EMS Memorial Riders Prepare for Journey

In less than a month, bicyclists will strap on their helmets and start pedaling.

One group will be leaving from Kentucky, the other, New York. While the routes will take them by vastly different locations, both teams will wind up in Roanoke, Va. on May 22.

This is not just another bike race. In fact, it's not a race at all. The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride honors those who have given the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities.

"In addition to honoring the heroes, we also want to raise awareness and tell people about the work we do in EMS," said Jennifer Frenette, president of the ride.

Some bicyclists who ride in honor of a colleague wear bracelets or buttons bearing the person's photograph. Some decorate their bikes. Others print their hero's name on their jersey, arms and legs.

Support teams handle a number of tasks including marking the route, setting up snacks at rest stops and lunch as well as checking into hotels.

"We're always in need of wingmen," Frenette said. "It's a very important job."

Brian Kimberlin, coordinator of the Kentucky leg, said he's honored to be involved.

"I made some friends for life," he said.

Kimberlin said he's appreciative of the support riders receive as they pedal their way to Roanoke where the National EMS Memorial Service will be held on May 23.

Some squads host the riders for lunch or dinner, while others provide escorts. Any gesture or acknowledgement is appreciated.

Special ceremonies or events are planned in various locations along both routes. Some will take place in cities or communities were an EMS provider has paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Frenette said there will be time for those on the New York route to visit their Congressional representatives when they take an extended break in the Nation's Capital.

Since it's not a race, participants don't have to pedal every single mile. They can feel free to ride in one of the support vehicles.

Kimberlin said riders encouraged one another as they struggled on the steep hills through Kentucky and Virginia. "They rode every single mile."

The Kentucky group rides through the campus of Virginia Tech where a young volunteer EMT was among the students killed in the mass shooting there two years ago.

On Friday, May 22, family, friends and supporters gather at Hotel Roanoke to greet the bicyclists as they arrive under police, fire department and rescue squad escort.

Frenette said it's a feeling of accomplishment and an honor when they hear the applause. "Seeing the expressions on the faces of the families makes it all worth it."

Those interested in more information to ride or lend other support can visit www.muddyangels.org.

Related:

• Discuss the Ride
• www.muddyangels.org
• National EMS Memorial Service
• Largest Ever National EMS Memorial Service Announced

2008 Ride Coverage:

• Riding Two Wheels As One
• Muddy Angels 2008: One Rider's Thoughts from the Road
• National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Rolls into Roanoke, VA
• Video: National EMS Memorial Bike Ride: Day 5
• Video: National EMS Memorial Bike Ride: Day 4
• Video: National EMS Memorial Bike Ride: Day 3
• Video: National EMS Memorial Bike Ride: Day 2
• Video: National EMS Memorial Bike Ride: Day 1
• Video: National EMS Memorial Bike Ride: Introduction