The annual Pan-Mass Challenge ride has become a Massachusetts tradition, like the fireworks on the Charles on the 4th and the Boston Marathon. Now in its 31st year, the PMC has made a huge impact not only on cancer research and care (through the $270 million that the event has raised for the Jimmy Fund), but also through restoring the faith in humanity of everyone involved in the event. The PMC is a weekend filled with good spirit and camaraderie, and that's what makes it my favorite weekend of the year. I've written ride reports for the last two years - they contain a full review of each year's ride. Here I'll touch on the highlights of the weekend, so for a full recap, click here for 2008 and here for 2009.
On Friday evening, riders assemble at the two starting locations (Sturbridge and Wellesley) to register for the ride, eat one last carbo-loading dinner, and watch the opening ceremonies, which are telecast on NECN. We're all reminded of why we ride - a nurse who is riding the PMC in memory of a favorite patient (and past PMC rider); a child who has bravely battled cancer (not once but twice); the families of loved ones who lost their battles with cancer but ride to preserve their memory. Friday prepares you emotionally for what is to come along the route over the next two days.
Saturday morning. Up early after only a few hours of sleep (who could sleep with so much excitement!). This is when you get a sense of the magnitude of this event. The photo at the top of this post gives you an idea of what it's like to be in Sturbridge at 5:30 AM. It's a moving sea of spandex. You feel like you're really part of something. When we roll out of the starting line and make those first pedal strokes, you realize you have a long way to go but have the best company in the world - 5,500 other riders, 3,000 volunteers, and countless supporters lining the route cheering you on and saying "thank you."
The next two days are filled with steep hills, long descents, Gatorade, peanut butter bananas, sore quad muscles, sweat, and smiles. The hills and sore muscles evoke the suffering of those fighting cancer. While not even close to the pain that cancer fighters endure, it is humbling to put my body through stress in recognition of their fight. The smiles and high-fives from children along the route remind me of how strong children undergoing cancer treatment must be. They remind me that cancer doesn't care who you are - it is a merciless disease.
When approaching the finish line in Provincetown on the second day, all the feelings that I've had over the past two days well up and overwhelm me. I'm excited to have achieved the goal of completing this physical challenge, but I wish somehow the good will and PMC spirit would continue on. That's why it's so easy to come back each and every year - this is truly the best weekend of the year.
I encourage you all to be a part of this event at some level. Consider riding or volunteering next year. Join us along the route to experience the PMC spirit first-hand (let me know if you need directions). Or do something RIGHT NOW. Make a donation to support this amazing event. It's an event so well-supported that 100% of your donation will go directly to the Jimmy Fund in support of cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Your support means the world to me and everyone at the PMC, the Jimmy Fund, and Dana-Farber. Together, we will make cancer HISTORY!
To make your donation, visit my fundraising page. Thank you!
On Friday evening, riders assemble at the two starting locations (Sturbridge and Wellesley) to register for the ride, eat one last carbo-loading dinner, and watch the opening ceremonies, which are telecast on NECN. We're all reminded of why we ride - a nurse who is riding the PMC in memory of a favorite patient (and past PMC rider); a child who has bravely battled cancer (not once but twice); the families of loved ones who lost their battles with cancer but ride to preserve their memory. Friday prepares you emotionally for what is to come along the route over the next two days.
Saturday morning. Up early after only a few hours of sleep (who could sleep with so much excitement!). This is when you get a sense of the magnitude of this event. The photo at the top of this post gives you an idea of what it's like to be in Sturbridge at 5:30 AM. It's a moving sea of spandex. You feel like you're really part of something. When we roll out of the starting line and make those first pedal strokes, you realize you have a long way to go but have the best company in the world - 5,500 other riders, 3,000 volunteers, and countless supporters lining the route cheering you on and saying "thank you."
The next two days are filled with steep hills, long descents, Gatorade, peanut butter bananas, sore quad muscles, sweat, and smiles. The hills and sore muscles evoke the suffering of those fighting cancer. While not even close to the pain that cancer fighters endure, it is humbling to put my body through stress in recognition of their fight. The smiles and high-fives from children along the route remind me of how strong children undergoing cancer treatment must be. They remind me that cancer doesn't care who you are - it is a merciless disease.
When approaching the finish line in Provincetown on the second day, all the feelings that I've had over the past two days well up and overwhelm me. I'm excited to have achieved the goal of completing this physical challenge, but I wish somehow the good will and PMC spirit would continue on. That's why it's so easy to come back each and every year - this is truly the best weekend of the year.
I encourage you all to be a part of this event at some level. Consider riding or volunteering next year. Join us along the route to experience the PMC spirit first-hand (let me know if you need directions). Or do something RIGHT NOW. Make a donation to support this amazing event. It's an event so well-supported that 100% of your donation will go directly to the Jimmy Fund in support of cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Your support means the world to me and everyone at the PMC, the Jimmy Fund, and Dana-Farber. Together, we will make cancer HISTORY!
To make your donation, visit my fundraising page. Thank you!
