The AON Honor Miles

Nicole Reinhart was a standout American professional cyclist whose talent and spirit left an indelible mark on the sport. A nine-time Junior National Champion, she transitioned seamlessly into the professional ranks, earning two gold medals at the Pan American Games and two national elite track championships.

Known for her tenacity and speed, she joined the prestigious Saturn Women’s Professional Cycling Team in 1999, where she quickly became a dominant force in the criterium circuit, securing over 20 race wins in just two seasons.

Tragically, Nicole’s life was cut short at the age of 24 during the final race of the 2000 BMC Software Cycling Grand Prix in Arlington, Massachusetts. Having won the first three races of the series, she was on the verge of a historic $250,000 "grand slam" bonus when a crash occurred in the final lap. In a testament to her character and the impact she had on the cycling community, the prize money was donated to her family to establish the Nicole Reinhart Foundation, which continues to support youth cycling and fitness programs. Today, she is remembered not only for her extraordinary podium finishes but for her enduring legacy of sportsmanship and passion for the ride.

Andrew Shaw was a world-class cyclist who approached the sport with relentless discipline. Off the bike, he was known for his humility, refined taste, and an authenticity that never wavered. He was a man of deep conviction who wore his brilliance lightly and cherished the company of his family and dear friends.

Andrew “Andy” Shaw, beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, passed away suddenly on July 26, 2025, at age 59, during a bicycle race—doing what he loved most. Born in Lancaster, Ohio, Andy was defined by integrity, a sharp mind, and a generous heart.

A 1988 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Andy served 20 years in the Marine Corps, retiring as a Major in 2008. As a Naval Flight Officer, he flew the EA-6B Prowler and deployed globally. Following a successful career at Booz Allen Hamilton, he pursued a Ph.D. in Kinesiology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. His research explored how augmented and virtual reality could improve motor-skill learning in fields ranging from aviation to medicine.

Andy is survived by his wife, Ute Shaw; his mother, Ellen Metzger (Casey Jenkins); his brothers, Brian and Wayne (Allison); and a devoted extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Neil, and brother, Darrell.

Randall "Randy" Nixon was a devoted family man whose passions and pursuits left a lasting impact on all who knew him. An avid cyclist, he built a close-knit community of friends through the sport and team he loved. A proud alumnus of both Cornell and Harvard, Randy carried a deep affection for Cornell, where his spirit and enthusiasm for learning and life took root.

Randall "Randy" Nixon, of Columbia, Maryland, passed away on Thursday, June 26th, 2025, at the age of 68. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jennifer Joyce Nixon (nee Jackson); and his beloved children, Blair Trevor Nixon and Spencer Renee Nixon (fiancee Garrett Okey Abadom). He was predeceased by his caring brother, Reginald Todd Nixon; and his dear parents, Mildred Joyce and Roosevelt Nixon.

Randy also dedicated himself to public service, working alongside Governor Larry Hogan, and faithfully managed his family's legacy, Nixon's Farm in West Friendship, Maryland. His warmth, loyalty, and tireless commitment to the people and places he loved will be remembered always.

Abraham Michael Ehlers, a beloved father, son, and friend, passed away on September 15, 2025, in Bethesda, MD, at the age of 54. Born on March 28, 1971, in Baltimore, MD, Abe radiated kindness, humor, and generosity throughout his life. He was a man who embraced every moment and inspired those around him to live life fully.

Memories of Abe are abundant and cherished, particularly by his three children, Julia Dream Ehlers, Ernesto Masini Ehlers Valencia, and Eduardo Miguel Ehlers Valencia. Julia fondly recalls their bike rides together after school in Italy, picnics in the park, and how her father's boundless energy allowed for never-ending fun and excitement. The recent trip to Italy for her college graduation, where they humorously struggled to find something other than biking clothes for the ceremony, showcased Abe's delightful spirit.

Eduardo remembers the unforgettable journeys to distant bike races. Their recent vacation to Rome, along with Ernesto, remains etched in his heart, a testament to the adventurous spirit they shared. For Ernesto he recalls the joy of fishing trips with his dad and the fun they had while dining out. Both sons enjoyed attending sports games with their father and created bonds that will last forever.

Abe was a true nature lover, with biking being his true passion. He participated in various races, fostering a sense of community within the biking world that will carry on. Riding provided him with his "happy place," a sanctuary where he felt alive and free. His adventurous spirit and daredevil nature inspired those around him to expect the unexpected.

As we remember Abraham Michael Ehlers, we celebrate the life he lived, a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and an indelible mark on the hearts of his loved ones, who will carry his spirit with them always.

Lisa Mary Martin, 50, of Riverdale, Maryland was taken from this life far too soon on October 8th 2025 while doing what she loved - cycling. Lisa was a devoted wife, mother, stepmother, teammate, union sister, and a passionate advocate.

Her talent as a cyclist led her to join competitive racing team Route 1 Velo where she participated and medaled in dozens of races across the region. Lisa was recognized for her accomplishments as a leader and teammate and was chosen to be the group’s president last year.

In 2019, Lisa met the love of her life, Mario Zometa. The two were married in 2022 in a ceremony presided over by her beloved friend Erin Bryant, and have enjoyed 3 years of marital bliss. Lisa and Mario blended their families and Lisa was overjoyed to become stepmother to Mario’s daughters, Gabriella and Estrella. When Mario took Lisa to see his home country of El Salvador, she fell in love all over again, and the two of them spent many long weekends exploring the country’s culture and beautiful landscape. Together they built their dream house for retirement on a beautiful, flower-filled, tropical property in Mario’s hometown of Santa Ana. Lisa taught herself Spanish so she could communicate in their El Salvadorian community. She was teaching herself Greek in honor of her grandparents before she died.

Lisa will be remembered by all who knew her as a loving mother and wife, renowned cyclist, thoughtful and kind friend, supportive colleague and powerful voice for workers rights. She is survived by her husband Mario Zometa, daughter Mary Julia, son Alex, Stepdaughters Estrella and Gabriella, mother Leslie Martin Auger and stepfather Denis Raymond Auger, a half-sister who resides in Washington state, a large and loyal group of friends and 3 cats. She is preceded in death by her father John Watkins Martin. Lisa will be deeply and eternally missed.

Christine M. Cooper was born on October 27, 1965, to parents Patricia and Harris Cooper in St. Louis, MO. She was raised, along with brother Theodore, in Minneapolis, MN and Memphis, TN. At an early age, Christine showed herself to be smart, quick witted and athletic. She enjoyed showing Tennessee walking horses, mastering her academics, listening to music and studying piano, driving her sports car, and she loved to read.

In 2007, Christine opened her own law firm – where she thrived in applying her experience, talent and tireless work ethic to serve her array of clients in a focused, personalized setting, providing advice and counsel, conducting workplace investigations and continuing to litigate. A member of the Virginia and D.C. bars, Christine served on the D.C. Bar Association Litigation Steering Committee and as Vice President (2007-08) and then President (2009-2010) of the Barristers, a prominent lawyers’ club.

Christine personified joie de vivre. She was always up for an adventure, dangerously spicy food, and old world wines. She loved to share her experiences in Italy, new places to travel and fresh activities to try with others. Along with Alan, she became an avid golfer and cyclist – twice completing the famous 500 mile RAGBRAI bicycle ride across Iowa. Christine was also an avid hockey fan and season ticket holder for the Washington Capitals.

Christine will be remembered for her intelligence, impeccable style, keen sense of humor, and her kindness and thoughtfulness – handwritten notes of thanks and text messages of love, celebration, and encouragement were a hallmark of the care she showed others. She never forgot a birthday, milestone or failed to reach out to someone going through a tough time.

Christine is survived by her husband of 26 years, Alan S. Block, of Arlington, VA; her mother, Patricia Meyer (Jim) of Edina, MN; grandmother, Mary Dall; brother Theodore “Ted” V. Cooper, (Jesse Galvan) of El Paso, TX; Alan’s parents, Anita and Ronald Block of Philadelphia, PA; Nicole Cooper (David Znameroski); and numerous cousins and friends, all of whom will miss her terribly. Christine’s father, Harris Cooper (Darcy), predeceased her in 2017.

William Charles Mould (Bill) of Alexandria, VA, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at his home, in the care and company of his family. Bill is survived by his three daughters, Catherine Dillingham (Don), Helen Jenkins (Brent), and Mary Larkin; his cherished sister, Nancy Hager; his nine grandchildren, William Dillingham (Christina), Brynne Gleeson (Trevor), Adam Dillingham, Ethan Dillingham, Sarah Larkin, Aidan Larkin, Katherine Larkin, Elijah Koliner, Clara Koliner; and his great-granddaughter, Emerson Gleeson. Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 57 years, Joan Mould; his father, Ward Mould; and his mother, Dorothy Mould. Also dear to him were his niece and nephews, his late wife's family, those within his cycling community, and his close friends from many years of military service.

Bill was born on May 10, 1943, in Washington, DC, and raised in Garden City, New York. He launched his career in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, retiring as a Colonel after 36 years of service from his final post at The Pentagon. Unwilling to rest upon retirement, and with great love of the bicycling community in and around DC, he launched a new career as a master wheel builder-engineer, ultimately building a world-wide following.

Bill had many great loves and interests: classical music, teaching, everything-bicycling, everything-science, constitutional law, and all matters related to human rights and dignity. His interests revolved around shared interests and service, and he preferred to be in the company of others. He will be deeply missed by the many he touched as a result.

Bill's life was defined by purpose, honesty, unwavering integrity, a never-ending quest for knowledge, and responsibility to others. He cared little for pretense and was wholly disinterested in the intrinsic value of material things, an outlook sometimes protested as keepsakes were rescued from the garbage. He took fashion advice from no one and insisted upon his familiar uniform of black jeans and bike wheel t-shirts until his final moments. The sole prerequisite to his friendship and respect was human goodness. He had little patience for those who would attempt to impose any other standard. These views are held in high esteem by his grandchildren, who will ensure that his legacy of goodness is carried forward.

Brian David Sicknick was born on July 30, 1978, in New Brunswick, NJ, the youngest of three sons to Gladys and Charles Sicknick. He spent his formative years in South River, New Jersey and lived there until he became part of the Capitol Police family. He graduated from the East Brunswick New Jersey Campus of Middlesex County’s Vocational & Technical High School in 1996. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree from the University of Phoenix on December 31, 2013.

Brian’s life can be best characterized as being dedicated to public service. Brian Sicknick joined the New Jersey Air National Guard in 1997 as a traditional drilling Guard member. He served as a Fire Team Member and Leader at the 108th Security Forces Squadron, 108th Wing, located at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ. He deployed to Saudi Arabia in 1999 in support of Operation Southern Watch, and Kyrgyzstan in 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was honorably discharged in 2003.

Brian joined the United States Capitol Police in July of 2008 and on his most recent assignment he served on the First Responders Unit. During his career, Officer Sicknick became a member of the mountain bike unit. His duties included patrolling the grounds and protecting those he was sworn to serve, as well as the public at large that visited the Capitol on a daily basis.

Officer Sicknick’s empathy was evident in his commitment to rescuing dachshunds in his spare time. He enjoyed relaxing at home with his longtime girlfriend, loved watching M*A*S*H, Band of Brothers, South Park, and Reno 911, as well as a variety of action movies. Additionally, he was a big fan of comedians Jimmy Norton and Anthony Cumia. Despite his private persona, Officer Sicknick’s excitement and love for the NJ Devils could never be denied.

Officer Brian Sicknick leaves behind both his parents, Charles and Gladys, two brothers, Ken and Craig, his longtime girlfriend of 11 years Sandra Garza, his Aunt Alberta, Uncle Ray, Cousin Aaron, his Aunt Elaine and his two dachshunds Sparky and Pebbles.

Investigator Wayne David was shot and killed when a firearm he was recovering from a storm drain inadvertently discharged.

Investigator David is a 25-year veteran of the Metropolitan Police Department. He joined MPD in December 1998 and was assigned to the Third District after he graduated from the police academy. In November 2007, Investigator David went to the Gun Recovery Unit. He was then assigned as an investigator in the Violent Crime Suppression Division in 2021. Investigator David’s commitment and dedication to the Metropolitan Police Department and the District of Columbia will never be forgotten.

Col. (ret.) James “Chip” M. Bates, Jr. passed away shortly after participating in last year’s Challenge Ride.  After serving 26 years, he was a proud veteran of the United States Army.  In addition to being a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, he deployed to many overseas assignments while receiving numerous medals and awards during his career.  Post retirement, he continued to work as a military defense contractor, coordinating logistics programs with multiple NATO countries.  During his entire career, he had been to over 50 countries.  Besides his love of cycling, Chip loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He played football at William & Mary and was a passionate Pittsburgh Steelers and VA Tech Hokies fan.  Chip loved spending time with his family and friends, and will always be remembered for his gigantic smile, loud talking, and crazy antics.  He will be dearly missed by all who knew him!

Michael “Michal” Gnatek. Former Aon employee, was a huge “Movement Evangelist”, and participated in the Challenge Ride 3 years in a row, bringing both MITRE and Aon on board as Challenge Teams.

Michal believed that you could take an active role in how poor genetics impact life quality.

Aubrey Gordon. Former Olympian for Guyana in 1972, and USA Masters Road National Champion. A participant of many Clarendon Cups.

He represented Guyana in two Olympics, the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, and 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain where he was the flag bearer. Aubrey was a United States National champion on three occasions. He won many medals including, Gold in the 2009 UCI Track Cycling Masters World Championships which was held in Sydney, Australia, and 2017 at the USA Cycling Maters Road National Criterium in Augusta, Georgia. He was a silver medalist in 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. Also won numerous races both track and road in the Caribbean.

Jay Moglia, Local racer and founder of the Raw Talent Ranch (RTR). Jay, pictured here on the Podium at the 2017 Clarendon Cup Masters race, had a long history of competition in the Mid-atlantic, including many past podiums at the Clarendon Cup

Jay Moglia passed away after suffering a heart attack while leading a ride from his famous mountain training facility in Lost River, WV, also known as Raw Talent Ranch. The passion that drove him in his different pursuits was an extremely generous one more outward-bound than inward-directed . If you knew Jay, he was a fan of yours and believer in your potential to do great things.

Rick Schofield. Former Colleague of the event organizer. Participated in the event on a number of occasions.

Rick was “one of a kind” and the most amazing son, husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. His smile lit up a room.  He was “the funny guy”, the positive light, a constant learner, and a patient teacher.  Rick believed in being curious and just doing things, loved going to new events/experiences such as geocaching, demolition derbies, NASCAR,  visiting the highest point in a state, and monster truck rallies.

Doug “Bullet” Shapiro. Only the third American to ever compete in the Tour de France. Read about him HERE. Teammate of our current Competition Director.

“He always had this passion and fire. He really put 110 percent into the sport all the time. He was a great guy. Very Loyal.  Great friend,” remembers Weaver, a fellow two-time Olympian and 1984 games bronze medalist.

Highly accomplished bicycle racer, yes, but more importantly, teammate, friend and loving husband and father.

In depth interview on Pez.

Scott Cornell Binde. Founder of OutRiders DC.

Scott’s time in Washington, DC began his great ‘love affair’ with his bicycle. He co-founded the OutRiders DC cycling group and regularly planned and led bike rides for this group. He also enjoyed cycling far & wide in the eastern USA seaboard area, as well as in Portugal, Tunisia, Laos and Alaska and regularly completed rides of 100 miles or more. He has also more recently been an active participant in the Freezing Saddles event which involves bike riding during the winter. Another more recent cycling activity has involved a lot of gravel rides and he commissioned a custom-made bicycle christened “Alvilda”, his mother’s middle name.

Scott became involved in the Lutheran Refugee Services in his early time in Washington, DC and he mentored and formed a close relationship with a Vietnamese family, continuing over the years to participate in their family celebrations and traveling to Vietnam with them.

Marine Corporal Spencer R. Collart, awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for noncombat act of valor. Corporal Collart’s family has received support from TAPS.

He Died Trying to Save Fellow Marines from a Burning Osprey. As the crew chief, Collart was responsible for the safety and readiness of the 22 other Marines on the Osprey, including the pilots. When it crashed, he tried heroically to fulfill that duty. Driven by knowing it was the right thing to do, his father said, Collart rushed back into the burning aircraft to try and rescue the pilots, at the cost of his own life.

Collart joined the Marine Corps in 2020 and served as a crew chief, a highly respected role in the aviation community. At the vigil held last year, family, friends and well-wishers remembered the 21-year-old as someone who would always pick up the phone, who was selfless, and who was also a tough older brother, his sister Gwyneth said.

Chief Willie Frazier. TAPS was there for CMSgt Frazier’s family.

“Frazier loved people” is an understatement. He plugged into people with passion and purpose every single time he connected. Frazier was authentic and genuine in his unwavering dedication to make everyone feel seen, feel heard, and feel loved. Sometimes Frazier knew before the person knew and would reach out at the most ideal time, no matter how much time had passed since the last interaction. Frazier just knew! He always said, “I gotta take care of my people” and reminded others to "Take care of your people”. Frazier was love.

As Chief Will Frazier would say: “Take care of your people”. He was always saying that to people, military… and anyone in the social arena as well.  

In honor of those lost on the American Airlines Flight 5342.

American Eagle Flight 5342 plunged into the Potomac River on the night of Jan. 29, carrying 60 passengers and four crew members from Wichita, Kansas, to Reagan International Airport.

To learn more about the victims >

In honor of the U.S. Army 12th Aviation Battalion Black Hawk

The Blackhawk crew included Staff Sgt. Ryan O’Hara, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves and Capt. Rebecca M. Lobach.

Ryan O’Hara was a husband, father, and crew chief on board the Black Hawk. Helicopter crew chiefs are responsible for the maintenance of the aircraft.

Instructor pilot Andrew Eaves was a father, husband, and a chief warrant officer in the U.S. Army from Noxubee County, Mississippi.

Rebecca Lobach served as an aviation officer from July 2019 to January 2025. She was assigned to the 12th Aviation Battalion, Ft Belvoir. In a statement, Lobach’s family described her as a “distinguished military graduate in ROTC at the University of North Carolina, and was in the top 20% of cadets nationwide.”

Mark Neebe. Former Colleague and friend of the event organizer. His friendship and professional guidance contributing to the overall success of this event.

Mark was truly one of a kind—an adventurer, a mentor, a loving husband, doting father to his two daughters and a friend to all who had the joy of knowing him. His infectious laugh, quick wit, and vivid storytelling, often laced with tales of his travels and life experiences, will be deeply missed.

As a model family man, he brought the family to nearly every trip he had to attend. He was also dedicated to being present all of his children’s sporting activities!