Day 3, 4, & 5 - AJ
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized
It’s time for me to put something down about the road. When I arrive for day 3’s ride I wasn’t expecting all the elevation….this Florida boy is used to flat beaches. We accomplished 82 miles with up and down elevation. I’ve got to admit, I was already some pain comng off day 1. We made our way fom Nasuah, NH down to Tarrytown, NY. We had multiple stops along the way and were able to meet a lot of local EMSers. Coming in to Tarrytown we took the metro north to NYC. My buddy from high school was gracious enough to set us up in a really nice hotel in Manhattan. After getting us backwards on the metro once again this year, we finally made it to the hotel. After cleaning up we were finally able to eat dinner around 9:30pm. We were able to find this sports cafe so Amy, the Phoenix Suns Superfan, could watch the game (oh and they lost miserably)! After getting my chocolate milkshake I was ready for bed and to sleep in.
On day 4, we had a day off in NYC. Even though it was cold and wet, I was bound to make a good day of it. After sleeping in, I met up with my buddy Matt who took me to a restaurant that reminded me of home. We went this fantastic barbeque place that had the best ribs I’ve ever had in my entire life. After stuffing my face with some good cooking, Matt helped me find a bike shop so could pick up some anti-chaffing cream. The brand I bought was called “DZNuts” (so it real fast). It describes it as “ManTAINTenance!”. I said goodbye to Matt for the time being and headed near central park to meet up with my friend Dr. Kate. During that time my two teamates were able to get David Letterman tickets, but unfortunately I couldn’t get one. Instead I headed to the AMC theater and watched Ironman 2…..I know, know, I’m in NYC and I wanted to watch a movie? Well, after that I was of to. The NYC LOST meetup! This may seem geekish to most of you, but I am a huge lost fan and being to go to this with 50 other LOST fanatics was awesome. Once again I got to see my buddy Matt, which I never get to see. Once all my fun in NYC was done, it was time to get my bag and get to Princeton, NJ. Here is where the story gets interesting. As I’m waiting for the E train, I’m on my iPhone trying to listen to a message. Out of nowhere a guy snags my iPhone Nd runs…..if any of you know me well, I love my iPhone. So, I ran after him and actually caught up with the guy as I pushed him down. He dropped the phone during his fall, stood up, and ran. I turned my head and two subway construction guys wer walking up…..I’m guessing he decided it wasn’t worth it! Trying to get to Princeton was pretty frustrating as I was just seconds late everywhere I went. I finally made to my hotel at 2:30 am, just to get 3 hours of sleep.
Day 5, which was very soon after day 4 ended, started with me being exausted. But I decided that I was here for a reason and that was to ride for Paul, Bill, and the rest of those fallen. Good thing I got on the bike becaus once I did, I felt great. The route was fantastic! We only had 65 mile to complete, but it was a beautiful 65 miles. We stopped at a memorial at an EMS agency where a paramedic lost his life just over a month ago. The emotions were in high gear. Lunch was provided by the second alarmers EMS group which was amazing. We road in parade style the rest of the route and we’re bused to a town hall where we ate even more good food. We are just finishing up here and headed back to the hotel. Have a good night’s sleep!
I<3 NYC
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized
Where else do you find hotels that cost $800 a night? Let me back up a bit. Similar to last year, AJ’s friend hooked us up with a 2 bedroom suite on the 18th floor of the Affinia 50 hotel. To the best of my knowledge, this hotel has got to be a 5 star establishment. It is so PLUSH! Amy’s excitement when we walked in really said it all.
Her eyes shot wide open and she began smiling from ear to ear! While dropping her bags on our living room sofa, she said, “Woah!” With quite a lot of pep in her step, she took off down the hallway to check out the rooms. To which I’m pretty sure her reaction was something on the lines of, “Wow, these rooms are huge! I can’t believe we’re in New York!” The only things left to discover were the kitchen and the balconies. No that is not a typo, I used the plural form of balcony because we have two!! So sweet 
She was also super enthusiastic about the opportunity to watch the Suns game while getting ready for a night on the town.
We have all mentioned that this place is like a condo in the city. Amy and I wondered who in their right minds can actually afford to stay in places like this on a regular basis? I mean, let’s face it, me and Amy could pay both of our rents for the the price of one night here. Now that is ridiculous! Thank goodness our rate was nowhere near the regular rate.
Alright, time to go enjoy the city! How fortunate are we?! So stoked on life!!!
240 some miles -Amy
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized
Sitting on a train on our way to Manhattan-Aj, Ryan, and I. I’m letting the guys decide how we get there… Boys always like to handle the trips! Haha. After the 3 days of riding I’m not so sure I have the mindset to be able to navigate our way there.
I must say I have underestimated the ride. This has by far been the greatest mental and physical challenges in my life! I mean it took me 3 days to find the energy after the ride to blog something!
Today (Day 3) has by far been the toughest. l have a sore knee, sore hip, thigh, hammies, and bruises all over. I’m pretty sure that will be the case for all us EMS riders! But, even after all the lingering pain, I find myself smiling and happier than I’ve been on any event. The team work and comraderie is unbelieveable! There have been times were I have doubted myself wondering if I can pull off the rest of the ride. But just when I think that everything is bad, someone will come by and encourage me or check to see if I need anything. I’ve seen some people slam on their brakes and stop just to see if you are ok. I’ve never been a part of anything so special… I’m glad and proud to say I’m a part of EMS and the 2010 bike ride. Here’s to 4 more days of riding….
Arrival in Connecticut - AJ
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized
Hello everyone from East Hartford Connecticut. Ryan and Amy have riding hard on the road pedaling 165 miles so far and look for their blogs real soon. As for me, I just flew in yesterday and no bumps in the road on the flight over, well except for my “random” search going through security at Pensacola Airport. Once in Hartford after a switch in Atlanta, I was greeted by an operations supervisor from the Ambulance Service of Manchester. I want to give a great big thanks to Mike Bova and his group for treating me to lunch, training, and also coordinating my transportation. It was great to meet a good group of Paramedics and EMT’s from Manchester and some great hospitality. They were very receptive to my presentation about the bike ride. After I arrived at our host hotel I quickly put my bike together, thanks to Julie and Confessor of the Sheraton Hotel, and impatiently waited for the riders to arrive. Once they did, it was like a family reunion, lots of old faces and some new ones. I was able to hitch a ride to a local Mexican restaurant, Margarita’s, where I enjoyed food and some catching up with old friends. Going to bed last night I had to prepare myself mentally not only on the physical aspect of this ride, but also the emotional side. Now on my second year of this ride, I have come to realize the importance of what we do and why. Enduring the few miles of pain during biking is a symbol of trade to those that sacrificed everything. I hope to honor my fellow EMS’ers in the most respectful way I can. That being said, I am just about to head out on the road in about 30 minutes. Check back tonight for a blog about being on the road.
Day 3 - Hatford, CT to Tarrytown, NY
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized
Back Again in 2010
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized
Hello to all. I hope this makes it to those who supported us in 2009. We are back for more in 2010 with a three person team and are very excited to have Amy Beaumont join the Gulf Coast EMS Cycling Club. To catch some of you up to date, we have been hard at work with two fundraising operations. First, we have seeked out compasionate business’ and organizations that have graciously sponsored us. The funds they donate go to the costs of making this exciting adventure. Our true fundraising efforts are put into getting you, the public, family, friends, co-workers, and people we meet on the street, to get involved with the $10 challenge as well as educating them on the EMS career field. This year, as the Gulf Coast EMS Cycling team, we will be riding for two great EMS inviduals. Even though Paramedic Bill Hartley did not lose his life in the line of duty, he certainly gave his life to the EMS community. The GCEMSCC has chosen to ride for him locally because the influence he has given us over the years. Secondly, on a national level, we have chosen to ride for Paramedic Paul Boyer that was killed in the line of duty in 2009 and will be inducted into the National EMS Memorial this coming June in Colorado Springs, CO. To read more on these influential people please see our section on dedication to. Until our next post, I encourge you step up to the $10 challenge to show your support as well as browse our website. Thank you to everyone in advance.
Day 7 - Gettysburg, PA to Alexandria, VA
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized
Day 6 - Newark, DE to Gettysburg, PA
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized
Day 5 - Princeton to Conshohocken via Bensalem Rescue Squad
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized
Day 2 - Nasuha, NH to Whales, MA
Posted by ajmoreland | Filed under Uncategorized