Veterans Complete 450-Mile Cycling Challenge from Atlanta to Daytona Beach
Members of the Team RWB Dayton Beach Chapter welcome Franz Haller and Mark Jarrett after their 450-mile journey from Atlanta. Photo provided by Haller and used with his permission.
Two veterans, Team RWB Chapter Captains, 450 miles — a four-day bike expedition from Atlanta to Daytona Beach. In December 2024, Franz Haller and Mark Jarrett took on the ride as a personal challenge, pushing themselves to new limits. Their greater goal? To test their mental and physical mettle on a pulse-pounding journey.
An African proverb resonates throughout their story: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The power of camaraderie in the face of adversity became the thread that tied their experience together.
Haller and Jarrett pose for a picture on the final leg of their journey. Photo provided by Haller and used with his permission.
Military Bonds Forge a Cycling Journey
Franz Haller and Mark Jarrett's journey began in the crucible of military service.
Haller took the plunge into the Army in 1992, embracing the call of duty on active duty before transitioning to the National Guard and Army Reserves. His path was marked by dedication and a commitment to serve.
Jarrett's story unfolded a bit later; he enlisted in the National Guard in 1997, but it was in 2001 that he took his next step, commissioning into the Air Force. His service spanned over a decade, culminating in retirement in 2014.
Their shared experiences forged a bond of trust, a solid foundation that would carry them through the challenges ahead. In the military, trust isn’t just a word; it’s the lifeblood of camaraderie, and for Haller and Jarrett, it was the key to overcoming obstacles together.
Haller and Jarrett pose for a photo on the Florida-Georgia state line. Photo provided by Haller and used with his permission.
Fueled by Challenge, Driven by Purpose
Haller had been grinding out miles for years, the kind of rider who found clarity in the rhythm of the road. But when he stumbled across Jarrett’s growing interest in cycling on social media, something clicked. There was potential for something bigger.
Haller wasn’t new to endurance rides — he’d already knocked out a solo trek from Atlanta to Fort Bragg. But this time, he wanted more than just another personal challenge. He wanted camaraderie, the kind forged in sweat, struggle, and shared miles.
A quick message over Thanksgiving turned into a full-fledged plan by December. 450 miles. Four days. Atlanta to Daytona Beach. Not just for the ride, but for something greater—raising awareness for Team RWB and proving, once again, that the fire forged in service doesn’t burn out.
“This ride wasn’t just about the miles; it was about pushing limits and rediscovering that bond we built in service,” Haller said.
Haller and Jarrett arrive in Daytona Beach. Photo provided by Haller and used with his permission.
The Fight Through Pain and Setbacks
The pair faced significant challenges during their journey, including near-freezing temperatures, muscle fatigue, and physical setbacks.
Jarrett, who hadn’t tackled long distances in years, hit the wall hard. His energy tanked. His muscles shut down. He bonked—that brutal, full-body shutdown where every pedal stroke feels impossible. But quitting wasn’t an option. He adjusted, fought through, and found a way to keep going. Haller, the more experienced rider, paced him through the pain.
“At one point, I just hit a wall,” Jarrett admitted. “But having Franz there kept me going. He reminded me to focus on one mile at a time, not the whole journey.”
Then, Day 3 hit back. Hard. Both riders crashed. Haller slammed into the asphalt, taking the worst of it. The pain was real, the injuries slowed him down—but not enough to stop.
The Power of Adaptation and Teamwork
By the final day, their bodies had started to turn the suffering into fuel. The aches were still there, but the rhythm had set in. Jarrett—who had struggled to hold pace at the start—was now locked in, finding his second wind. The miles didn’t get easier; he just got tougher.
By late afternoon, the duo rolled into Daytona Beach, greeted by Team RWB’s Daytona Beach Chapter. The exhaustion was real, but so was the satisfaction. They’d earned this finish.
Haller reflected on the body’s ability to adapt to extremes. It wasn’t just about endurance—it was about mindset.
“Our bodies are capable of so much more than we think,” Haller said. “The key is to keep moving forward, even when it gets tough.”
The ride was never just about physical strength. Strategy, grit, and teamwork kept them in the fight. Haller tracked the ride data, adjusting their pacing for efficiency, while Jarrett locked in mentally—staying present, pushing through, and avoiding the small mistakes that could turn fatigue into failure. Every mile was a contest of wills, and they completed it together.
Haller and Jarrett with members of the Team RWB Daytona Beach Chapter. Photo provided by Haller and used with his permission.
No Shortcuts to Strength
The ride wasn’t just about the miles—it was about pushing limits and proving what’s possible. As they rolled into Daytona Beach, the real victory wasn’t in the distance they’d covered but in the resilience, courage, and unshakable camaraderie that got them there.
“We started as two friends on bikes, but we finished as a stronger team,” Jarrett said. “This ride reminded me why we never quit.”
Pain, fatigue, setbacks—they met them all head-on and kept moving forward. Because that’s what needed to be done.
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