WINNEMUCCA - Five members of the local ambulance service will ride almost 600 miles this May in honor of their EMS comrades across the nation.
The "National EMS Memorial Bike Ride" will kick off May 19 from various locations throughout the United States before ending seven days later on May 25 in Alexandria, Va.
Among the hundreds who will make the grueling journey are five "Muddy Angels" from Humboldt General Hospital Emergency Medical Services Rescue, including EMS Director Pat Songer, Paramedics Andrew Loveless and Monique Rose and EMT-Intermediates Tori Stephen and Andrew Stephen.
The group will ride in the East Coast circuit, departing from Boston, Mass., and traveling approximately 100 miles each day, before arriving one week later in Alexandria, Va.
From there, all riders will join together in a show of solidarity and pedal the final miles into Washington, D.C.
"We are excited for this opportunity to join with our fellow EMS providers and show our support, not only for our brothers and sisters who are no longer with us, but also for all the patients who have, do and will need our services. We want to ride strong for them, too."
Songer, who will ride in memory of two longtime friends who were killed in an EMS helicopter crash in 2005, said he introduced the idea to his crew one day last month; three hours later he had a bike team.
"That is the caliber of professionalism and caring that my team brings to the table every day," he said.
Since then, the group has trained almost daily for the event, riding anywhere from 30 to 50 miles at a stretch to simulate the road miles they will encounter during the ride.
Additionally, team members have spent their own money preparing for the ride by purchasing road bikes, equipment and uniforms - not to mention the many hours they have donated toward the cause.
"It is a big commitment," said Tori Stephen who will ride alongside her son and fellow EMT-Intermediate Andrew Stephen, "but we are excited to do this. It's a wonderful way to honor EMS in general, our local station and the many, many people we serve every day."
The group is seeking sponsorships from area businesses and organizations. Songer said any amount is welcome. Checks may be sent to Humboldt General Hospital, c/o HGH EMS Rescue Muddy Angels, 118 E. Haskell St., Winnemucca, NV 89445.
All donations will go toward this memorial ride; donors will be publically acknowledged and thanked.
Songer said the Angels and their support team also will be visiting with community members over the next few weeks regarding sponsorships for the team.
"Please take a moment to offer them your encouragement and thoughts as they prepare to represent Humboldt County in this year's memorial ride," he said.
The group will host a pre-ride from Paradise Valley to Winnemucca in the coming weeks, which will simulate the longest day of the ride.
"That day will present us with a great opportunity to train and also with a great opportunity to remember others who left our presence too quickly and too early," said Songer. "We hope our community will aid us in remembering during both rides."
The group also will hold two fundraisers to help further their cause; both will include silent auctions. The first, an "Enchilada Feast," will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at Chihuahua's Restaurant.
The second, a "Spaghetti Feed," scheduled for Sunday, May 6, will take place from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Martin. Cost for both events is $10 per plate. Drinks are not included. T-shirts and water bottles will also be for sale.
For more information on HGH EMS Rescue's participation in the 2012 National EMS Memorial Bike Ride, please call Songer at (775) 623-5222, ext. 260.
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