My name is Bryan Urato, and I will be the route coordinator for the 2026 East Coast route. Helping me plan the route are Samantha Kuenzler and Art Samaras. We are committed to coordinating a safe and memorable ride. This year, we wanted to make a few changes. We are getting inspiration for the ride from the 250th birthday of this great nation. We plan to visit some historically significant sights this year. We have read through the comments from last year’s survey and hope to make some minor adjustments and improvements along the way. We are excited about this year’s route, and if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me.
Here is more about Bryan.
Where are you from?
Born and raised in Marlborough, MA, but for the last 20 years, I have lived in Oxford, MA
What is your EMS background?
Started as an EMT in 1999. Became a paramedic in 2002. Spent the majority of my career working as a street medic at Worcester EMS before moving on as a flight medic at UMass LifeFlight. Before that, I had worked for various agencies in Central Massachusetts and had a brief stint teaching an EMT and Paramedic program at MassBay Community College.
When did you start with NEMSMBR?
My first year on the ride was 2017.
What are your roles within NEMSMBR?
I am currently one of the East Coast Route Coordinators
How long have you coordinated your ride?
This is my first year.
What is your favorite section of the route?
Every day, but the first day. I truly enjoy getting outside of my local area and meeting folks from services along the way. Over the years, I have enjoyed connecting with providers along the route, but my favorite part has to be after the riding is done for the day. The camaraderie and networking with other participants of the ride are the best parts of the ride. Everyone involved is there to remember those not with us anymore.
What are some of your hobbies?
I spend most of my free time with my family. Between my wife of 23 years, my 2 kids, and 2 grandkids, I stay pretty busy. My 7-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog, Jameson, keeps me pretty occupied as well.
2026 East Coast Route
Orientation (May 8) – Boston, MA, in the evening
Day 1 (May 9) – Boston, MA to Southbridge, MA (65 miles)
Day 2 (May 10) – Southbridge, MA to Southbury, CT (102 miles)
Day 3 (May 11) – Morristown, NJ to Trenton, NJ (Shuttle to Morristown, NJ) (78 miles)
Day 4 (May 12) – Trenton, NJ to West Chester, PA via Philadelphia (63 miles)
Day 5 (May 13) – West Chester, PA to York, PA (75 miles)
Day 6 (May 14) – York, PA to Frederick, VA via Gettysburg, PA (71 miles)
Day 7 (May 15) – Frederick, VA to Alexandria, VA (62 miles)
**Any location is subject to change based on hotel availability, route geography, or other unforeseen circumstances