IAFF members from across Washington state will bicycle from Seattle, Washington, to Colorado Springs, Colorado, August 29 to September 20 to benefit the Gary SiniseFoundation’s R.I.S.E. program to help permanently injured fire fighters and other first responders with home modifications and acquisition of mobility devices and adapted vehicles.
The riders are part of Northwest Fire Velo, a chapter of a national cycling club for fire fighters who want to ride bicycles to benefit charity organizations. The club is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Kevin McIntyre, a member of Northwest Fire Velo and Pierce County, WA Local 726 says, “We hope this challenging ride will call attention to the challenges our permanently injured fire fighters and first responders face every day. They put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe. We honor their sacrifices by giving to the R.I.S.E. program.”
This 20-day cycling event will cover approximately 1,600 miles, more than 70,000 feet of climbing and pass through five states with stops at numerous fire departments. The day after they arrive, the group plans to attend the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial on September 21.
The Northwest Fire Velo is planning its next charity event for 2021 from Los Angeles, California, to Ground Zero in New York City, arriving September 11 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The 35-day route will cover approximately 3,300 miles with stops at the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon.
For more information, visit www.FFR4R.com or watch this video from Gary Sinise.
