Last year, North Buffalo’s Adam Pannone rode 110 miles from the Pentagon to Gettysburg
alongside disabled veterans and active-duty service members. This year, he’s gearing up to do it
again and calling on his community to ride with him in spirit.
“This year, my goal is not just to complete the ride but to raise $5,000 to support adaptive veterans,” says Pannone. The term “adaptive atheletes” refers to people who have special needs or physical limitations. “Every dollar helps get a hero on a bike.” Fundraising is underway, and Pannone hopes his local community will contribute whatever they can to help him set a new personal best this year.
“It takes a village,” he says.
The annual Face of America cycling challenge to Gettysburg’s historic Civil War battlefields will occur May 16-18, 2025. Participating athletes will pedal from the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, north through Maryland to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The ride honors our military — veterans and active duty, disabled and able-bodied — and celebrates the American Spirit.
Pannone moved to North Buffalo from Northern Virginia in 2023 after he retired from the U.S.
Army. He grew up in Western New York, is a West Point graduate, and spent his career in the Military Intelligence field. You may not know it, but there is a decent chance you’ve seen him around town.
Last year, he joined GoBike Buffalo for his first SkyRide. Later in the year, Adam and his wife Megan helped with registration activities for Cranksigiving ’24. Then in December he volunteered to repair and build bikes for local youth.
“Buffalo is a fantastic community; everyone knows we need to soak in that good weather when it comes our way.”
Next Month, Adam Pedals With Purpose Once More
This will be the third year that Pannone will ride in support of adaptive veteran athletes. “One of the riders last year told me that getting back on a bike saved his life. That kind of resilience changes how you see things.”
“Buffalo’s always been a city that shows up,” says Pannone. “If you can give, even $10 makes a difference. And if you can’t, just spreading the word helps more than you know.”
While the event will launch from Arlington, Virginia, Pannone will bring the best of Buffalo along for the ride.
Donate to Adam’s campaign click here.
