The U.S. Naval Academy's Class of 1975 is celebrating its 50th reunion with a ride like no other. Over 20 days, a determined group of classmates, including three Navy team captains and multiple former varsity athletes, are cycling more than 1,200 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the steps of their alma mater for a cause-driven, physically demanding, and deeply meaningful journey called the Gulf to Goat (G2G) Charity Ride.
Departing from Apalachicola, Florida, on October 1, 2025, and concluding at the iconic Bill the Goat statue inside Gate 1 of the Naval Academy on October 22, these riders are putting in the miles to honor the legacy of the great Class of 1975 while raising awareness and funds for several causes close to their hearts.
Among the riders are three former Navy team captains, now in their seventies, who continue to demonstrate the grit and leadership they forged at the Academy:
Jeff Simons '75, a four-time N-Star winner and the former wrestling team captain, is no stranger to epic athletic efforts. After his Navy wrestling career and a world-class Greco-Roman ranking, Jeff previously cycled across the entire country to raise funds for multiple sclerosis. His competitive edge and leadership spirit continue to push the team forward mile after mile.
Dave Duffie '75, co-captain of the Navy swimming team, brings both his aquatic discipline and his passion for cycling in the Tidewater area to the final leg of the ride. With three N-Stars to his name, Dave joins the group for the closing push into Annapolis.
Dave Frost '75, former heavyweight crew captain, joined the ride with just four months of cycling experience under his belt. However, his rowing background and competitive mindset have helped him embrace this unique cross-training challenge as part of his ongoing pursuit of master's rowing excellence.
But the captains aren't alone. Several other former Navy athletes have joined the G2G ride, exemplifying the enduring physical and mental toughness instilled during their Academy days.
Jay Donnelly '75 (Vice Admiral, Ret.), the group's Senior Officer Present Afloat, earned his letter in Pistol during his time at the Academy. As the most road-prepared of the group, Jay logged nearly 900 miles in August alone to prep for the ride. Adding a special father-son dynamic to the ride, his son Michael Donnelly '00, a former Navy track and cycling team member, joins the journey, combining for over 2,400 miles of Donnelly family dedication.
Dan "Murph" Murphy '75, a former discus thrower with multiple N-Stars from his track and field days, is a driving force behind the ride's organization. Murph's leadership and energy have been central to the spirit of this long road trek.
Carl June '75, who rowed from Hubbard Hall, is known worldwide as a trailblazing immunologist in cancer research. He's also a formidable cyclist, having completed grueling rides like Minnesota's DAMN Ride, 240 miles in one day, from midnight to midnight.
Mike Maynard '75, a middleweight wrestler and sprint football (150s) athlete, now an orthopedic surgeon, still holds the Herndon Monument Climb record at 20 minutes, a fitting credential for someone pushing his limits on two wheels.
Bill Murray '73, a two-year Navy rugby letterwinner, adds his support and experience to the G2G team, showing that camaraderie and class bonds extend beyond graduation year.
"The G2G ride was personable, charitable, and communal for me," explained Dave Frost. "We lost my 23rd company mate, Walt Joller, in a bike accident 15 years ago. He is with us on the ride in spirit."
While the ride brings Class of '75 friends and athletes together in sweat and saddle sores, its deeper mission is rooted in charitable giving. The G2G riders are raising funds not only for the Class of 1975's 50th Reunion Class Gift, but also for causes dear to their classmates:
- Emily Whitehead Foundation (pediatric cancer)
- Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation
- Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
- Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Notably, the riders are covering all expenses out-of-pocket, ensuring that 100% of donations go directly to the supported causes. Follow the journey at: https://www.gulftogoat.navy
When Mike Meier and I had the vision for this ride two years ago we had no clue it would turn out to be such a great event," remarked Dan Murphy. "The riding has been outstanding along with getting to renew friendships from 50 years ago with our great classmates. Additionally, there is the wonderful exposure our chosen charities have gotten from this event. I just pray the next week goes as well as the last two and we all arrive safely at the goat."
On Wednesday, October 22, 2025, the Gulf to Goat cyclists will complete their 1,213-mile journey, traversing six states, when they roll up to Bill the Goat, the beloved USNA mascot statue. The ride not only kicks off their 50th reunion festivities but also reaffirms the values they've carried since I-Day: perseverance, service, and unwavering commitment to something greater than themselves.
