Why Ride? Susan Erwin

October 10, 2007 - Eric Hanson was tragically killed in the line of duty. This was sobering to many of us who work in EMS. It reminded us that this job is not only physically and emotionally difficult but is dangerous as well. When the opportunity to ride 600 miles in 6 days from New York City to Roanoke, VA in memory of Eric was offered I was honored to ride. Though I never met Eric, I feel a great sense of dedication to committing his name in the National EMS Memorial. Together with my team we are riding for Eric Hanson.

Without the support of friends & family and colleagues & teachers, I would not be were I am at today. I ride for you.

I ride for my EMT instructors Maxine and Darryl and for my Paramedic instructors Jane, Dan, and Karen - without their patience in a young kid I never would have made it out of Paramedic school. Thank you for your confidence in me! This ride is for you.

I ride for Marty, Shawn, Russ, Kris, Molly, Nash, Terry, Scott, Gale, Traci, Dan, Desira - my classmates from the Austin Community College class of 1990 - this ride is for you.

I ride for the best partner I ever worked with, Dave Kingdon – Aloha, Dave, I hope you are living the dream in Maui! I will see you next year on the ride, but for now this ride is for you.

I ride for the best boss I ever had who taught me “we aren’t makin’ pencils here” - when I get done with this ride I think I will be ready to fish for awhile. This ride is for you.

I ride for all the strong women at Austin-Travis County EMS - Vikki, Dani, Cathy, Carol, Jan, Millie, Traci, Teresa, Heather, Kelli- You ladies are awesome and an inspiration to women in EMS! This ride is for you.

I ride for the late but never forgotten Mike Becker who taught us “there is no cryin’ in EMS.” This ride is for you.

I have many blessings and need to thank several people who have helped me train for the grueling 6 days 600 miles:

First off my team. Tree, Cheryl, Mark and Aaron you are the greatest!

Jason - Thanks for the great advice on how to get through a 6 day, 600 mile ride “just keep peddling.” Your spirit and dry humor will most definitely be with us on the ride.

Marie - you rock even though you can’t count. Thanks for pushing me beyond my capabilities to help me achieve this adventure.

Stacy and Shana - you are the 2 best friends a person can have. Thanks for always being there, your friendship means the world to me.

To my riding buddies, Tina and Kris - when I get back I think I will take up swimming for the summer.

To everyone who bought a Memorial Pin - your support will be the reason we will make it into Roanoke.

To Austin-Travis County EMS, Austin-Travis County EMS Employee Association, Bicycle Sport Shop, Jo’s Coffee, and CLEAT for supporting the team.

To my family, Nathan, my son, Mary, Joe, David and Daniel - my brothers and sister – Yes, I have lost my mind but thanks for supporting me anyhow. Nathan, you are the best son a mom could ever have! To my siblings, you rock - Clay and Deb, Vonda and Tanya I didn’t forget about you - thanks for being there, too!

And finally a big thanks to MJ - without your support I would never made it out of Paramedic school - Thanks for always being there through all the broken bones, surgeries, and enduring my dysfunctional family. Much love to you! When I get back I will be ready for some of your homebrew and a day at the spa.

Madonna del Ghisallo the patron saint of cyclist we pray to you - be with us while we ride. Protect us on the long roads, relieve us from dange r and lead us to safety. Amen.

Susan Erwin