Muddy Angels Pedal into Maryland
TANEYTOWN, MD -- The Muddy Angels arrived to applause and cheers in this Maryland town south of the Mason-Dixon line early Friday.
It marks the last day of their journey that started in Boston last Saturday. This Saturday night, they will hold a service in Alexandria, Va., to honor fallen EMS responders.
The riders pedal across the country annually to remember their EMS comrades who've given the ultimate sacrifice as well as to promote the profession.
Along the way, the 84 bicyclists have been greeted by families and colleagues of fallen heroes as well as fire and EMS personnel. They've taken breaks in small and large departments and were guests at a Mets game as well.
They also participated in brief memorial services. "Some were very emotional, and there wasn't a dry eye in the house," said Jules Scadden, one of the support people for the ride.
She said the parents and fellow EMTs turned out for a memorial ceremony in Boston.
Conn. Paramedic Tim Greer said of his time on the bike the last few days: "It's been wet, but a good time. Each year the route changes a bit."
Greer was riding in memory of Anthony Archuleta, killed in a helicopter crash in New Mexico.
Deanna Inai-Gordon was on her third ride. She was one of two bicyclists who work in hospitals, but share a closeness with providers.
"It's been good," she said with a laugh. "But, I could have done without the rain and hail."
She also enjoys renewing the friendships she's made during previous rides.
John Alex Jarrott, a paramedic with Trauma Care in Baltimore, joked: "We have the opportunity to bleed and sweat with old friends."
Jarrott said he got interested in the cause, and decided to join. "First, I thought it was a race. I thought who wants to be in a 600 mile race? Then, I found out it was a ride not a race. And, it was a ride with a good cause…"
He also said it's been fun meeting providers along the East Coast.
Carl Blondell, a Maine paramedic, was pedaling in his fifth ride. "It's awesome," he said. "We're one big family. I really miss not being able to ride into Roanoke, and attend the EMS memorial service."
The National EMS Memorial Service was moved from Roanoke, Va. to Colorado Springs two years ago.
Scadden, a paramedic from Iowa, said the riders are tight. "This group gelled together within 24 hours. Other times, it's taken days. Not this year."
In Taneytown, riders stopped for a short break at the volunteer fire department where they had snacks.
Taneytown Mayor Jim McCarron also read a proclamation from Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley declaring May 20 National EMS Bike Day in the state.
