HARRISBURG BICYCLE CLUB
A Veterans Day Ride to Remember
November 11, 2026 | Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Led and organized by Diane Dankman-Riley
It's challenging to put into words just what an incredible day it was. Nineteen cyclists came together at Fort Hunter in Harrisburg to celebrate Veterans Day in a way that was meaningful, memorable, and special in so many ways.
Some were familiar faces I had ridden with many times before, others I see occasionally, and two were new to our group. We arrived wearing military jerseys, 9/11 jerseys, and plenty of red, white, and blue. Some even decorated their bicycles for the occasion. There was a sense of pride, friendship, and purpose in the air.
Among our nineteen riders were seven veterans, each with a story and a commitment to service that deserves our gratitude.
Our seven veterans
- Jeff Kilcoin — Air Force: One of the first to arrive. Jeff is an HBC member but generally enjoys riding on his own.
- Bart Wagner — Army: Not yet an HBC member, but he found our ride online and joined us. We hope to see him again!
- Howard Ross — Army
- Susan Tussey — Navy
- Tim Groome — Navy
- Lou Searles — Air Force
- John Rigelano — Air Force
I know we said it throughout the day, but it bears repeating:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Our ride was about much more than getting on our bicycles and covering miles. We rode because we are free to do so. We are free to gather, to speak our minds, to travel, to enjoy friendships, and to share the simple pleasure of riding together. Those freedoms did not come without sacrifice. Generations of Americans have answered the call to serve, and because of them, we have the opportunities we enjoy today.
Let this be our promise: that we will remember, that we will be grateful, and that we will never take our freedom for granted.
Our first stop was the World War I Memorial at Riverfront Park, where we paused to reflect and capture a special photograph of our seven veterans. From there, we continued to the Pennsylvania State Capitol, gathering in front of Soldiers' Grove for another group picture.
We then made our way to the Tunnel to Towers ceremony at 11:00 AM, an especially meaningful part of our Veterans Day observance. It was a reminder that honoring those who serve, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, should never be limited to just one day of the year.
After the ride, we returned to our cars, but the day wasn't quite over. Nine of us continued the camaraderie over lunch at Alvaro's, while two others headed to
Simply Turkey.
And then there were the memories.
The conversations along the way, the familiar faces, the new friendships, the laughter, the photographs, and those moments when you stop and realize how fortunate you are to be surrounded by such wonderful people.
Spiritually, emotionally, and physically, it was a beautiful day.
A special thank-you to Dick Norford, our sweep, and to everyone who joined us:
Marie Roof, Mary Myers, Melissa Douglas, Patty Gillingham, Cindy Hogeman, Chet Lubecki, Cindy Bender, John Landis, Buck Pankiw, and Kay McKinney.
Nineteen cyclists. Seven veterans. One beautiful day. Countless memories.
We came together to ride, but we left with something much greater — a renewed appreciation for our veterans, our freedom, and the friendships that make our cycling community so special.
May we always remember those who served, honor those who continue to serve, and cherish the freedom that allows us to ride together.
Thank you to all our veterans. Happy Veterans Day!
Click below for all the photos
2026 Veterans Day Ride