

    Investigator Wayne David was shot and killed when a firearm he was recovering from a storm drain inadvertently discharged.

    Investigator David is a 25-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department. He joined MPD in December 1998 and was assigned to the Third District after he graduated from the police academy. In November 2007, Investigator David went to the Gun Recovery Unit. He was then assigned as an investigator in the Violent Crime Suppression Division in 2021. Investigator David’s commitment and dedication to the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia will never be forgotten.

  • COL James "Chip" M. Bates, Jr.

    Honor Mile 1: Col Chip Bates

    Col. (ret.) James “Chip” M. Bates, Jr. passed away shortly after participating in last year’s Challenge Ride.  After serving 26 years, he was a proud veteran of the United States Army.  In addition to being a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, he deployed to many overseas assignments while receiving numerous medals and awards during his career.  Post retirement, he continued to work as a military defense contractor, coordinating logistics programs with multiple NATO countries.  During his entire career, he had been to over 50 countries.  Besides his love of cycling, Chip loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He played football at William & Mary and was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers and VA Tech Hokies fan.  Chip loved spending time with his family and friends, and will always be remembered for his gigantic smile, loud talking, and crazy antics.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him!

  • Michal Gnatek

    Honor Mile 2: Michal Gnatek

    Michael “Michal” Gnatek. Former Aon employee, was a huge “Movement Evangelist”, and participated in the Challenge Ride 3 years in a row, bringing both MITRE and Aon on board as Challenge Teams.

    Michal believed that you could take an active role in how poor genetics impact life quality.

  • Honor Mile 3: Aubrey Gordon

    Aubrey Gordon. Former Olympian for Guyana in 1972, and USA Masters Road National Champion. A participant of many Clarendon Cups.

    He represented Guyana in two Olympics, the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain where he was the flag bearer. Aubrey was a United States National champion on three occasions. He won many medals including, Gold in the 2009 UCI Track Cycling Masters World Championships which was held in Sydney, Australia, and 2017 at the USA Cycling Maters Road National Criterium in Augusta, Georgia. He was a silver medalist in 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. Also won numerous races both track and road in the Caribbean.

  • Honor Mile 4: Jay Moglia

    Jay Moglia, Local racer and founder of the Raw Talent Ranch (RTR). Jay, pictured here on the Podium at the 2017 Clarendon Cup Masters race, had a long history of competition in the Mid-atlantic, including many past podiums at the Clarendon Cup

    Jay Moglia passed away after suffering a heart attack while leading a ride from his famous mountain training facility in Lost River, WV, also known as Raw Talent Ranch. The passion that drove him in his different pursuits was an extremely generous one more outward-bound than inward-directed . If you knew Jay, he was a fan of yours and believer in your potential to do great things.

  • Honor Mile 5: Rick Schofield

    Rick Schofield. Former Colleague of the event organizer. Participated in the event on a number of occasions.

    Rick was “one of a kind” and the most amazing son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. His smile lit up a room.  He was “the funny guy”, the positive light, a constant learner, and a patient teacher.  Rick believed in being curious and just doing things, loved going to new events/experiences such as geocaching, demolition derbies, NASCAR,  visiting the highest point in a state, and monster truck rallies.

  • Honor Mile 6: Doug Shapiro

    Doug “Bullet” Shapiro. Only the third American to ever compete in the Tour de France. Read about him HERE. Teammate of our current Competition Director.

    “He always had this passion and fire. He really put 110 percent into the sport all the time. He was a great guy. Very Loyal.  Great friend,” remembers Weaver, a fellow two-time Olympian and 1984 games bronze medalist.

    Highly accomplished bicycle racer, yes, but more importantly, teammate, friend and loving husband and father.

    In depth interview on Pez.

  • Honor Mile 7: Scott Cornell Binde

    Scott Cornell Binde. Founder of OutRiders DC.

    Scott’s time in Washington, DC began his great ‘love affair’ with his bicycle. He co-founded the OutRiders DC cycling group and regularly planned and led bike rides for this group. He also enjoyed cycling far & wide in the eastern USA seaboard area, as well as in Portugal, Tunisia, Laos and Alaska and regularly completed rides of 100 miles or more. He has also more recently been an active participant in the Freezing Saddles event which involves bike riding during the winter. Another more recent cycling activity has involved a lot of gravel rides and he commissioned a custom-made bicycle christened “Alvilda”, his mother’s middle name.

    Scott became involved in the Lutheran Refugee Services in his early time in Washington, DC and he mentored and formed a close relationship with a Vietnamese family, continuing over the years to participate in their family celebrations and traveling to Vietnam with them.

  • Honor Mile 8: Cpl Spencer R. Collart

    Marine Corporal Spencer R. Collart, awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for noncombat act of valor. Corporal Collart’s family has received support from TAPS.

    He Died Trying to Save Fellow Marines from a Burning Osprey. As the crew chief, Collart was responsible for the safety and readiness of the 22 other Marines on the Osprey, including the pilots. When it crashed, he tried heroically to fulfill that duty. Driven by knowing it was the right thing to do, his father said, Collart rushed back into the burning aircraft to try and rescue the pilots, at the cost of his own life.

    Collart joined the Marine Corps in 2020 and served as a crew chief, a highly respected role in the aviation community. At the vigil held last year, family, friends and well-wishers remembered the 21-year-old as someone who would always pick up the phone, who was selfless, and who was also a tough older brother, his sister Gwyneth said.

  • Honor Mile 9: CMSgt Willie Frazier

    Chief Willie Frazier. TAPS was there for CMSgt Frazier’s family.

    “Frazier loved people” is an understatement. He plugged into people with passion and purpose every single time he connected. Frazier was authentic and genuine in his unwavering dedication to make everyone feel seen, feel heard, and feel loved. Sometimes Frazier knew before the person knew and would reach out at the most ideal time, no matter how much time had passed since the last interaction. Frazier just knew! He always said, “I gotta take care of my people” and reminded others to "Take care of your people”. Frazier was love.

    As Chief Will Frazier would say: “Take care of your people”. He was always saying that to people, military… and anyone in the social arena as well.  

  • Honor Mile 10: American Airlines Flight 5342

    In honor of those lost on the American Airlines Flight 5342.

    American Eagle Flight 5342 plunged into the Potomac River on the night of Jan. 29, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan International Airport.

    To learn more about the victims >

  • Honor Mile 11: U.S. Army 12th Aviation Battalion Black Hawk

    In honor of the U.S. Army 12th Aviation Battalion Black Hawk

    The Blackhawk crew included Staff Sgt. Ryan O’Hara, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves and Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach.

    Ryan O’Hara was a husband, father, and crew chief on board the Black Hawk. Helicopter crew chiefs are responsible for the maintenance of the aircraft.

    Instructor pilot Andrew Eaves was a father, husband, and a chief warrant officer in the U.S. Army from Noxubee County, Mississippi.

    Rebecca Lobach served as an aviation officer from July 2019 to January 2025. She was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion, Ft Belvoir. In a statement, Lobach’s family described her as a “distinguished military graduate in ROTC at the University of North Carolina, and was in the top 20% of cadets nationwide.”

  • Honor Mile 12: Mark Neebe

    Mark Neebe. Former Colleague and friend of the event organizer. His friendship and professional guidance contributing to the overall success of this event.

    Mark was truly one of a kind—an adventurer, a mentor, a loving husband, doting father to his two daughters and a friend to all who had the joy of knowing him. His infectious laugh, quick wit, and vivid storytelling, often laced with tales of his travels and life experiences, will be deeply missed.

    As a model family man, he brought the family to nearly every trip he had to attend. He was also dedicated to being present all of his children’s sporting activities!