National EMS Memorial Bike Ride

Planning for the 2012 National EMS Memorial Bike Ride has begun in earnest! May 19-25 with the closing ceremony on May 26th. Muddy Angels–it will be great! Folks with support vehicles who are planning to participate please contact  asap. Thanks!

Why ride the Kentucky route?
Mike Kennard: grumpy1medic@gmail.com
For me, it was there. Has been for four years since the first group of riders made their pilgrimage over the Kentucky hills and into Roanoke Va. Now the riders finish the ride in Washington DC.
This year for me it was the right time and the right thing to do. Meeting the challenge of someplace new to ride, the hills of Kentucky head on and coming out on top. Getting back to the meaning of what this ride means to me. Meeting the EMS providers that work and live along the route the ride takes. Letting them know that they are not alone in what they do, day in and day out. We remember their friends and family that they have recently lost or those from years past, I met with some of both this year.
On this ride I found that I had more time to spend with people, to connect and talk with them, hear their story of why they do the job they do, along with the reason for their support of the ride. I came out better for it. Even though I was physically fatigued after a week of riding I felt spiritually and emotionally refreshed at the same time, ready to come back next year to do it again.
If you are looking for a challenge, great people to meet and quite possibly something that can be as life changing for you as it was for me, then come join me. I challenge you to come join me next year, 2012.
For more on my ride through Kentucky and what it meant to me, read my blog from the road posted on the EMS world web site. The follow link should get you to it.

http://www.emsworld.com/web/online/Top-EMS-News/Dispatches-From-the-Road–2011-National-EMS-Memorial-Bike-Ride/1$17117

Also Wingmen: DJ Robinson

People think that just because they don’t ride a bike, they can’t participate in the National EMS Memorial Bike ride aka Muddy Angels. Boy, are they wrong! If you are unable to ride a bike for whatever reason, then join our support staff or “Wingmen” as we like to be called! The Wingmen work behind the scenes to make sure the ride flows smoothly. There is tons to do: we set up rest stops along the way, mark the routes every morning, repair bikes (if you know how to do it!), and even help riders who have broken down on the side of the road! That’s just a small example of what the Wingmen might do. It may seem like it’s a lot of work, but to me it’s one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever done! Just because you’re in a motorized vehicle doesn’t mean you can’t “ride” for someone either, we want everyone to honor the memories of our fallen colleagues no matter what they’re doing during the event. Words can’t describe how much I enjoy the ‘bike ride’ and I’ve never pushed a pedal during the week! I encourage anyone who’s anyone to step up to the plate and be a rider or serve on the all-important team of the Wingmen!

I just have to say thank you to everyone again.  I have always been challenged by making decisions about who gets our awards (which I am sending to the recipients this week as well) – this year was SO very tough.  EVERY SINGLE PERSON INVOLVED made it what it was – as you always do . . . → Read More: From the President