National EMS Memorial Bike Ride 2017

[sympathomedic 383]

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To my Bretheren and Sisteren:

 

     The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride  (as in bicycle bike) better known as the Muddy Angels has just released the dates and schedule for their East coast ride for 2017. They will ride from Boston Mass to Arlington Virginia, stopping in Poughkeepsie NY the evening of May 15, before leaving in the morning for Tannersville PA.

 

   For several years I have ridden one day with these guys as they came through the NY area.  Last year I joined them in Flushing Meadows and rode to Arlington/Washington DC, 360 miles. This year I will join in Poughkeepsie and ride to Washington, arriving May 19.

 

     I would encourage anyone and everyone to consider taking part. I am a good 50 lbs over weight and 50 years old. I had to ramp up miles in advance to build stamina but I made the ride without "sagging out".   The folks are raising money for family survivors of  line-of duty deaths (about 30-40 each year) and to have a National EMS Memorial for LODD's - sad, but there is no memorial right now.

    Many folks ride one day, or several, but not the whole Boston-Washington run. Some do it all. Last year about 30 Canadian EMS folks rode from Ottawa to Boston the prior week, and joined us on the DC run, for over 1200 miles!

 

     There are rest stops, meal breaks and ceremonies along the way at ambulance stations, hospitals, Town Halls and fire stations.  About every 15 miles.  There are over a dozen support vehicles from states from DC on East to the FDNY to offer rides, mechanical assistance and re-hydration. On any given day there are about 100 riders. Some do the whole day, some sag. There is NO PRESSURE on the ride. The cause is to remember the fallen, and that is the focus. Hard to believe, but there is very little shop talk. In urban areas there is usually a PD light/siren escort with x-traffic shut down for us.

     The Angels get group discounts at hotels along the way, but you are on the hook for your room.  Most lunches are covered by hospitals and other donors along the way.The entry fee (last year anyway) was $350 for 3 or more days, and about $75 for 1-2 days.  Shout-out to Empress EMS for again offering to pay all my costs-entry fees and hotel stays!  (odd, but they won't pay for my train ride BACK!) The Angels have a large baggage truck for you to load your travel bag in- no need to carry it on your bike.

 

    The arrival in Arlington is met with a large crowd, an honor guard band and the invited  presence of the surviving family members of EMS LODD's.  Tears are shed,  and the whole ride is about as close to a religious experience as I have ever had. In 35 years on the bus, this is about the high point of my career.  I encourage anyone to join.

 

    I have free access to a house in DC for the night of the 19th and 20th if needed. There is usually OTHER National EMS ceremonies in DC on Saturday, as that begins EMS week. You will need to arrange your own transport for your bike- Amtrak does not seem to have baggage service on DC to NY route. I can offer txp of YOU from DC house to Amtrak station. You may have to bike-box and ship your bike home by UPS or USPS.

 

  Here is the site:    National EMS Memorial Bike Ride – Semper Memoria    There are some videos, also on Youtube and facebook.  Email me if you want any more info.  Bill Rothschild      billandjane14@yahoo.com