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Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Day 7 Lexington, VA to ROANOKE! 70 miles... Tree
We are here!! Another great day of scene views, character building hills, and conversation with life long friends from across the country… We had fabulous rest stops hosted by Natural Bridge, Buchanen, Troutville, and Salem FD/EMS! Thank you for the food, liquids, ice, and pain relievers!
Our holding area into Roanoke was Salem FD/EMS. They set up a huge rest area inside of their gigantic bay complete with couches and various rehab supplies (food, water, Gatorade). THANK YOU! Rest assured, one did not need a couch to fall asleep, the pavement did just fine! The Kentucky EMS Memorial Bike ride began on Sunday (a day after we left NYC) and joined us in Salem so we could all ride in together (11 riders!). We held here for a couple of hours until 5pm when we started the huge caravan into Roanoke – complete police/fire/EMS vehicles in both the front and back of the riders. You ride side by side with those that did the journey with you and the EMS vehicles you got to know well from across the country for the past week usher you in as well as various local agencies.
As we rode the 9 miles into Hotel Roanoke, people stood outside of their homes and businesses and waved at the ride! On-coming traffic on the other side of the road stopped as we passed. I couldn’t help but look at that gesture and think of Eric’s funeral procession from Austin to Marble Falls…
We rode into the Hotel with our full escort. The FDNY pipes and drums were playing, and numerous Memorial family members, and EMTs and paramedics from agencies across the country cheered us in. Allan Parsons’ children were here (thanks for the hugs!), I’m looking forward to getting to know you this weekend but we all wish it was under different circumstances...
The emotions swirling from this weeklong journey is beyond words… Riding into Roanoke with our 100 friends, EMTs, paramedics, PA’s, and emergency room doctors (including three father and son teams) after seven days together is an experience of a lifetime. We have all spent countless hours since last year at this time training, preparing, organizing, sacrificing time away from our friends and family, used on our own vacation time from work, as well as the huge personal financial sacrifice (working lots of overtime!) – all in honor of our brothers and sisters of EMS that we have lost in the name of our profession and those in EMS that have suffered life altering job related injuries.
There is another journey to Roanoke made. That journey is made by the family and agency members of the Memorial inductees. Our last seven days on the road is nothing compared to the next 48 hrs in Roanoke or what these individuals have suffered. Meeting the husbands, wives, children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends, parents, grandparents, and fellow providers of those killed in the line of duty is the most PAINFUL part of this entire trip. Looking into their eyes at the Hotel and Memorial, the pain and loss look right back at you. We are not here celebrating their loved one's achievements, we are here to induct them to our country's national EMS Memorial. Memorial Day weekend in Roanoke, Virginia, is a national EMS convention basically, with providers from all over the country (and world!). But, we aren’t here to show off equipment, attend continuation classes, or participate in any rescue or medical competition. We are here to honor our brothers and sisters that gave their life, “the ultimate sacrifice,” while serving their communities – doing what they loved.
It was an honor and as our Austin/Travis County EMS Director Ernie Rodriguez told us, “a call to service” to be a part of this. Rita, Harlin, Kyla, Geoff, TJ, Susan, and Mark and everyone – you mean the world to me. Thank you for all that YOU have done to make this possible, you are my HEROES!
This evening is the Memorial Service (more photos and blogging)… We start our journey back to Texas tomorrow.
Our holding area into Roanoke was Salem FD/EMS. They set up a huge rest area inside of their gigantic bay complete with couches and various rehab supplies (food, water, Gatorade). THANK YOU! Rest assured, one did not need a couch to fall asleep, the pavement did just fine! The Kentucky EMS Memorial Bike ride began on Sunday (a day after we left NYC) and joined us in Salem so we could all ride in together (11 riders!). We held here for a couple of hours until 5pm when we started the huge caravan into Roanoke – complete police/fire/EMS vehicles in both the front and back of the riders. You ride side by side with those that did the journey with you and the EMS vehicles you got to know well from across the country for the past week usher you in as well as various local agencies.
As we rode the 9 miles into Hotel Roanoke, people stood outside of their homes and businesses and waved at the ride! On-coming traffic on the other side of the road stopped as we passed. I couldn’t help but look at that gesture and think of Eric’s funeral procession from Austin to Marble Falls…
We rode into the Hotel with our full escort. The FDNY pipes and drums were playing, and numerous Memorial family members, and EMTs and paramedics from agencies across the country cheered us in. Allan Parsons’ children were here (thanks for the hugs!), I’m looking forward to getting to know you this weekend but we all wish it was under different circumstances...
The emotions swirling from this weeklong journey is beyond words… Riding into Roanoke with our 100 friends, EMTs, paramedics, PA’s, and emergency room doctors (including three father and son teams) after seven days together is an experience of a lifetime. We have all spent countless hours since last year at this time training, preparing, organizing, sacrificing time away from our friends and family, used on our own vacation time from work, as well as the huge personal financial sacrifice (working lots of overtime!) – all in honor of our brothers and sisters of EMS that we have lost in the name of our profession and those in EMS that have suffered life altering job related injuries.
There is another journey to Roanoke made. That journey is made by the family and agency members of the Memorial inductees. Our last seven days on the road is nothing compared to the next 48 hrs in Roanoke or what these individuals have suffered. Meeting the husbands, wives, children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, friends, parents, grandparents, and fellow providers of those killed in the line of duty is the most PAINFUL part of this entire trip. Looking into their eyes at the Hotel and Memorial, the pain and loss look right back at you. We are not here celebrating their loved one's achievements, we are here to induct them to our country's national EMS Memorial. Memorial Day weekend in Roanoke, Virginia, is a national EMS convention basically, with providers from all over the country (and world!). But, we aren’t here to show off equipment, attend continuation classes, or participate in any rescue or medical competition. We are here to honor our brothers and sisters that gave their life, “the ultimate sacrifice,” while serving their communities – doing what they loved.
It was an honor and as our Austin/Travis County EMS Director Ernie Rodriguez told us, “a call to service” to be a part of this. Rita, Harlin, Kyla, Geoff, TJ, Susan, and Mark and everyone – you mean the world to me. Thank you for all that YOU have done to make this possible, you are my HEROES!
This evening is the Memorial Service (more photos and blogging)… We start our journey back to Texas tomorrow.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Day 6 part 2... Tree
Thank you to Fairfield, Virginia, Volunteer Rescue Squad for a great dinner! I have to admit that this week I have had several cravings for meat. The fried chicken tonight was no exception but I held strong and chose the chocolate pudding instead. I can not thank all the squads enough for the huge welcome you have given us into your houses. We all know it takes a lot of time and money to put together a reception for us, it is appreciated! We also LOVE visiting your stations, meeting all of you, and of course, checking out all your cool vehicles and equipment!!
Kiernan and Gary of Ireland gave out some tokens to some of the directors of the ride from Ireland. I took some photos of that tonight at dinner. Kiernan told a very special story of a friend, John, that was killed a few years ago in an ambulance accident. He read an email he received from John's wife during this week about John and how proud she was of the bike ride. We were all in tears by the end. You might have never met anyone others are riding for but you are in tears while they are telling the story. They ask you about the individual(s) you are riding for, you ask them the same, and by the end you are both crying and hugging....
Kiernan and Gary of Ireland gave out some tokens to some of the directors of the ride from Ireland. I took some photos of that tonight at dinner. Kiernan told a very special story of a friend, John, that was killed a few years ago in an ambulance accident. He read an email he received from John's wife during this week about John and how proud she was of the bike ride. We were all in tears by the end. You might have never met anyone others are riding for but you are in tears while they are telling the story. They ask you about the individual(s) you are riding for, you ask them the same, and by the end you are both crying and hugging....
Day 6 Shenandoah National Park to Lexington, Virginia, 100 miles... Tree
I can not believe we ride into Roanoke tomorrow! We are all excited to close a week of long, hard riding but it is sad because we have enjoyed the journey so much with each other and this huge accomplishment.
I have really understated my personal issues with hydrating, eating enough calories, and getting enough rest (the rest part is something EVERYONE is lacking). At the beginning of the week, when the alarm would go off at 5am, Susan and I would jump out of bed eager to start the day. As the weak progressed, the jump began to not be so spry. Today, we lay in bed unable to move until 5:40am. Which is very late considering we start meeting in the lobby of the hotels at 6am to get ready to ride at 7am. For those that know me, you know I am very stubborn. Put me on a bike and that characteristic just skyrockets. I dressed in my bike gear this morning and put on jeans and several fleeces (three to be exact) over my jersey. I knew that I was not going to make the ascent. I did 30mph downhill a couple of times yesterday and that is still too fast on a bike for me. At that speed, you begin to wobble and think of various party of your body that would be left behind on pavement in case your bike were not to stay vertical. My plan was to meet everybody at the 2nd rest stop at mile 35. Instead of getting on my bike today, I spent the day hydrating and eating. I also took a great nap on a the rider bus. I got to the hotel this afternoon and I was ready to ride!!! But, I'll hold my enthusiasm until tomorrow (we have 70 or so miles into Roanoke). I can not tell you how much I feel like a new person. It's not quite as painful to move, I'm using the bathroom again, and I don't feel like I'm going to fall asleep standing up. Yay!
The riders told me at mile 35, rest stop 2, that the ascent was not really an ascent. As I drove down in with Shane and Tommy from Tennessee, I said, "this doesn't really feel like we are going downhill much." Shane agreed. I'm not sure how this mountain has no downhill. If it does, the ride didn't find it. The day did start in the 30s with heavy winds. Sitting here in Lexington, the sun is out and it is beautiful!! I am so proud for everyone that made it through today!! A lot of people have sat out entire days and/or parts of days. Every single rider is suffering through some sort of physical ailment every mile. Some have ankle issues, some knee issues, some back issues, etc, etc. Sometimes you need to listen to your body and other times you just keep on going until you have to stop because you can't move. For a rider, listening to your body early in the week means you save yourself for the best part -- riding into the Memorial at Roanoke.
Thank you so much to Elkton EMS/FD. It was great meeting you this morning and thank you so much for opening your house to us. Elkton is mostly volunteer and when Shane, Tommy, and I arrived this morning, there were several people working very hard at putting together our rest stop including mopping and cleaning the station and bay as well as washing ALL of their response vehicles. Volunteer EMS/FD personnel are the heroes -- they serve their communities for little to no compensation professionally day and night, rain or shine. Thank you! You all are truly inspiring. On a personal note, the cheezits hit the spot!!
Steve, Woody, and Jeff, wish you guys could be here!!
Please be safe out there... The Blacksburg EMS vehicle got hit by a drunk driver the other night coming home from dinner (everyone is ok but the axle needed replacing among other fixes) and someone hit a bear in Dr. Ted's vehicle last night inside the park (everyone is ok, I'm not sure about the bear).
One more day! Hooooooooorrrrraaaaaaahhhhhhhh! (As I quote Tommy...)
I have really understated my personal issues with hydrating, eating enough calories, and getting enough rest (the rest part is something EVERYONE is lacking). At the beginning of the week, when the alarm would go off at 5am, Susan and I would jump out of bed eager to start the day. As the weak progressed, the jump began to not be so spry. Today, we lay in bed unable to move until 5:40am. Which is very late considering we start meeting in the lobby of the hotels at 6am to get ready to ride at 7am. For those that know me, you know I am very stubborn. Put me on a bike and that characteristic just skyrockets. I dressed in my bike gear this morning and put on jeans and several fleeces (three to be exact) over my jersey. I knew that I was not going to make the ascent. I did 30mph downhill a couple of times yesterday and that is still too fast on a bike for me. At that speed, you begin to wobble and think of various party of your body that would be left behind on pavement in case your bike were not to stay vertical. My plan was to meet everybody at the 2nd rest stop at mile 35. Instead of getting on my bike today, I spent the day hydrating and eating. I also took a great nap on a the rider bus. I got to the hotel this afternoon and I was ready to ride!!! But, I'll hold my enthusiasm until tomorrow (we have 70 or so miles into Roanoke). I can not tell you how much I feel like a new person. It's not quite as painful to move, I'm using the bathroom again, and I don't feel like I'm going to fall asleep standing up. Yay!
The riders told me at mile 35, rest stop 2, that the ascent was not really an ascent. As I drove down in with Shane and Tommy from Tennessee, I said, "this doesn't really feel like we are going downhill much." Shane agreed. I'm not sure how this mountain has no downhill. If it does, the ride didn't find it. The day did start in the 30s with heavy winds. Sitting here in Lexington, the sun is out and it is beautiful!! I am so proud for everyone that made it through today!! A lot of people have sat out entire days and/or parts of days. Every single rider is suffering through some sort of physical ailment every mile. Some have ankle issues, some knee issues, some back issues, etc, etc. Sometimes you need to listen to your body and other times you just keep on going until you have to stop because you can't move. For a rider, listening to your body early in the week means you save yourself for the best part -- riding into the Memorial at Roanoke.
Thank you so much to Elkton EMS/FD. It was great meeting you this morning and thank you so much for opening your house to us. Elkton is mostly volunteer and when Shane, Tommy, and I arrived this morning, there were several people working very hard at putting together our rest stop including mopping and cleaning the station and bay as well as washing ALL of their response vehicles. Volunteer EMS/FD personnel are the heroes -- they serve their communities for little to no compensation professionally day and night, rain or shine. Thank you! You all are truly inspiring. On a personal note, the cheezits hit the spot!!
Steve, Woody, and Jeff, wish you guys could be here!!
Please be safe out there... The Blacksburg EMS vehicle got hit by a drunk driver the other night coming home from dinner (everyone is ok but the axle needed replacing among other fixes) and someone hit a bear in Dr. Ted's vehicle last night inside the park (everyone is ok, I'm not sure about the bear).
One more day! Hooooooooorrrrraaaaaaahhhhhhhh! (As I quote Tommy...)
Day 5 Manassas, Virginia to Shenandoah National Park (Virginia), 75 miles... Tree
Hello, again! When you're on top of a mountain (yes, it was a mountain -- Lewis Mountain) and inside a national park, "WIFI" is not a commonly used word. One of the women inside the park looked at me funny when I even mentioned "internet."
So far, we've biked at about a 13mph pace. As Carl from Maine explained, you go up the hill at about 5mph and down the hill at about 25mph and it all evens out to about 13mph. Which, considering the hills we have been encountering and the mileage we have been racking up, that is a pretty good little pace. I was at about a 13mph pace until mile 65 yesterday which was in Sperryville, Virginia. Our rest stop at mile 65 was Sperryville EMS/FD. Sperryville is a small town just outside of the park with some really great people! They put together a great rest stop, thank you! I got off my bike here and just rested on the ground. In retrospect, I have not been hydrating or eating enough (yes, I should know better) and it all caught up with me last night. I iced my back at this stop and did a lot of eating/drinking to get ready for our twenty miles to the top of Lewis Mountain. I'm so happy no one actually referred to that climb as an actual mountain. It wasn't until I was in our room where I saw the paperwork saying, "Welcome to Lewis Mountain...." Anyhow, from the rest stop, we started on our journey. I was riding for a bit with Ben from Maine. Shortly after leaving the stop, he asked me, so what songs are we going to sing to each other to get us up to the top?" I said, "I'm not sure either one of us is going to have enough lung capacity to sing."
Once we started the climb, I had a 5mph pace with 15 miles ahead of me. I stopped after 30 minutes to just have something quick to drink and eat. After that for the next two hours, I stopped every fifteen minutes. And to clarify, I and others rode for 2-3 hours at a 5mph pace. If you see the photos, there is a short tunnel you have to travel through. It was completely PITCH BLACK inside the tunnel. I was peddling my little heart out to get to the other end and hoping my wheel wouldn't catch anything I couldn't see or that there wasn't some monster waiting to eat me inside of this thing. With all these things swirling through my mind, I began to hear a car. I turned my head and didn't see any headlights (peddle faster, peddle faster!!!). The car swooshes by me. Oh thank goodness. Then, I hear another car. Oh, good grief. I'm still not out of this tunnel!! I thought at this point, death by bear would be better than being a hood ornament. Swoosh, they go by me. Once I made it out of the tunnel, the last vehicle had stopped right there at one of the scene overlooks. I yelled and waved, "thanks for not killing me!" The driver started laughing and said, "No problem! Keep riding!"
So, I keep peddling. I eventually catch up to Mike from FDNY EMS. I started to ride in front of him when all of a sudden a coyote ran across the road. (More 'good griefs' and more wondering of who exactly had this fantastic idea to take this huge detour into the park!!). I eventually heard last night that someone saw a small black bear as well on their ride up. As I got farther and farther up this beast, the temperature began to drop, the winds began to pick up, and the skies began to get dark. I had two support vehicles pull up along me and warn me of the changing weather. They asked me I wanted to get in and I said I'd stop when someone told me to or if it started to rain. Five miles from the top (ten miles into this thing), I took my moment rest. I tried twice to get back on the bike and physically could not due to the steepness of the hill. I had also stopped so long that my legs just couldn't go anymore and then it began to rain. Tommy and Jason of Johnson City EMS of Tennessee eventually found me and brought me to the top.
Getting to the top and being able to look out over Virginia, is quite accomplishing. We were all extremely fatigued.....
So far, we've biked at about a 13mph pace. As Carl from Maine explained, you go up the hill at about 5mph and down the hill at about 25mph and it all evens out to about 13mph. Which, considering the hills we have been encountering and the mileage we have been racking up, that is a pretty good little pace. I was at about a 13mph pace until mile 65 yesterday which was in Sperryville, Virginia. Our rest stop at mile 65 was Sperryville EMS/FD. Sperryville is a small town just outside of the park with some really great people! They put together a great rest stop, thank you! I got off my bike here and just rested on the ground. In retrospect, I have not been hydrating or eating enough (yes, I should know better) and it all caught up with me last night. I iced my back at this stop and did a lot of eating/drinking to get ready for our twenty miles to the top of Lewis Mountain. I'm so happy no one actually referred to that climb as an actual mountain. It wasn't until I was in our room where I saw the paperwork saying, "Welcome to Lewis Mountain...." Anyhow, from the rest stop, we started on our journey. I was riding for a bit with Ben from Maine. Shortly after leaving the stop, he asked me, so what songs are we going to sing to each other to get us up to the top?" I said, "I'm not sure either one of us is going to have enough lung capacity to sing."
Once we started the climb, I had a 5mph pace with 15 miles ahead of me. I stopped after 30 minutes to just have something quick to drink and eat. After that for the next two hours, I stopped every fifteen minutes. And to clarify, I and others rode for 2-3 hours at a 5mph pace. If you see the photos, there is a short tunnel you have to travel through. It was completely PITCH BLACK inside the tunnel. I was peddling my little heart out to get to the other end and hoping my wheel wouldn't catch anything I couldn't see or that there wasn't some monster waiting to eat me inside of this thing. With all these things swirling through my mind, I began to hear a car. I turned my head and didn't see any headlights (peddle faster, peddle faster!!!). The car swooshes by me. Oh thank goodness. Then, I hear another car. Oh, good grief. I'm still not out of this tunnel!! I thought at this point, death by bear would be better than being a hood ornament. Swoosh, they go by me. Once I made it out of the tunnel, the last vehicle had stopped right there at one of the scene overlooks. I yelled and waved, "thanks for not killing me!" The driver started laughing and said, "No problem! Keep riding!"
So, I keep peddling. I eventually catch up to Mike from FDNY EMS. I started to ride in front of him when all of a sudden a coyote ran across the road. (More 'good griefs' and more wondering of who exactly had this fantastic idea to take this huge detour into the park!!). I eventually heard last night that someone saw a small black bear as well on their ride up. As I got farther and farther up this beast, the temperature began to drop, the winds began to pick up, and the skies began to get dark. I had two support vehicles pull up along me and warn me of the changing weather. They asked me I wanted to get in and I said I'd stop when someone told me to or if it started to rain. Five miles from the top (ten miles into this thing), I took my moment rest. I tried twice to get back on the bike and physically could not due to the steepness of the hill. I had also stopped so long that my legs just couldn't go anymore and then it began to rain. Tommy and Jason of Johnson City EMS of Tennessee eventually found me and brought me to the top.
Getting to the top and being able to look out over Virginia, is quite accomplishing. We were all extremely fatigued.....
From the Office of Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett
Members of the Austin-Travis County EMS met with Congressman Lloyd Doggett during a stop in Washington on the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride. Austin-Travis EMS joined paramedics from across the Nation in a 7-day, 600-mile memorial bike ride in honor of paramedics and first responders who have died in the line of duty. Austin-Travis EMS rode in honor of Eric C. Hanson, a paramedic for Marble Falls EMS, who died in the line of duty in October 2006. Congressman Doggett, whose recent bike accident resulted in a trip to the emergency room, said “As both a supporter and a recent patient of Austin-Travis EMS, I can attest to the skill and professionalism of our paramedics and first responders, and will continue to support their efforts to uphold the health and safety of our community.” (L-R, Mark Hawkins, Geoff Winslow, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Susan Erwin, T.J. Callis, Tree Marsoobian)
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Day 5: Manassa, Virginia to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
This is Matt, Tree's boyfriend! Tree does not have access to the Internet tonight but wanted me to make a quick post to keep everyone updated.
The team rode about 75 miles today and ended up at the top of a mountain in Shenandoah National Park. It was a very rough ride and most of the riders stopped before the main climb. Tree toughed it out until she could not take it anymore about 5 miles before the end. She got a ride to their bungalow and is hopefully sleeping soundly right now.
The team is staying "above the clouds" in the park and it is in the 30s tonight! Everyone on the Austin team is doing well but all are tired and happy to be off their bikes for the night.
Tree said that she will blog tomorrow to tell you about day 6 of the ride! I personally admire Tree and the entire team's dedication! You are amazing! Hang in there - our thoughts and love are with you!
The team rode about 75 miles today and ended up at the top of a mountain in Shenandoah National Park. It was a very rough ride and most of the riders stopped before the main climb. Tree toughed it out until she could not take it anymore about 5 miles before the end. She got a ride to their bungalow and is hopefully sleeping soundly right now.
The team is staying "above the clouds" in the park and it is in the 30s tonight! Everyone on the Austin team is doing well but all are tired and happy to be off their bikes for the night.
Tree said that she will blog tomorrow to tell you about day 6 of the ride! I personally admire Tree and the entire team's dedication! You are amazing! Hang in there - our thoughts and love are with you!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Day 4 Annapolis, Maryland to Manassa, Virginia 65 miles (but really 30)... Tree
Four days down, three to go… As usual, the day started with my alarm going off at 5am. With less than six hours of sleep, that little pill from last night left me unable to operate heavy machinery. Luckily, Susan told me that the team was staying behind at the hotel so that we could dress and head over to the Capitol and meet Texas Congressman Lloyd Doggett. Unfortunately, two vehicles were broken into last night in the hotel parking lot. All that was stolen were two GPS units and one cell phone – easily replaceable!! The bad news is that this stuff was stolen but the good news is that the news picked up on the story and apparently we were in the news several times today. So much so that a woman driving a car started honking while we were riding. Gary, one of the riders from Ireland, stopped to talk to her. The rest of the story which I heard secondhand is that she first asked him if he was with the EMS bike ride (yes!) and then said she had seen us on the news and how fabulous and proud she was to have heard about the ride… This wonderful woman just started going on and on and complimenting Gary on the ride and how great it was and asked about where she could donate money. Can you believe that??!!!
The ride did only 30 miles today. The weather was a high of in the 60’s with scattered showers. Oh, and the hills. Yes, there were plenty of hills. Hills, hills, and more hills. Traffic lights at the bottom of hills, traffic lights at the top of hills, traffic lights in the middle of hills. The hills were everywhere. Yay, hills! Not only were there hills but there was plenty of wind on top of riding the whole day with a very narrow shoulder and LOTS of traffic. (For a cyclist, this is called character building!) Mark and I only got to do the last twenty miles due to our visit at the Capitol. The rest of the bike ride participated in a special ceremony on the Capitol grounds (photos of that in the future, I hope…). Team Texas met up with the lobby group EMS Advocates. There is a bill right now in Congress extending benefits to line of duty deaths to EMS personnel of non-municipal agencies (e.g. private EMS services, hospital based services, and volunteer squads). Kurt and Lisa Myer of the lobby group graciously locked our two bikes in their office as we walked over to meet Congressman Lloyd Doggett. This was a huge honor for the team and we are so thankful we had this opportunity. He met us outside of the Capitol due to the fact he was in a recent bicycle accident while crossing railroad tracks (behind Medic 6 in Austin!). Unfortunately, he broke his leg in the accident. He even gave a huge kudos to Austin/Travis County EMS paramedics Bill Needles and Elizabeth Campbell on their excellent care!!! Way to go, Bill and Eli! While we were meeting him, Team Maine was invited to meet a Maine Senator! They were taken inside the Capitol and had a little mini tour!
So, as you can imagine body parts are really getting sore. (Huge understatement). Even sitting in this chair is a bit uncomfortable. Hands, neck, shoulders, back, toes, you name it, it is sore. There are a quite a bit of biker anatomical issues that begin to arise after being on a 8 inch by 4 inch saddle for six hours a day several days in a row. There are various creams and ointments that must be applied in various personal areas before riding, during riding, and after riding. As you are plugging along, hill after hill, mile after mile, you talk to your new friends (you can start with when you were born because I did say six hours a day on a bike), you think about why you are riding and mostly you consider the sacrifice individuals like Joe, Allan, and Eric have made in the name of EMS. You also think of EMTs and paramedics like Kyla that only five months after becoming a paramedic, she became permanently disabled from an accident probably to not return to working on ambulance again after three years of paramedic school. So, our small sacrifice of this one week is small… Very small…. You look forward to that massage when you get done with the ride and you are back to home… These individuals I speak of, don’t get that. I really hope I am making sense, we are all quite exhausted, myself included.
We have 65 miles ahead of us tomorrow with the last fifteen miles or so being a 3,000 foot climb. Susan is having a meeting in our room right now about working out a bunch of logistics of making it easier on the riders to climb this mountain, not only nutritionally but also motivationally. This is a fine example of how great our support team is!!!!
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to post comments and read the blog everyday! David, of Rainbows Raiders of Ohio, told me last night at dinner that his wife told him that she enjoys our site better than theirs (lol!). Then, tonight at dinner, he told me that his wife is so impressed with the site she forwarded the address to everyone back home. Rainbows Raiders is a special team to me, very dear and close to my heart. I met a flight medic last year at the Memorial, Warren Anderson of Ohio – his kindness, empathy, and selflessness is quite rare. He and I have kept in touch over the past year. He began to go to the Memorial when his partner, Kelly, was killed in the line of duty, when the helicopter she was in crashed. Warren and I have become very close and as much as I have encouraged him to do the ride (Warren, are you reading this?!), he gave me instead three fabulous new friends!!
Thank you to Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad for a fabulous dinner!!! It was great meeting you all tonight and touring your station!!!
Be safe out there!
The ride did only 30 miles today. The weather was a high of in the 60’s with scattered showers. Oh, and the hills. Yes, there were plenty of hills. Hills, hills, and more hills. Traffic lights at the bottom of hills, traffic lights at the top of hills, traffic lights in the middle of hills. The hills were everywhere. Yay, hills! Not only were there hills but there was plenty of wind on top of riding the whole day with a very narrow shoulder and LOTS of traffic. (For a cyclist, this is called character building!) Mark and I only got to do the last twenty miles due to our visit at the Capitol. The rest of the bike ride participated in a special ceremony on the Capitol grounds (photos of that in the future, I hope…). Team Texas met up with the lobby group EMS Advocates. There is a bill right now in Congress extending benefits to line of duty deaths to EMS personnel of non-municipal agencies (e.g. private EMS services, hospital based services, and volunteer squads). Kurt and Lisa Myer of the lobby group graciously locked our two bikes in their office as we walked over to meet Congressman Lloyd Doggett. This was a huge honor for the team and we are so thankful we had this opportunity. He met us outside of the Capitol due to the fact he was in a recent bicycle accident while crossing railroad tracks (behind Medic 6 in Austin!). Unfortunately, he broke his leg in the accident. He even gave a huge kudos to Austin/Travis County EMS paramedics Bill Needles and Elizabeth Campbell on their excellent care!!! Way to go, Bill and Eli! While we were meeting him, Team Maine was invited to meet a Maine Senator! They were taken inside the Capitol and had a little mini tour!
So, as you can imagine body parts are really getting sore. (Huge understatement). Even sitting in this chair is a bit uncomfortable. Hands, neck, shoulders, back, toes, you name it, it is sore. There are a quite a bit of biker anatomical issues that begin to arise after being on a 8 inch by 4 inch saddle for six hours a day several days in a row. There are various creams and ointments that must be applied in various personal areas before riding, during riding, and after riding. As you are plugging along, hill after hill, mile after mile, you talk to your new friends (you can start with when you were born because I did say six hours a day on a bike), you think about why you are riding and mostly you consider the sacrifice individuals like Joe, Allan, and Eric have made in the name of EMS. You also think of EMTs and paramedics like Kyla that only five months after becoming a paramedic, she became permanently disabled from an accident probably to not return to working on ambulance again after three years of paramedic school. So, our small sacrifice of this one week is small… Very small…. You look forward to that massage when you get done with the ride and you are back to home… These individuals I speak of, don’t get that. I really hope I am making sense, we are all quite exhausted, myself included.
We have 65 miles ahead of us tomorrow with the last fifteen miles or so being a 3,000 foot climb. Susan is having a meeting in our room right now about working out a bunch of logistics of making it easier on the riders to climb this mountain, not only nutritionally but also motivationally. This is a fine example of how great our support team is!!!!
Thanks to everyone for taking the time to post comments and read the blog everyday! David, of Rainbows Raiders of Ohio, told me last night at dinner that his wife told him that she enjoys our site better than theirs (lol!). Then, tonight at dinner, he told me that his wife is so impressed with the site she forwarded the address to everyone back home. Rainbows Raiders is a special team to me, very dear and close to my heart. I met a flight medic last year at the Memorial, Warren Anderson of Ohio – his kindness, empathy, and selflessness is quite rare. He and I have kept in touch over the past year. He began to go to the Memorial when his partner, Kelly, was killed in the line of duty, when the helicopter she was in crashed. Warren and I have become very close and as much as I have encouraged him to do the ride (Warren, are you reading this?!), he gave me instead three fabulous new friends!!
Thank you to Manassas Volunteer Rescue Squad for a fabulous dinner!!! It was great meeting you all tonight and touring your station!!!
Be safe out there!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Day 3 Wilmington, Delaware to Annapolis, Maryland, 80 miles... Tree
What a day.... 80 miles through the hills of Maryland with a high of 63 degrees and winds gusting 20-30 mph. (Not fun). Day 1 and day 2, my back was really getting sore. Today, with the help of many, my back was doing great, as well were my legs. After of about 30 miles of pulling another rider through all this, I was beat! Honestly, I'm not sure how I did every mile of this day following the last two days. This day feels like we actually did about 110 miles because of the winds. And, it was never at our backs, always a crosswind or headwind. When it was a crosswind, my back was being thrown about a foot from where I was trying to ride. As a headwind, I often had to get into a lower gear even going downhill. That is so not right!!!!
The end of the day, we arrived in Annapolis to a huge reception (see photos)!! Thank you so much, Annapolis! Tomorrow is our final big arrival before Roanoke -- in Washington DC. Team Texas must get pulled off the course and get dressed into our uniforms to meet Lloyd Doggett in his office. Of all the 24 states being represented, Lloyd Doggett was the only politician to respond to the Bike Ride's invite!!!
Thank you to everyone for your sweet emails, texts, and voicemails! I try to write when I can -- we wake up at 5am, hit the road at 7am, and if we are lucky, get to the hotel on our bikes by 7pm. Then there is unloading all of our luggage, checking into the hotel, showering, and dinner. Everyone has been so supportive -- it is noticed and appreciated!! The team sends their best!! Geoff and TJ are doing a great job of supporting the ride -- I get many compliments on their hard work from the other riders. And, Susan is fabulous!! She has stayed off her bike for physical reasons and also to be the ride director. The riders are also impressed by all her hard work! All the support staff just makes the riders job that much easier. Yay, support!
Off to bed... I haven't been sleeping well so with the aid of a little tiny pill and some earplugs, hopefully I can get some much needed rest. I'm fully lathered with my muscle rub and the pillows are calling my name.
Justin of Maine... we miss you!!!!!!
Amy, we and Team Maine are riding strong for your dad. We were deeply saddened when we heard of his accident and we are all looking forward to meeting you and your family in Roanoke.
Mike, keep peddling in Austin -- I'm thinking of you and you know Eric is watching over you.
.... Not only do we have to check trailers before we start riding after a rest stop but now we need to check the bathrooms. Shane of Tennessee got left behind at one of the last rest stops today!!!! (When everyone leaves and there is a bike just laying there... something has gone amiss!)...
be safe and thanks!!! we miss you!!!!!!!! ... keep doing the rain dance, tomorrow we have an 80% chance of rain with a high of 72. Riding today, we kept saying to each other it could be worse, it could have been raining. So, today the winds, tomorrow the rain. But, we keep going....
The end of the day, we arrived in Annapolis to a huge reception (see photos)!! Thank you so much, Annapolis! Tomorrow is our final big arrival before Roanoke -- in Washington DC. Team Texas must get pulled off the course and get dressed into our uniforms to meet Lloyd Doggett in his office. Of all the 24 states being represented, Lloyd Doggett was the only politician to respond to the Bike Ride's invite!!!
Thank you to everyone for your sweet emails, texts, and voicemails! I try to write when I can -- we wake up at 5am, hit the road at 7am, and if we are lucky, get to the hotel on our bikes by 7pm. Then there is unloading all of our luggage, checking into the hotel, showering, and dinner. Everyone has been so supportive -- it is noticed and appreciated!! The team sends their best!! Geoff and TJ are doing a great job of supporting the ride -- I get many compliments on their hard work from the other riders. And, Susan is fabulous!! She has stayed off her bike for physical reasons and also to be the ride director. The riders are also impressed by all her hard work! All the support staff just makes the riders job that much easier. Yay, support!
Off to bed... I haven't been sleeping well so with the aid of a little tiny pill and some earplugs, hopefully I can get some much needed rest. I'm fully lathered with my muscle rub and the pillows are calling my name.
Justin of Maine... we miss you!!!!!!
Amy, we and Team Maine are riding strong for your dad. We were deeply saddened when we heard of his accident and we are all looking forward to meeting you and your family in Roanoke.
Mike, keep peddling in Austin -- I'm thinking of you and you know Eric is watching over you.
.... Not only do we have to check trailers before we start riding after a rest stop but now we need to check the bathrooms. Shane of Tennessee got left behind at one of the last rest stops today!!!! (When everyone leaves and there is a bike just laying there... something has gone amiss!)...
be safe and thanks!!! we miss you!!!!!!!! ... keep doing the rain dance, tomorrow we have an 80% chance of rain with a high of 72. Riding today, we kept saying to each other it could be worse, it could have been raining. So, today the winds, tomorrow the rain. But, we keep going....
Sunday, May 18, 2008
You won't believe this... Tree
Today as I jumped into the Northstar truck after calling it quits in the rain, Blainne jumps in, as well on the other side of the backseat. He says, "did you hear your phone ringing?" I said, "no, not between that wind and rain! Why, what's up?!" He said, "I was locked in the trailer!" A mile back, as we left Philadelphia, Blainne was in their trailer grabbing Carl's bike (all of Team Maine) so that Carl could ride as Blainne was going to sit this leg out. Blainne said the next thing he knew, Carl grabbed his bike and soon after, the doors closed and locked. Blainne started pounding on the doors yelling at Carl to quit what he thought was a joke. Soon after, he heard the truck start. Oh, oh. Then, the procession began to move again. He gave up banging as all the emergency vehicle escorts started their sirens and airhorns. Of course, it was completely dark inside the trailer but Blainne finally found his phone even with a bunch of luggage and bike gear falling on him. He called Dave Page from Minnesota who was also riding (but always answers his phone) but after seven tries, he stopped (no answer). Then he tried me, no luck. Then, he found Mike Potasso's phone number (of FDNY). Finally! Mike was not riding today so he knew he'd get a hold of him. On the fourth try, he finally got a hold of him. Blainne said, "Tell the Northstar truck to stop, I'm locked in the trailer!" Mike pauses and says, "you're locked in the trailer?!" Then, Blainne hears laughing in the background and into the phone. Blainne (in his Massachusetts accent) says, "IT'S NOT FUNNY!" And in his thick New York accent, Mike says, "Yes it is!"
Hahahahahahahaha!!!! Aaaaaahhhhhh.... Well, I guess you had to be there....
Hahahahahahahaha!!!! Aaaaaahhhhhh.... Well, I guess you had to be there....
Day 2 Princeton, NJ to Wilmington, Delaware 95 miles (sort of)... Tree
As much as you guys did your rain dances, it still poured on us today ('A' for effort, right?!). We left Princeton with beautiful weather. Our major stops today included Bucks County, PA and Phily. In Bucks County, we stopped at the Garden of Remembrance for a ceremony by local EMS and FD officials as well as their honor guard. At every ceremony at our various stops, three of the Minnesota students dress in their uniforms and read the names of the inductees. There are two individuals from that area that are being inducted in this year's Memorial and both of their families were in attendance. The Garden was built after the events of 9/11 for ALL the lives that were lost. In the photos, you can see the glass plates that line the walkway around the fountain. All the names of those lost are written on these plates. There was also a helicopter flyover, also in the photos.
From here, we rode on to Philadelphia. And, as expected since Friday, it began to rain. We arrived at Independence Park where many agencies across the state were present as well as various EMS and FD officials from the state, as well. We actually arrived there EARLY (yay! that means extra time to RELAX, eat, drink, go to the bathroom...). The ceremony was beautiful and moving. About a half a dozen Phily paramedics rode with us on their MOUNTAIN bikes. After the ceremony, the rain really began to come down. The ride organizers really wanted to shut down the course at this point but they let us continue riding the next 11 miles until Collingdale FD (Philly was mile 55). I rode one mile into the rain. Several people boarded vehicles at the park and did not attempt it. I thought I'd give it my best shot with the encouragement of a new friend. After a mile, once we got away from the downtown area of Philly, the wind was not being blocked anymore. Between the heavy rain and winds, I called it a day. It is so hard to get off the bike when your legs are still strong but I, and many others after me, decided it just wasn't worth the safety risk. The ride officially closed for the day. The good news is that the next five days are supposed to beautiful!
A big thanks to Tinicum FD for providing us a great rest stop, shelter from the rain, towels, hot drinks, and a dryer!! You guys rock!!!
Before I go any further, I really want to thank Geoff and TJ for their hardwork. They have been a huge help to the riders, keeping us safe throughout the route. It is great that they are not cyclists but offered the ride one of their passions.
When I first met Rita and Harlin Hanson, it was at their son's funeral. I had never imagined they would become such a huge part of my life. Many of you know that I heard about this bike ride during the week of his funeral when I was reading some back issues of the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS). Steve Berry has a regular column as well as cartoon in the magazine and one particular issue, he wrote about the bike ride. Before I was even done with the article, I knew this was something I was going to do to honor Eric. Line of duty deaths are not frequent in Central Texas or for Texas. Eric was an incredible individual and had an amazing future ahead of him being a paramedic. He decided to be a paramedic after 9/11 when he did some research that there was a nationwide shortage of paramedics. It is quite ironic that I am now riding side by side by many of the EMTs and paramedics of FDNY EMS that served our country then. Rita and Harlin have continually amazed me by their strength. They have supported the bike team without hesitation. We are honored to be here representing Eric, their family, Marble Falls Area EMS, and all of Central Texas including Austin/Travis County EMS. To give you an idea of what Rita is like, at Eric's funeral, as his casket was about to be lowered, she stopped the ceremony and thanked all the emergency workers for the sacrifice we make everyday we come to work, how we care and take care of citizens that are strangers to us, and blessed us to always be safe. In a conversation many months later, Rita was telling me of how when she sees a paramedic out in public, she goes up to them and gives them a big hug. Harlin made a joke that if Eric was an accountant, it would probably not be the same to hug a stranger like that in public. (I smile to myself just thinking of Rita doing this....).
It is true that EMS/Fire/Police are unique professions. I decided to be a paramedic because I was interested in practicing medicine and working on an ambulance. Working behind a desk 9 to 5 was not for me. I'm sure there are not many paramedics that got into EMS because of the brother/sisterhood it is -- that is NOT on the paramedic brochure but something that is realized once you are years into your career. In EMT and paramedic school, there is a prevailing theme reiterated semester after semester, and even afterwards when you are working for an agency: SAFETY. The first thing an EMT or paramedic ever does when they get on scene is something called SCENE SAFETY. You are taught that is first and foremost and by far the most important thing you could ever do. I remember in paramedic and EMT school (I think it was the first day...) being asked by one of our instructors, "whose safety is the most important?" Long pause... From the class you heard, "the patient." Wrong. The instructor answered, "You are. You are your number one priority ALWAYS." Your partner is your second priority and your patient is your third.
Being a paramedic is dangerous. As is fire fighting, as is being a police officer. That is something else you don't consider very much when you get into this career. We all wish there was not an EMS Memorial. No one in my paramedic class ever imagined that not a year and a half after graduation, that we would be at one of our classmate's funeral. I've met the families inducted last year and have read about the individuals being inducted this year. EMTs and paramedics that died from everything from heart attacks to a partner that fell asleep driving the ambulance. They are heroes. You don't think when you come to work that there is a chance you may not return or that you may return but so severely injured you will never work in your profession again. But, we do this, all the time, to serve the public, to keep them healthy and safe. The individuals made the ultimate sacrifice, they gave their life doing what they loved and did best, serving their community.
Eric was moved by all the first responders that died in 9/11. That they rushed in when they knew they were walking into this country's largest terrorist events. I cried today as his name was read in Philadelphia. He died doing what drove him to be a paramedic. This morning, I wrote on the piece of paper that has my rider number, "In memory of Eric and in honor of Kyla." You ride for everyone but thinking of those words on my back, pushes me just a bit harder and maybe for the person behind me, it does the same.
Goodnight and be safe out there...
From here, we rode on to Philadelphia. And, as expected since Friday, it began to rain. We arrived at Independence Park where many agencies across the state were present as well as various EMS and FD officials from the state, as well. We actually arrived there EARLY (yay! that means extra time to RELAX, eat, drink, go to the bathroom...). The ceremony was beautiful and moving. About a half a dozen Phily paramedics rode with us on their MOUNTAIN bikes. After the ceremony, the rain really began to come down. The ride organizers really wanted to shut down the course at this point but they let us continue riding the next 11 miles until Collingdale FD (Philly was mile 55). I rode one mile into the rain. Several people boarded vehicles at the park and did not attempt it. I thought I'd give it my best shot with the encouragement of a new friend. After a mile, once we got away from the downtown area of Philly, the wind was not being blocked anymore. Between the heavy rain and winds, I called it a day. It is so hard to get off the bike when your legs are still strong but I, and many others after me, decided it just wasn't worth the safety risk. The ride officially closed for the day. The good news is that the next five days are supposed to beautiful!
A big thanks to Tinicum FD for providing us a great rest stop, shelter from the rain, towels, hot drinks, and a dryer!! You guys rock!!!
Before I go any further, I really want to thank Geoff and TJ for their hardwork. They have been a huge help to the riders, keeping us safe throughout the route. It is great that they are not cyclists but offered the ride one of their passions.
When I first met Rita and Harlin Hanson, it was at their son's funeral. I had never imagined they would become such a huge part of my life. Many of you know that I heard about this bike ride during the week of his funeral when I was reading some back issues of the Journal of Emergency Medical Services (JEMS). Steve Berry has a regular column as well as cartoon in the magazine and one particular issue, he wrote about the bike ride. Before I was even done with the article, I knew this was something I was going to do to honor Eric. Line of duty deaths are not frequent in Central Texas or for Texas. Eric was an incredible individual and had an amazing future ahead of him being a paramedic. He decided to be a paramedic after 9/11 when he did some research that there was a nationwide shortage of paramedics. It is quite ironic that I am now riding side by side by many of the EMTs and paramedics of FDNY EMS that served our country then. Rita and Harlin have continually amazed me by their strength. They have supported the bike team without hesitation. We are honored to be here representing Eric, their family, Marble Falls Area EMS, and all of Central Texas including Austin/Travis County EMS. To give you an idea of what Rita is like, at Eric's funeral, as his casket was about to be lowered, she stopped the ceremony and thanked all the emergency workers for the sacrifice we make everyday we come to work, how we care and take care of citizens that are strangers to us, and blessed us to always be safe. In a conversation many months later, Rita was telling me of how when she sees a paramedic out in public, she goes up to them and gives them a big hug. Harlin made a joke that if Eric was an accountant, it would probably not be the same to hug a stranger like that in public. (I smile to myself just thinking of Rita doing this....).
It is true that EMS/Fire/Police are unique professions. I decided to be a paramedic because I was interested in practicing medicine and working on an ambulance. Working behind a desk 9 to 5 was not for me. I'm sure there are not many paramedics that got into EMS because of the brother/sisterhood it is -- that is NOT on the paramedic brochure but something that is realized once you are years into your career. In EMT and paramedic school, there is a prevailing theme reiterated semester after semester, and even afterwards when you are working for an agency: SAFETY. The first thing an EMT or paramedic ever does when they get on scene is something called SCENE SAFETY. You are taught that is first and foremost and by far the most important thing you could ever do. I remember in paramedic and EMT school (I think it was the first day...) being asked by one of our instructors, "whose safety is the most important?" Long pause... From the class you heard, "the patient." Wrong. The instructor answered, "You are. You are your number one priority ALWAYS." Your partner is your second priority and your patient is your third.
Being a paramedic is dangerous. As is fire fighting, as is being a police officer. That is something else you don't consider very much when you get into this career. We all wish there was not an EMS Memorial. No one in my paramedic class ever imagined that not a year and a half after graduation, that we would be at one of our classmate's funeral. I've met the families inducted last year and have read about the individuals being inducted this year. EMTs and paramedics that died from everything from heart attacks to a partner that fell asleep driving the ambulance. They are heroes. You don't think when you come to work that there is a chance you may not return or that you may return but so severely injured you will never work in your profession again. But, we do this, all the time, to serve the public, to keep them healthy and safe. The individuals made the ultimate sacrifice, they gave their life doing what they loved and did best, serving their community.
Eric was moved by all the first responders that died in 9/11. That they rushed in when they knew they were walking into this country's largest terrorist events. I cried today as his name was read in Philadelphia. He died doing what drove him to be a paramedic. This morning, I wrote on the piece of paper that has my rider number, "In memory of Eric and in honor of Kyla." You ride for everyone but thinking of those words on my back, pushes me just a bit harder and maybe for the person behind me, it does the same.
Goodnight and be safe out there...
New Links Added to "Our Favorite Places"
Please check out under "Our Favorite Places" on the right sidebar two new links: Northstar EMS of Maine (Team Maine) Blog and Steve Berry's "I'm Not An Ambulance Driver" websites!!!
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