Kent Reyling ran beside the riders with an American Flag as they entered Veterans Memorial Bridge in Jasper. Reyling was representing the Optimists Club of Jasper.
Over the course of 13 days, cyclists—many of them survivors, officers, retirees, and family members—travel nearly 1,000 miles across Indiana, stopping in communities to meet with survivors, share memorials, and ensure that the service and sacrifice of Indiana’s fallen heroes are never forgotten.
What began in 2002 as a ride to Washington, D.C. has grown into a powerful statewide mission. This year, five Dubois County residents were among the contingent of police officers and civilians riding through Dubois County.
Tomorrow, the group will leave Jasper and head to Jeffersonville, making stops along the way.
Here are a few photos from today’s event.
The riders lined up for a photo under the garrison flag.
Forrest Kieser, Greg Hesler, Jean Marc Devarier, Matt Blesch, Ethan Trusty, and Jeff Jessee stood among the 21 cyclists on Veterans Memorial Bridge in Jasper on Tuesday as the names of several local officers who had passed away in the line of duty were read. Kieser and Jessee will complete the entire thousand-mile ride.
An emotional Jeff Jessee explained the importance of the ride with the help of fellow rider, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Nathan Peach.
Forrest Kieser was emotional as he took a moment to recognize a fallen family member who served as an Indiana State Trooper.
Evan McGuire, Vincennes Police Department, stood with Jeff Jessee as he spoke about the five Dubois County officers who died in the line of duty: Sheriff Thomas Wooldridge, Deputy Sheriff John E. Gardner, Constable Thomas Cummins, Deputy Sheriff William S. Cox and Sheriff Louis F. Kreilein. The truck used during the annual ride displays two officers who lost their lives in 2025: Corporal Blake Adair Reynolds of the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office and Reserve Deputy Sheriff John C. Stahl III of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Eleanor Potts, 6, signed the side of the support truck.
Bikes were left outside as the cyclists were treated to lunch at Los Bravos.
