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by STEPHEN HART
Over the years, city firefighters have used their legs for plenty of worthwhile endeavors, like climbing ladders to rescue people in burning buildings.
So, in a way, the inaugural FDNY Cross Country Bike Tour, which kicked off last month, isn't much of a stretch, since they're still using their feet for a good cause. But instead of climbing ladders, seven five-man teams -- including one with four members from Ladder Co. 78 in New Brighton -- will be pedaling six days apiece to raise money for the department's Widows & Children's Fund.
The 42-day tour began on Sept. 14 in Los Angeles and will finish at Ground Zero on Oct. 25.
The Staten Island contingent -- Lt. Pete Salatino of Tottenville and firefighters Doug Dicks of West Brighton, Tim McCauley of Westerleigh and Paul Salisbury of Livingston -- and Capt. Mike Everett from Ladder Co. 36, Manhattan, comprise the sixth of the seven relay teams. They will fly out this morning to Chicago from LaGuardia Airport.
Tomorrow, Team 6 will bicycle their way from the Windy City to LaPorte, Ind., an 82-mile trip. The rest of the schedule has them going from LaPorte to Ligonier, Ill., on Friday (72 miles); from Ligonier to Napoleon, Ohio, on Saturday (80 miles); from Napoleon to Clyde, Ohio, on Sunday (77 miles); from Clyde to Cleveland on Monday (80 miles); and from Cleveland to Meadville, Pa., on Tuesday (88 miles).
Add it all up, and it's 479 miles. It might not be the Tour de France, but it's still pretty tough.
"I saw something back in January and February, and thought this was something we could do," said McCauley, who has competed in several triathlons, which include swimming, running and bike riding. "It's for a good cause. But not only is it to raise money for the fund, but it's a chance for the city's firefighters to say 'thank you' to everyone across the country who supported us during 9/11."
"It's a goodwill tour. We wanted to meet a lot of the other firefighters where they live -- because when we needed them, they came here," added Dicks, whose team will use a local firehouse at each stop for their sleeping quarters. "I know Chicago and Cleveland have big fire departments, but we'll be staying with volunteer units in some of the smaller towns. It should be quite an adventure."
But are the firefighters, who also will visit children's hospitals during the tour, prepared for the eight hours of cycling per day?
"Oh yeah, we're all set," said a confident Dicks, the most polished cyclist of the Island quartet, having competed in numerous events for the last 15 years. "I've given the other guys a little bit of advice. The biggest thing for them has been just getting out on the bikes and getting used to sitting for five or six hours at a time."
The trip isn't a vacation for the firefighters, whose shifts will be covered. "We have about 40 or so guys in the house, so missing four of us will be no big deal," said Dicks.
Firefighter Joshua Gallo of Queens organized the event, which has plenty of sponsors, including American Airlines (which is flying the firefighters at no cost) and Giant Bicycles (which is donated all of the bicycles used for the tour).
Those wishing to make a donation or sponsor a rider can visit the Web site www.fdnycrosscountry.org.
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