Dispatches From the Road: 2010 National EMS Memorial Bike Ride

May 23--Homeward Bound

It has been quite a week, with mountains to climb, rain and cold, heat and humidity, new people to meet and friends to make, ceremonies to participate in from New Hampshire to Alexandria, VA, honoring, remembering and healing.

Last night, we had a final group ceremony: "A Celebration of Remembrance." Speakers included William Euille, mayor of Alexandria; Richard Serino, deputy director of FEMA; Drew Dawson, chief of NHTSA's EMS Division; and FDNY EMS Chief John Peruggia.

Jules Scadden was mistress of ceremonies, and Jennifer Frennette, Muddy Angels' president, spoke to the group. George Rice gave the opening prayer and played taps at the closing. Scott Cravens, publisher of EMS Magazine, gave the closing prayer, and Steve Berry gave the closing remarks with good humor, as always. An honor guard comprised of members of FDNY, Pittsburgh, and Austin Dade County, along with the Boston EMS bagpipers, led the procession in and out.

An awards ceremony was held after the remembrance, with awards hand-crafted by third-year rider Wayne Reisner. Each award, braised and wire-mounted on a wood plaque, took 6-8 hours to construct and is a replica of this year's ride emblem. EMS Magazine and JEMS both received sponsorship awards. Supports Dana Sellner, Ken Turner and Patrick Mendelson received the Greg Costello Spirit of the Ride award. Mark Hawkins and Amy Corcoran, who went out of their way to help everyone, received the Wingman Spirit award. The Host award went to Collingdale's Ken Faulkner for hosting the Muddy Angels for dinner every year they passed through their city. John Kershaw received the Wingman Above & Beyond award for setting up the route through Connecticut. The Oldest Rider award went to John Dwyer; the Youngest Rider was Blake Dingus.

John Dwyer presented some interesting stats during the awards ceremony:

• Total distance traveled: 545.91 miles. (Vermont riders can add an extra 13 miles.)
• Total time: 67 hours, 14 minutes
• Total elevation gain: 36,479 feet.

There are some challenging hills through Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. I also think the Vermont riders can add a few extra feet of elevation to that figure!

The "Muddy Angels" will do a one-day ride on June 25 in Colorado. This is your chance to get involved in the "ride to remember" and to become part of the Muddy Angels. Believe me, it will change your life. As always, this ride is in support of the National EMS Memorial Service, which will be held June 26 in Colorado Springs.

I'm traveling home today on Amtrak from Union Station in Washington, DC, to South Station in Boston, MA. It's nice to be moving along in a comfortable seat and not worrying about traffic, tolls or hazards to slow us down.

If you would like to contact me about the ride or have questions, e-mail me at grumpy1medic@gmail.com.

Until next year, we all have each other's back.

Day Seven: May 21--Gettysburg, PA, to Washington, DC

We paraded out of Gettysburg through some of the battlefields. Not only was this a ride through history, but a reminder of the tremendous loss of life. The riders were very solemn reflecting on what had happened on these grounds.

Once again we rode in touring format. Today was going to be a long day, 102 miles in 80-degree humid weather. We had to drink a lot of water and power drinks today to stay hydrated. What a difference from Monday, when we were chilled to the bone from the rain and cold.

Our lunch stop was in Mount Airy, MD. What a fantastic view from their station. As the name implies, the town sits on top of a large hill or small mountain and there is always a breeze blowing through. The views are impressive as you can see off to the Appalachian Mountains in the distance.