Later this month, North Buffalonian Adam Pannone will travel south to participate in the Face of America: Gettysburg ride for a second time. The Face of America cycling challenge to Gettysburg’s historic Civil War battlefields takes place on April 19-21, 2024. 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, both disabled and able-bodied — and celebrates the American Spirit.
Cyclists travel 108 miles in two days, with an overnight stay in Frederick, Maryland. The route is fully-supported with manned rest stops every ten to 12 miles, SAG wagons, skilled ride marshals, a moto team and mechanical support.
Face of America provides athletes the opportunity to welcome adaptive and able-bodied servicemen and women as teammates and to show them how much we appreciate their service and dedication to the country.
“This ride is tough for the able-bodied, but just wait until you see the strength and spirit of those disabled veterans riding the same ride. Much like in the military, it’s teamwork that wins the day,” says Pannone.
After graduating West Point, Adam Pannone’s career as a military intelligence officer took him to Iraq, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. He retired a Lieutenant Colonel, and then worked as a General Staff instructor in the Army Reserve. He recently moved to North Buffalo from the DC metro area in order to be (and bike) closer to family.
With regard to the Face of America challenge, he says, “”I ride because I can – for all of those who can’t. For one of my best friends from West Point, Adam Snyder, who gave his life in service of our country. And I love this ride because if you want to go far, you really do need to ride together.”
To learn more about the Face of the Nation rides, click here.
To support Adam Pannone’s fundraising goal of $2,500, click here.
