With the ride behind us we are heading home. We are currently heading south somewhere in North Carolina. While it will be a long day of driving we know each mile brings us closer to home. I thought I would make this one last entry to share the official Muddy Angels numbers with you:
Total Riders: 117
Total Miles: 546
Total Feet Climbed: 36,000
Grades Climbed: Slight to WHAT WERE WE THINKING!!
Total States of Ride: 10 - Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia.
We will see you all soon.
John
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Ride Day 7 We Have Finished!!!
Our last day, and what a day of riding it was. We began at Gettysburg FD where we were escorted through the streets of Gettysburg. As if this were not enough VIP treatment, special permission was obtained to allow us to parade through the Gettysburg Battlefield.
We entered the site of this horrific Civil War battle where thousands of men lost their lives. As usual, the ride began with the friendly chatter of every ride morning, but once we entered this site and saw the battlements and monuments everyone fell silent. The only sounds that could be heard were the click of gear changes and the buzz of free hubs. We processed through the entire battlefield that is accessible by road and then continued on our journey.
Once our travels through the battle site were complete when proceeded out of the city and into the countryside. Once out of the city, guess what we found…I’m sure you guessed it…MORE HILLS! We traveled the back roads of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The views were spectacular. It is amazing how rolling the landscape is in this part of the country. It also makes for some very challenging riding, particularly for us “flat landers” as we have been called by those from mountain states.
During our travels we came to the small Maryland town of Taneytown. The folks at Taneytown rolled out the red carpet for us. We were provided with food and water along with a brief ceremony where the Mayor of the town proclaimed May 21, 2010 “Muddy Angels Day”; additionally, the Mayor had a proclamation from the Governor that proclaimed the day “National EMS Memorial Ride Day” for the state.
The day continued on with climb after climb. It was a very challenging day as the mileage was 103 miles for the day. At the end of the day we saw our final destination coming into view as we rode through our nation’s capitol. We continued on to our ultimate destination Alexandria Virginia.
We were met at the city limits by police escort and paraded through the streets of Alexandria. We arrived in town around 7 pm and being Friday night the streets were packed with people. As we rode through everyone stopped and applauded and cheered. As we approached our hotel we could see a huge crowd gathered. We paraded under the American flag which was flying from aerial trucks and crossed the finish line to the sounds of cheers and a full pipe and drum corps from New York City. The sounds of the bagpipes and drums gave us chills and provided for an awesome finish.
At the end of the day we were exhausted. We had completed a journey of 542 miles crossing ten states. We undertook this task to honor and remember our fallen friend David Deland. While this ride is complete the job of EMS is not, and never will be. We will continue to lose good friends, but we will always remember them.
We want to thank all of our donors who made this trip possible. We want to thank the people of Lake – Sumter EMS who have supported and followed us. But, most importantly, we want to thank our families, for without your support we could have never accomplished this feat.
John
We entered the site of this horrific Civil War battle where thousands of men lost their lives. As usual, the ride began with the friendly chatter of every ride morning, but once we entered this site and saw the battlements and monuments everyone fell silent. The only sounds that could be heard were the click of gear changes and the buzz of free hubs. We processed through the entire battlefield that is accessible by road and then continued on our journey.
Once our travels through the battle site were complete when proceeded out of the city and into the countryside. Once out of the city, guess what we found…I’m sure you guessed it…MORE HILLS! We traveled the back roads of Pennsylvania and Maryland. The views were spectacular. It is amazing how rolling the landscape is in this part of the country. It also makes for some very challenging riding, particularly for us “flat landers” as we have been called by those from mountain states.
During our travels we came to the small Maryland town of Taneytown. The folks at Taneytown rolled out the red carpet for us. We were provided with food and water along with a brief ceremony where the Mayor of the town proclaimed May 21, 2010 “Muddy Angels Day”; additionally, the Mayor had a proclamation from the Governor that proclaimed the day “National EMS Memorial Ride Day” for the state.
The day continued on with climb after climb. It was a very challenging day as the mileage was 103 miles for the day. At the end of the day we saw our final destination coming into view as we rode through our nation’s capitol. We continued on to our ultimate destination Alexandria Virginia.
We were met at the city limits by police escort and paraded through the streets of Alexandria. We arrived in town around 7 pm and being Friday night the streets were packed with people. As we rode through everyone stopped and applauded and cheered. As we approached our hotel we could see a huge crowd gathered. We paraded under the American flag which was flying from aerial trucks and crossed the finish line to the sounds of cheers and a full pipe and drum corps from New York City. The sounds of the bagpipes and drums gave us chills and provided for an awesome finish.
At the end of the day we were exhausted. We had completed a journey of 542 miles crossing ten states. We undertook this task to honor and remember our fallen friend David Deland. While this ride is complete the job of EMS is not, and never will be. We will continue to lose good friends, but we will always remember them.
We want to thank all of our donors who made this trip possible. We want to thank the people of Lake – Sumter EMS who have supported and followed us. But, most importantly, we want to thank our families, for without your support we could have never accomplished this feat.
John
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Ride Day 6
Wow what a day of riding! We traveled the city of Newark, Delaware and then the back roads of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The route was made up of mile after mile of beautiful rolling farmland.
Our route took us through 87 miles of challenging hills. These came one right after another, with each one seeming to be larger and steeper than the last. After climbing these hills, Sugarloaf Mountain…we laugh at you, ha ha ha!
In addition to the beautiful rolling hills, we crossed the Susquehanna River by riding the bikes across the Conowingo Dam. While it is not an enormous dam, it certainly was interesting to take the bikes across.
As with our prior days of riding, we received very warm welcomes everywhere we went. At the end of the day, we rode into Gettysburg, where Gettysburg FD escorted us into and through the city. When we arrived at Gettysburg FD, we were greeted by an enormous American flag being flown between two aerial trucks, which the entire group processed under to enter the station. Gettysburg FD then hosted a touching memorial service and dinner for all of the riders.
It’s hard to believe that we completed Day 6 of riding today. We have ridden over 430 miles over the past six days and will complete the ride tomorrow. Our journey will end in Alexandria, Virginia where we will be holding closing ceremonies.
We are excited to get started on the final leg, which will begin very soon.
John
Our route took us through 87 miles of challenging hills. These came one right after another, with each one seeming to be larger and steeper than the last. After climbing these hills, Sugarloaf Mountain…we laugh at you, ha ha ha!
In addition to the beautiful rolling hills, we crossed the Susquehanna River by riding the bikes across the Conowingo Dam. While it is not an enormous dam, it certainly was interesting to take the bikes across.
As with our prior days of riding, we received very warm welcomes everywhere we went. At the end of the day, we rode into Gettysburg, where Gettysburg FD escorted us into and through the city. When we arrived at Gettysburg FD, we were greeted by an enormous American flag being flown between two aerial trucks, which the entire group processed under to enter the station. Gettysburg FD then hosted a touching memorial service and dinner for all of the riders.
It’s hard to believe that we completed Day 6 of riding today. We have ridden over 430 miles over the past six days and will complete the ride tomorrow. Our journey will end in Alexandria, Virginia where we will be holding closing ceremonies.
We are excited to get started on the final leg, which will begin very soon.
John
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Ride Day 5
New Jersey to Pennsylvania to Delaware, what a beautiful trip. Like many of you, I have spent a lot of time traveling the interstates of our country, and my experiences of cities through which I pass are just that, a quick pass. The views from the interstate are usually very rural and industrial. This has always been my impression of New Jersey. Today however, all that changed.
We began our ride in Princeton, New Jersey. The city made famous by its Ivy League college. Our route took us passed part of the college with its groomed lawns and stately buildings. We then headed out into the country side to ride the rural roads. Seeing this part of the state with its rolling hills, lakes, and rivers really changed the image of New Jersey that we had in our minds. If you have never seen this part of the state take the opportunity to do so. Of course, seeing it from the saddle of a bike cannot be beat. It allows you to slow down and to really appreciate the world around you. It also reminds you of how small you are when you are buzzed by a large truck…but that is another story.
From New Jersey we crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. We crossed the river in Washington Crossing State Park, so named because George Washington crossed the Delaware River at this very same point. The bridge that we used is so narrow that two cars barely pass each other, so they have built a small extension for bikes to be walked over the river. This was the first time that I had to get off and walk my bike or get a ticket. Yes, you will get a ticket if you ride across the bridge.
Once in Pennsylvania, we rode the rolling hills of the countryside. As we left the rural areas and entered the townships we were so impressed by all of the fire departments, rescue squads, and law enforcement agencies that came out to greet us. As we passed their stations they would pull their trucks out with lights flashing and the crews cheering.
We stopped at Bensalem EMS to hold a short service to honor one of their members that was lost to a LODD in March. All of the names of those lost this year were read again. While these services are very solemn events, they give us a chance to remember those we are riding for and to celebrate their lives.
The Second Alarmer’s (a fire and EMS agency) of Montgomery County hosted us for lunch. We were able to have lunch with Steve Berry (of “I’m not an ambulance driver” fame). It was great fun. After lunch we began the last leg of our journey. We were led out of the station by the Montgomery County Sherriff’s motorcade along with the paramedic motorcycles flying an EMS and American flag.
During our last leg the MCSO motorcade was joined by motorcycle officers from several of the jurisdictions through which we passed. As we rode, the motorcycle officers would dash up and down the bike line to ensure our safety, redirect traffic, and block intersections.
The ride is absolutely amazing. We have covered over 350 miles so far and each day brings us closer to our goal. Tomorrow we travel from Delaware to Gettysburg. We can’t wait for the adventure to continue.
John
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Ride Day 4 New York City!!!
It was a cold and drizzly morning, but all of the Muddy Angels (that is what all of the riders and wingmen are being called) assembled for a ride from Tarry Town, New York through New York City. The cold and rain lasted all day with times of heavy winds and heavier rain, but every rider remained in parade formation through the streets of NYC.
We were escorted by law enforcement from each community through which we past, and then were met just outside of Yonkers by the NYPD. They provided us with a first class escort with multiple patrol cars riding in front, behind, and to the side of us. They would race past to block intersections (the traffic in the city was insane!!) so that we could pass as one group.
It is difficult to find the words to describe the experience of being part of a group of about 100 cyclist, all wearing their Muddy Angels jersey, passing through the streets of NYC with sirens blaring. Exhilarating and exciting came to mind as people came out of the shops and apartment buildings to watch.
We began at Broadway and 242nd Street. From there we traveled through the city, under the elevated trains, through the neighborhoods, passed Madison Square Gardens, through Times Square, and into the financial district. NYPD then altered our route, blocked traffic, and allowed us to ride past the site of the World Trade Center where they are constructing the memorial. As we rode passed, all riders were silent, because we lost many EMS, Fire, and Police on that tragic day. This was unexpected for the planned route did not include this side journey, but NYPD made this possible.
Our ride ended at FDNY Station 4, where we were met by cheering EMS crews. We were able to see their station and share lunch with them. After we said our goodbyes we headed to Princeton New Jersey where our ride will begin early tomorrow morning. We begin at 0600 and will travel to Delaware.
What a time we are having.
John
We were escorted by law enforcement from each community through which we past, and then were met just outside of Yonkers by the NYPD. They provided us with a first class escort with multiple patrol cars riding in front, behind, and to the side of us. They would race past to block intersections (the traffic in the city was insane!!) so that we could pass as one group.
It is difficult to find the words to describe the experience of being part of a group of about 100 cyclist, all wearing their Muddy Angels jersey, passing through the streets of NYC with sirens blaring. Exhilarating and exciting came to mind as people came out of the shops and apartment buildings to watch.
We began at Broadway and 242nd Street. From there we traveled through the city, under the elevated trains, through the neighborhoods, passed Madison Square Gardens, through Times Square, and into the financial district. NYPD then altered our route, blocked traffic, and allowed us to ride past the site of the World Trade Center where they are constructing the memorial. As we rode passed, all riders were silent, because we lost many EMS, Fire, and Police on that tragic day. This was unexpected for the planned route did not include this side journey, but NYPD made this possible.
Our ride ended at FDNY Station 4, where we were met by cheering EMS crews. We were able to see their station and share lunch with them. After we said our goodbyes we headed to Princeton New Jersey where our ride will begin early tomorrow morning. We begin at 0600 and will travel to Delaware.
What a time we are having.
John
Monday, May 17, 2010
Ride Days 2 and 3
With day three of riding finished, the adventure has continued. I apologize for not posting last night about ride day two, but due to some changes in schedule and events our day ran quite late. Because of this, I have chosen to post days two and three together.
Both days were absolutely incredible riding. New England is beautiful and we have been able to see quite a lot of it. Over the past three days we have pedaled about 260 miles. During this time we have met EMS people from all over the US and Canada. It has given us the opportunity to tell people about David and for them to tell us about those that they have lost.
We have been blessed with gorgeous weather during days two and three. The mornings begin very chilly (temps have begun each day in the mid to upper 40’s) and we need to layer up, but within an hour or so we are warm enough to begin removing layers. The Canadians and Americans from colder climates tease us “Florida Guys” about still wearing our “winter clothes.” They ride in only shorts and jerseys even during the cold mornings.
The main reason we warm up so quickly is the amazing climbs we have been doing over the past 160 miles. We traveled from Nashua, New Hampshire to Hartford, Connecticut on Sunday (day 2), and from Hartford, Connecticut to Somers, New York today (day 3). During this time we have traversed city and country roads with continuous climbs and descents. These climbs have made Sugarloaf Mountain look like a speed bump. Today we climbed one particular area that had a 9% grade that lasted for over two miles. These incredibly challenging climbs do have their rewards. Aside from the accomplishment of the climb, we pass through beautiful areas and then when we reach the top we are rewarded by descents that cover miles at speeds of 40+ mph on roads that spiral down the country side. The adrenaline rush is unimaginable.
We are all a little tired and sore but it has been worth every minute. Tomorrow promises to be an exciting day. We will ride from Tarry Town, New York to New York City. Once we enter the city we will be escorted through by NYPD and FDNY. We have been told that we will be riding down Broadway, through Times Square, and past the World Trade Center site. We were also told that the ride was mentioned on Regis and Kelly, and that it may possibly be covered by CNN, so be sure to look for us.
John
Both days were absolutely incredible riding. New England is beautiful and we have been able to see quite a lot of it. Over the past three days we have pedaled about 260 miles. During this time we have met EMS people from all over the US and Canada. It has given us the opportunity to tell people about David and for them to tell us about those that they have lost.
We have been blessed with gorgeous weather during days two and three. The mornings begin very chilly (temps have begun each day in the mid to upper 40’s) and we need to layer up, but within an hour or so we are warm enough to begin removing layers. The Canadians and Americans from colder climates tease us “Florida Guys” about still wearing our “winter clothes.” They ride in only shorts and jerseys even during the cold mornings.
The main reason we warm up so quickly is the amazing climbs we have been doing over the past 160 miles. We traveled from Nashua, New Hampshire to Hartford, Connecticut on Sunday (day 2), and from Hartford, Connecticut to Somers, New York today (day 3). During this time we have traversed city and country roads with continuous climbs and descents. These climbs have made Sugarloaf Mountain look like a speed bump. Today we climbed one particular area that had a 9% grade that lasted for over two miles. These incredibly challenging climbs do have their rewards. Aside from the accomplishment of the climb, we pass through beautiful areas and then when we reach the top we are rewarded by descents that cover miles at speeds of 40+ mph on roads that spiral down the country side. The adrenaline rush is unimaginable.
We are all a little tired and sore but it has been worth every minute. Tomorrow promises to be an exciting day. We will ride from Tarry Town, New York to New York City. Once we enter the city we will be escorted through by NYPD and FDNY. We have been told that we will be riding down Broadway, through Times Square, and past the World Trade Center site. We were also told that the ride was mentioned on Regis and Kelly, and that it may possibly be covered by CNN, so be sure to look for us.
John
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Ride Day 1
We have completed our first day of riding and Wow! What a day. We began at 0630 with a safety and route meeting and then took a short ride to the South Portland FD where opening ceremonies were held. The ceremony provided an opportunity for all of us to reflect on why we are riding. An honor guard presented the colors while the bag pipe played. All of the names of those how were lost this year were read, and then a tribute for a fallen South Portland firefighter took place. It was a somber time, but also a time to celebrate the lives of lost friends.
We have been provided with dog tags with David's name on them, as well as dog tags for others that have fallen. We wear these dog tags each day to remember David and all of the others that were lost this year.
After the ceremony the full ride began. I can not express what it felt like to see close to 100 riders, all in the same jersey, ride in parade formation through the city of South Portland and the surrounding jurisdictions. We were provided with police, fire, and EMS escorts throughout the area. Lights and sirens running, it drew people out to watch the procession. Cars stopped, pulled over, honked, and waved. This truely does bring public awareness to the losses we experience in EMS.
The day's route took us 90 miles through the Maine country side. The scenery was breath taking. From the rocky coast of Kennebunkport to the wooded canopies of back country roads we rode all the way to New Hampshire. In New Hampshire we met up with the riders who rode from Vermont. We greeted one another and then had a brief rememberance ceremony and then formed one group of over 100 EMS professionals. As a group we completed the ride to our hotel about 10 miles away. What a site this was. we had to cross multiple New Hampshire jurisdictions and were escorted by each jurisdiction's police and EMS. As we entered a new jurisdiction one agency would pull away and the next would take its place. Doing this, we made our way down major highways, in parade formation, from Milford to Nashua. Again, passersby stopped, honked, and cheered us on.
We arrived in Nashua excited about what we have seen and what will take place on our next ride adventure.
We have been provided with dog tags with David's name on them, as well as dog tags for others that have fallen. We wear these dog tags each day to remember David and all of the others that were lost this year.
After the ceremony the full ride began. I can not express what it felt like to see close to 100 riders, all in the same jersey, ride in parade formation through the city of South Portland and the surrounding jurisdictions. We were provided with police, fire, and EMS escorts throughout the area. Lights and sirens running, it drew people out to watch the procession. Cars stopped, pulled over, honked, and waved. This truely does bring public awareness to the losses we experience in EMS.
The day's route took us 90 miles through the Maine country side. The scenery was breath taking. From the rocky coast of Kennebunkport to the wooded canopies of back country roads we rode all the way to New Hampshire. In New Hampshire we met up with the riders who rode from Vermont. We greeted one another and then had a brief rememberance ceremony and then formed one group of over 100 EMS professionals. As a group we completed the ride to our hotel about 10 miles away. What a site this was. we had to cross multiple New Hampshire jurisdictions and were escorted by each jurisdiction's police and EMS. As we entered a new jurisdiction one agency would pull away and the next would take its place. Doing this, we made our way down major highways, in parade formation, from Milford to Nashua. Again, passersby stopped, honked, and cheered us on.
We arrived in Nashua excited about what we have seen and what will take place on our next ride adventure.
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