Memorial Ride Kicks Off EMS Week

Among the many events and celebrations being held nationwide this week to honor our EMS responders during National EMS Week, is the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride.

There are two legs to the ride this year: one that begins in New York and a new one that begins in Kentucky. Both groups of bicycle riders headed out on Sunday, May 20th and will meet in Virginia and ride into Roanoke together to attend the 15th Annual National EMS Memorial Service on Saturday, May 26. The purpose of The EMS Memorial Ride is to honor those EMS personnel who have died in the line of duty.

As the New York-based group headed into day 2 of their 600-mile bicycle ride, we heard from organizer Dave Gilbert. Listen to the podcast to hear from Dave as he checks in from Washington's Crossing in Mercer County, New Jersey.

The Kentucky group is traveling 400 miles over the Appalachian Mountains to attend the memorial service, and also provided a podcast report from the road. Group coordinator Robert Galvin called in from Middlesboro, KY where the group took a rest break before continuing on to Harlan and then climbing to the highest point in Kentucky.

Both groups welcome and encourage day-riders, if anyone would like to drop in for a short part of the ride. Supporters can also help a great deal by cheering for the riders as they pass through your area.

To see the New York group's route and schedule go to EMSBikeRide.org. They are currently heading to Philadelphia and will then head to Baltimore, D.C., and finally on to Virginia. The group is also updating a daily blog on their experience at emsbikeride.blogspot.com.

For more on the Kentucky-based group, go to www.KYEMSRide.com.