Naval Academy Class of 1975 Completes Epic 1,200-Mile Charity Ride

A group of graduates from the U.S. Naval Academy’s Class of 1975 achieved a remarkable milestone by completing a charitable bike ride spanning 1,200 miles. The journey began on October 1, 2023, in Apalachicola, Florida, and culminated at the iconic “Bill the Goat” statue at the Annapolis campus on October 18, 2023. The event, known as the Gulf to Goat Charity Ride, marked the class’s 50th reunion while raising significant funds for various charitable organizations.

The ride, which took three weeks, served as a platform for participants to unite in a spirit of fitness and camaraderie. According to an official news release from the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1975, “The ‘Gulf to Goat’ Charity Bike Ride unites cycling classmates, family, and friends in a quest for fitness, camaraderie, and charitable giving.” The event successfully raised over $160,000 to support a 50th reunion class project and various nonprofits, including the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation, the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation, the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Emily Whitehead Foundation.

Gary Jones, a retired rear admiral and vice president for the Naval Academy Class of 1975, shared insights about the inception of the ride. “This started about two years ago when [alumni] Mike Meier and Dan Murphy were thinking: What can we do to celebrate our 50th reunion? They looked around and decided: We’re going to pick five charities to support,” Jones explained. The duo, along with approximately 20 other graduates, embarked on the entire journey, with some participants joining for segments.

Among the riders was Mike Donnelly, a 2000 graduate who participated alongside his father, retired Vice Admiral Jay Donnelly. The pair aimed to raise awareness and funds for the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. Additionally, Jeff Webb, president of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation and a 1995 graduate, joined the group for the final leg of the ride.

Jones noted the dedication and preparation exhibited by the riders. “If you can imagine a bunch of 72-year-olds riding bicycles, some of these guys have been practicing for more than a year and put about 5,000 miles on their bicycles in anticipation of doing this,” he remarked.

To celebrate the completion of the ride, an event was held on the evening of October 18 at the Captain’s Daughter Restaurant located in the Westin Annapolis. Riders shared their experiences from the journey, fostering a sense of community and achievement. The following day, a fireside chat was scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at O’Brien’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Tavern, emphasizing the mission behind the ride and its benefits for the Emily Whitehead Foundation.

Founded by the parents of Emily Whitehead, the first child to receive life-saving CAR T-cell therapy, the Emily Whitehead Foundation advocates for increased access to advanced treatments and provides support for those affected by cancer and rare diseases. The foundation’s mission aligns closely with the riders’ goals, enhancing the impact of their charitable efforts.

The Gulf to Goat Charity Ride not only celebrated a significant milestone for the Naval Academy Class of 1975 but also exemplified the power of community, endurance, and philanthropy.