Calif. Firefighter Cycling Team Ride to Spread Awareness of Fundraiser

Team Fire Velo/Norton Strong, comprised of four County Fire firefighters, launched an "intricate dry run" in preparation for the 2017 Race Across America this summer. Tuesday's practice run took the team to nearly every fire station in the county over a 20-plus hour period, a 395-mile span, firefighter/paramedic Sean Jackson said.

While the idea was initially launched for training purposes, Jackson said it then expanded into a ride geared at raising awareness of the Fire Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that offers financial assistance to firefighters, their families and fire victims in need.

Potential donors can pledge a dollar per station amount, with all funds going to the Foundation. The group also aims to shine a light on the prevalence of cancer among firefighters.

"Firefighters have a much higher chance of getting cancer than other occupations, due to all the carcinogens we're exposed to while fighting fires or during cleanup," Jackson said. "So we're riding to raise awareness of this and raise funds for the Foundation."

He said they were inspired by fellow firefighter and team namesake Cory Norton, who's currently doing "very well" in his battle with a rare form of cancer diagnosed last year, and other department personnel fighting the disease as well

The team, consisting of Captain Tim Goforth, Engineer Ricky Arnold, Engineer Travis Grapes, and Jackson, began their ride at Station 96 in Fawnskin on Tuesday morning. From there, Jackson said they crossed the mountain top from Lake Arrowhead to Crestline before hopping onto Highway 18 and heading into San Bernardino.

After riding through San Bernardino and neighboring cities, the team stopped at Station 2 in Devore before starting the trek up the Cajon Pass and into the High Desert. The group then expected to head through Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree and 29 Palms, stopping at every fire station along the way.

"So we get to ride through the mountains, the cities, and the desert--we get a little bit of everything," Jackson said.

The group split into two-man teams, each riding 20 to 30 minute intervals before switching off. Jackson said this was done to allow each member to rest while also preparing for the larger race in June, where the same method will be utilized.

"Before we started this morning, I started feeling the butterflies and jitters from the excitement and anticipation," Jackson said. "So far, it's been a lot of fun. It's neat to get a feel for what the actual race is going to be like."

All four team members have a passion for cycling, Jackson said.

"We've all been doing it for quite some time. Ricky and Travis have each done a few triathlons and I've been cycling for over 30 years now," Jackson said.

Team Fire Velo/Norton Strong will participate in the Race Across America on June 17. The race begins in San Diego and ends in Annapolis approximately one week later.

Visit the team's Facebook page, "Team Fire Velo Norton Strong," for live updates on Tuesday's run and further information on the Race Across America.

Paola Baker may be reached at 760-955-5332 or PBaker@VVDailyPress.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DP_PaolaBaker.

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