PITTSBURGH \u2014 Over 40 cyclists traveled 140 miles from Johnstown to Pittsburgh to raise awareness for the sacrifices made by EMS.<\/p>\n
The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride Organizes long-distance cycling events throughout the country. The group arrived at Allegheny General Hospital just before 9 a.m. on Monday. After a visit at the hospital, the group traveled to Heinz Chapel for a memorial service.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ride commemorates those who have fallen before us either due to emergencies on duty or just illness,\u201d said Nico Soler of Allegheny General Hospital.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes the uphill, I really had to push myself and think of why we were doing this and all the people who have lost their lives in the line of duty just to get me up the hills and sometimes it was just a camaraderie of my coworkers and friends,\u201d said Liz Cethner of Allegheny General Hospital.<\/p>\n
Riders said this year held even more significance as the ride was on the heels of 25 years since the 9\/11 attacks. <\/p>\n
\u201cBeing out there representing and having conversations with people in the community and thinking about the families that endure hardships. Us going out and spending time and honoring them is so important,\u201d said Scott Newton, who has been working in EMS for 38 years.<\/p>\n
This year marked the 11th year of the ride, and the second time to Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
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