Forever Grateful

Standing at the gravesite of Jesse Williams on the 20th anniversary of September 11th, Team Jesse riders Kevin Mincio, Kevin Collins and Mark Larson were joined by Jesse’s family and friends, and Bill and Mary Shea from Sonoma, whose son Tim, like Jesse, made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country in Iraq.  While all our lives changed that fateful and terrible day 20 years ago, some, including Jesse, Tim and our ride leader Kevin Mincio, responded in ways that were exceptional.

Let’s Get Fired Up

Arriving on a stunningly beautiful September day in San Francisco, we were warmly welcomed by Kevin’s sister, Becky and her partner Rima in their beautiful backyard for a lovely kickoff dinner, followed by great conversation around the fire table, which only made the warm and friendly environment more special. The team connection and excitement about the ride was palpable. Becky, an avid bike rider herself, was an excellent advisor on local routes, so expert route planner Kevin Collins let the candle burn late making a few tweaks to ensure a great ride.

DAY ONE – TO THE LIMIT

After a warmup walk through some San Fran hills to fetch coffee, Kevin Mincio was ready to roll.  Kev’s sister Becky, undeterred while on crutches with a broken ankle, showed up with a smile along with our fervent supporter and photographer extraordinaire, Kirsten, spouse of Mark Larson, to send us off from our base at the enigmatic Seal Rock Inn out by Lands End.  The marine layer was in full effect providing a nice cool cover to start the ride.

Our riders crossed the venerable Golden Gate Bridge in classic San Fran fog, agreeing that the bridge must be on the Mount Rushmore of bridge engineering feats. The ride continued up through the stunning scenery of Marin County - a 50-mile ride with many climbs to test the legs. Touring the beautiful towns of Sausalito, San Rafael and San Anselmo then heading through the hills past ranches and cow pastures, Day One ended in the picturesque community of Petaluma, once referred to as the egg basket of the world, with its historic buildings and eclectic shops.

In honor of Jesse, Kevin Mincio lovingly wears a memorial band inscribed with Jesse’s rank and service. Kevin shared that the other bracelet he wears, from a previous ride and designed by his wife Heather, was special to him as well. The black and white design representing good and evil, dark and light has the words “To the Limit” which is the battalion motto of the 5-20 Infantry Regiment, the unit Kevin and SSG Jesse Williams were assigned to as reconnaissance scouts. The battalion (flag) colors that Jesse carried as the color bearer for the regiment feature the words ‘Tant Que Je Puis’, which translates literally in Latin as “To the Limit of Our Abilities”.  May we all embrace this motto and do everything we can to help others and to remember the sacrifices of so many.

DAY TWO – FOR THE FALLEN

Day two involved an easier peddle over 30 miles, visiting Sonoma and ending in Napa. Each day starts off with a huddle with Route Master Kevin Collins reviewing the map, Mark Larson sending the team off with a prayer and Kevin Mincio reminding everyone of the why. The team today rode in honor of Army Cpl. Tim Shea, 22, who was killed in Iraq in 2005 by an IED. Tim was a five-time veteran of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, in which he served as a rifleman, grenade specialist and machine gun team leader. He had been approved for a Bronze Star Medal for valor, a Purple Heart and Good Conduct and Meritorious Service medals. He is buried in his hometown of Sonoma.

Riding in the Eluna Team Jesse jerseys serves as a great conversation starter as one of the highlights of the  ride is the wonderful people that we meet; curious about what we are doing and with whom we make an instant connection. Speaking to Valerie and her mom who was turning 84 who offered to say prayers for us at her prayer group that evening, with John the rocket scientist with the cool Corvette whose knowledge and humor started our day on a fun note or to Erica the florist who shared how hard it was losing her husband,  these encounters remind us of the good in the world and that we need to work together to re-establish the sense of community we experienced on September 12, 2001.

DAY THREE – 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF SEPTEMBER 11TH

On this somber morning, we were quieter than usual as we grabbed breakfast and coffee while each reflecting upon our own experiences; knowing today would be especially emotional and remembering all those lost 20 years ago and thereafter. Mark’s prayer was particularly moving today reminding us there is evil in the world and we need to join forces, fight for our freedoms and focus on the good.

Our final day took us past the famed vineyards of Napa, through Calistoga, and on to our destination, Santa Rosa Memorial Park, where Jesse is buried. It was 50 miles in total, but the final 15 were among the steepest any of us had climbed in years around winding roads with little room for a shoulder through some hot sun bearing down.  Still, our modest effort and suffering was insignificant as we considered the events surrounding 9-11.

Coming together at Jesse’s gravesite with Bill & Mary Shea, friend Leslie Thomas and her daughters Sarah and Katie, meeting Jesse’s mother-in-law Suzie and Facetiming with his wife Sonya and daughter Amaya in Oklahoma, the connection and sense of purpose was powerful. Listening to Kevin and the Shea’s stories about Jesse and Tim was a wonderful way for us to get glimpse into who they really were – brave, funny, larger than life and beloved – and we should never forget their sacrifice and the many people whose lives have been impacted since 2,977 people were taken 20 years ago.

This was the 5th Ride to Remember over the past 10 years. The first was a cross country ride by Kevin Mincio and Matt Sauri from Santa Rosa to Ground Zero on the 10th anniversary of 9-11. Each ride seeks to remember and honor those that served and to raise funds for families impacted by loss, trauma, and addiction. Too many are still suffering but we are grateful that Eluna stands ever ready to provide help and comfort.  

Tant Que Je Puis!