John Murphy is a business consultant working here in the DMV. He is relatively new to the area, moving here in December 2020 from Upstate NY (shout out to his hometown, Utica!). Biking has become a huge passion of his since rediscovering it in March 2021. Since then, he has enjoyed exploring the DMV, going anywhere his two legs can take him. Through biking, he has met amazing people who have inspired him to set his sights for riding beyond the DMV. He is looking forward to setting off on new adventures in 2023. Hear from John below as he reflects on his first Ride as a part of the BellRinger family!
“My involvement with BellRinger happened by chance. A team member brought it to my attention after spotting an internal communication calling for bikers to join Team EY. I immediately signed up for 50 miles without really knowing what I was getting myself into. I just knew I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to do some good in the community while doing an activity that I love. Cancer is a terrible disease that has unfortunately impacted so many.
“EY has always been very supportive of these kinds of community initiatives. We are always looking for ways to make a positive impact on the community and it was great knowing that the firm was behind us. Our local leaders organized team meetings, events, and training rides. They also provided us with jerseys for the ride. The immense outpouring of support from my own network has been uplifting. BellRinger afforded me the opportunity to meet people across the firm that I might not have met otherwise, that share similar passions as me. The ride definitely brought us closer together as an EY community.
"I want to thank the BellRinger team, volunteers, and support staff who made this amazing event happen in the first place..."
John Murphy
“It’s hard to pinpoint my favorite memory from 2022’s Ride, I enjoyed every moment of it (ok, probably not those hills after mile 36!). From the Opening Ceremony to the finish line celebration, I had such an amazing experience. It was exhilarating to Ride down Canal Road and Clara Barton Parkway. Likewise, Maryland’s backcountry vistas took my breath away. Each rest stop gave me the opportunity to connect with various riders, support staff, and volunteers. I think it’s the community that made BellRinger truly special. All throughout BellRinger weekend, I made so many special connections. All these things created a weekend that I will never forget.
“I want to thank the BellRinger team, volunteers, and support staff who made this amazing event happen in the first place; from the summer training rides all the way through safely transporting my bike and tired body back to Georgetown. I also want to thank everyone who took part in the ride (in-person or virtual) and all that you are doing to support this great cause. You all made this day so special and memorable for me.”
Although the 50-mile course gave John his first taste of the BellRinger atmosphere, he is challenging himself in year two to take on the 100-Mile course. With a bit of extra training, his team’s support, and the energy of the BellRinger Community year-long, he cannot wait to get back out on the road this October and to take on our century ride to end cancer with Georgetown Lombardi.
