Firefighters ride bicycles across N.C. to benefit families of the fallen

Posted on by Bill Rhodes

From a release from the Carolina Brotherhood:

Firefighters from North and South Carolina will be joined by brothers from Florida, as they will cycle over 400 miles in five days to pay tribute as they did a year ago.

On July 28, 2011, the Asheville Fire Department (AFD) was called to battle a raging high rise fire in a medical office building. Tragically, Asheville Fire Capt. Jeff Bowen of Rescue Company #3 gave his life searching for possible victims. In addition, eight fellow members were injured; one of those injured was Firefighter Jay Bettencourt, who along with co-workers from AFD will participate in this demanding cross-state bicycle ride.

This annual ride will be in tribute and support of the fallen brothers and sisters from the Carolinas who sacrificed their life for others. This year, the ride will make overnight stops in Elizabethtown,  Rockingham, Charlotte, Forest City, and conclude at AFD Fire Station # 1. The cyclists will average 75 miles a day and end with a 6,000 foot elevation climb into downtown Asheville, N.C. Using “SPOT”, a Global Positioning satellite (GPS) a link is established on the website (www.carolinabrotherhood.com) that can following the procession of cyclist in real time as they make their trek from East to West.

In support of loved ones who were left behind, this rolling tribute from the coastal waters to the mountains of Western North Carolina is relying on donations, support, and sponsorship as the sole means of obtaining their goal. This year’s proceeds will go to the widow and three children of Capt. Jeff Bowen. Their remarkable goal of raising $40k can still be achieved by linking up to the enclosed Carolina Brotherhood Website to make a donation, buy T-shirts, or contact a member about sponsorship.

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