In the movie “The Hunt for Red October,” there’s a moment when Capt. Marko Ramius turns his submarine directly into the path of an oncoming torpedo. At first, it seems like madness. But Ramius knows the torpedo hasn’t traveled far enough for its warhead to arm.
The move baffles the American Capt. Mancuso on the USS Dallas, who is also monitoring the situation. His CIA passenger, Jack Ryan, figures out Ramius's logic, explaining that by shortening the torpedo's travel time, the captain ensures it hits the sub before its proximity fuse can be armed. The torpedo strikes the Red October, but the warhead has not yet been armed. The torpedo’s impact, and the ensuing shockwave from its harmless explosion, are non-fatal.
For me, dealing with the grief of losing my sister Katie on 9/11 has been much the same. I’ve chosen not to run away from the pain, but to turn into it — head on — and channel it into something meaningful. I can’t change what happened, but I can tap into that grief to do something extraordinary, even as a 61-year-old man on a bike.
That choice has led me here: training daily six hours per day to ride my bicycle across the United States in early 2026. From San Diego, California, to St. Augustine, Florida — more than 3,000 miles coast-to-coast. This isn’t just a test of endurance; it’s my way of honoring Katie’s memory and ensuring her spirit continues to move forward.
I want my little sister to know that she has not been forgotten after 25 years.
I want my little sister to know there is a hole in my heart and that she is missed in so many ways at different times.
On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I want to do more than remember. I want to act. Katie’s final message to our family that morning from Windows on the World was simple: “I Love You.” That reminder fuels my desire to carry her love and courage into the world in a way that helps others.
This journey has a purpose: to raise $100,000 for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization born out of 9/11. Their work ensures that sacrifice and service are never forgotten. They build homes for Gold Star families, pay off mortgages for fallen first responders and provide smart homes for our most catastrophically injured veterans.
These women and men run toward danger when the rest of us are running away. They protect our freedoms, safeguard our communities and too often make the ultimate sacrifice.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation is also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America Never Forget September 11, 2001.
We must always support them, applaud their service and ensure their courage is never taken for granted.
From San Diego to St. Augustine, I’ll carry your generosity with me every mile.
Together, we will ride to remember.
Every mile I ride will carry Katie’s spirit — and every donation will help Tunnel to Towers continue its mission of compassion and hope.
How You Can Help
This is where I invite you to join me. I can pedal the miles, but I can’t reach this goal alone. I am asking for support from individuals, families and businesses in our community.
Individuals: Every dollar matters. Your donation is a direct tribute to our heroes.
Corporate donations are welcome and desperately needed. As a 27-year resident of Ponte Vedra Beach, I am dreaming that my local business community will contribute — a visible sign of support for first responders, veterans and the families who sacrifice for all of us.
This is more than a ride. It’s a tribute, a fundraiser and a chance to come together as a community to honor sacrifice with action.
If you’d like to learn more or support the cause, go to www.ARideToRemember2026.com.
Together, we can ensure that courage and love are never forgotten.
