Bikers roll through Mount Airy

Monday morning traffic in downtown Mount Airy came to an unexpected stop at West Pine Street and Main Street. A yellow Penske box truck plopped down directly in the middle of the intersection, much to the amazement and befuddlement of those at the intersection, and a gentleman hopped out to ensure traffic had stopped and ushered a few cars through the junction.

Two minutes later it was apparent why traffic had stopped as the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride rolled through downtown on the day’s leg of the bike ride.

Surry County Emergency Services Director Eric Southern, riding with the group, said the group had run a little behind schedule with a late start that morning but were making good time all the same.

The group stopped outside the Andy Griffith Playhouse to pose for a photograph with the statue of Mayberry’s Sheriff Andy Taylor and Opie — as one does when coming through Mount Airy.

The National EMS Memorial Bike Ride honors Emergency Medical Services personnel by organizing long distance cycling events that memorialize and celebrate the lives of those who serve every day, those who have become sick or injured while performing their duties, and those who have died in the line of duty.

The Southern Leg of the Memorial Bike Ride is slated to roll on Tuesday from Forsyth County to Charlotte for approximately 80 miles of riding.

Southern and the riders are on one of several bike treks that have been coordinated across the nation in honor of both those serving and ones who have fallen among their ranks.

Riders on the East Coast leg depart Saturday from Boston on their way to Washington, D.C. In June, the Midwest route takes the memorial bike ride from Chicago to Saint Paul, Minnesota. Following in September are a high elevation all-Colorado route as well as the West Coast leg running from Reno, Nevada to San Francsico, Ca.

To learn more about the National EMS Memorial Bike Ride or how to support the effort, visit their website: https://nemsmbr.org/.