Kentucky EMS Memorial Bike Ride planned

By JENI WOODS

NASHVILLE, Tennesee — In 2001, a small group of EMS providers rode their bikes from Boston, Ma to Roanoke, Va to honor a fallen co-worker. Now some 7 years later the ride that is now called The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride consist of three legs; one from New York City, one from Lexington, Ky, and a one day ride in Louisiana. The rides began on May 17 and ends in Roanoke, Va May 23, some 600 miles later. These riders trek over the Appalachian Mountains, ride through the twin towers sites, through Virginia Tech, and end as one ride in Roanoke, Va. This is to honor the fallen heroes who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

On May 24, 2008 a Memorial Service is will be held to induct those Fallen Heroes into the National EMS Memorial, EMS providers, as well as friends and families of the fallen all gather to be at this touching service. The purpose of the EMS Memorial Bike Ride:

-Remember fellow EMS workers who have died in the line of duty;
-Raising awareness about line of duty deaths in EMS;
-Honor EMS workers who work despite dangerous safety conditions

Most of our riders are amateur bikers, we do it to for our fallen comrades. Some of our riders can’t ride the whole 6 days but they choose to ride just one, two or three days, they ride what they can to support and bring awareness. This ride is definitely not a race, you ride what you can, and our riders are riding because they choose to not because they have to.

This year I am the Co-Coordinator of the Kentucky Ride. I will be riding for all who have lost their lives in the line of duty doing what they love, but I will ride in honor of Christa Burchett, EMS Director and Asst. Fire Chief, of Paintsville, Ky Fire/Rescue, EMS. Christa lost her life while working an accident on icy road conditions in January. She left behind a 14-year-old daughter.

We are looking for bikers, amateurs or professionals to trek this long journey over and through the Appalachian Mountains. This is some of the most beautiful scenery you can imagine. We are also looking for support from EMS services, Fire and Law Enforcement services along the route, even if they aren’t along the route we are still needing support whether it be financially, riders, or support personnel, it all would be appreciated. All riders are responsible for their own food, hotels, bikes, etc. so any and all support we can get is greatly appreciated by all.

This year the Kentucky ride consist of the following route:
May 18- Lexington, Ky to Paintsville, Ky
May 19- Paintsville, Ky to Pikeville, Ky
May 20- Pikeville, Ky to Norton, Va
May 21- Norton, Va to Claypool Hill, Va
May 22- Claypool Hill, Va to Princeton, W Va
May 23 - Princeton, W Va to Roanoke, Va

If you are interested in riding or supporting the Kentucky Ride you can visit www.muddyangels.org or email Jeni Woods jeni42134@yahoo.com or reach Jeni at 615-967-7177.

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