$270,000,000!

Thanks to generous donors, the Pan-Mass Challenge has once again exceeded its annual fundraising goal. In 2009, the PMC ride raised $30,384,200, exceeding the $30 million goal! This year's total adds to the 30-year fundraising total of $270 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. What an accomplishment!
I am humbled by the outpouring of support I received for my sixth ride. Even in these tough economic times, my donors allowed me to raise more than ever before. You are making such a profound impact in the lives of others, and for that I thank you.
In a few weeks, I'll be registering for my seventh PMC ride. I am grateful for the opportunity that you all give me to experience the best humanity has to offer, packaged into a 190-mile weekend. Happy new year!
Click here to read the full press release about the 2009 donation.

PMC 2009 Wrap-up

I awoke at 3:45 AM Friday morning to finish packing and fly to Boston for the start of PMC weekend. I wasn’t able to sleep on the plane, partially due to anticipation and partially due to my upright and locked position. It didn’t matter – if anything, my fatigue would help me sleep later that night.
My friend Ben drove me to the Sturbridge Host Hotel, the location of PMC registration and the starting line for the ride. I met up with Lisa and Nicole, two friends with whom I rode and would share a hotel room that night. At registration, we received our PMC jerseys and other garb, ate at the huge carbo-load dinner, and attended the PMC Opening Ceremonies, which were broadcast live on New England Cable News. The hotel was filled with excitement. I retired to my hotel at 8 PM to prepare for the next day.
The starting line was abuzz when I arrived at 5 AM (before sunrise). Volunteers loaded thousands of pieces of luggage onto trucks. Riders filled water bottles and made use of the running water in the hotel’s bathrooms (this being the last time they’d see a real toilet in many hours). I waited anxiously in the sea of red jerseys with friends for the ride to begin. With the obligatory singing of The Star Spangled Banner, we were off shortly after 5:30 AM.
The first twenty miles are the some of the hilliest of the whole ride. The swell of supporters near the start line encourages us to tackle the ascents. I was greeted by my friend and former boss, Kim, who was volunteering at the first water stop, in Whitinsville. The rest of the morning went well. Having done the ride several times before, I knew to anticipate certain milestones, such as seeing the inflatable people at the Franklin water stop, the party atmosphere of Cherry Street in Wrentham, and the bagpiper at the top of the last hill before lunch. Each one of these put a huge smile on my face.
The supporters that line the route from Sturbridge to Provincetown are amazing. All give us encouraging words or clangs of a cowbell. Some offer bottles of water, fruit, pastries, and even chiropractic care! I rode through at least five sprays of the garden hose, which must be the most refreshing thing ever. Their signs and “thank yous” remind me of why I ride. My favorite sign from this year read, “To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person, you may just be the world.”
After lunch, my riding buddy Rich and I headed off toward the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA), the endpoint for the day. With 40 miles remaining, we felt fresh. We took our time at the next water stop, since we decided we’d pass by the last water stop. Taking it easy in the morning paid off – we both felt great! We arrive at the finish line of day one at 2:25 PM, a personal record.
Some of my recurring supporters may remember that, in my five previous years of riding, I have never arrived at the MMA in time to receive an appointment for a massage (160 massage therapists volunteer their time each year to soothe riders’ aching muscles). This was the year to break the cycle. I got my “golden ticket” for a massage at 5:45 PM. First stop: shower!
Throughout PMC weekend, the riders are treated like kings and queens. The amazing volunteers, 3,000 strong, tend to our every need and want. From piling huge bags of ice into the shape of a couch at most water stops, to slathering peanut butter on bananas (best snack EVER), to working all night to prepare a breakfast feast, the volunteers make the event possible. Their unwavering commitment to keeping us happy, hydrated, and fed is overwhelming.
4:15 AM on Sunday: reveille (it is a naval college, after all). Feeling remarkably energetic, I packed my bag, donned my 25th anniversary PMC jersey (from my first ride in 2004), and headed to breakfast. After having more than my share of cheese danish (my Achilles heel), I grabbed my bike and was on my way at 5:15 AM.
Day two is shorter and less hilly than day one, but it has its challenges, in addition to having to ride it with already sore legs. The climb up to Service Road in Sandwich is a wake-up call, Corn Hill in Truro is a beast (made better by the “Over the Hill Cheerleaders”), and the dunes in the Provincelands are a last-minute challenge several miles before the finish line. As a veteran rider, I knew to expect them and was able to motor on to Provincetown record time. Rich and I arrived at the finish line at 10:10 AM, another personal record. I was happy to see Billy Starr, the founder of the PMC, roll in as I did (his bike cost several times more than mine, and he is much more athletic than me). My sixth PMC is in the books!
There were a couple of things that made this year’s ride extra special. First, I was able to ride with my buddy Rich for almost the entire ride. We usually do most of our training together, but since I’m in Chicago this summer, we only got out for two rides together in May. It was great to catch up during our hours in the saddle. Second, my friends Lisa and Nicole, both first-time riders, had lots of questions that I was happy to answer. They made me see the event through the eyes of a newbie all over again. Finally, leaving earlier on day two and riding at a relatively fast pace let me experience a new side of the ride. I watched the sun rise as I ascended the Bourne Bridge and saw the largest crowd of kids I had ever seen at “Da Hedge” at Cape Cod Sea Camps in Brewster. It was a fantastic weekend, and replaying in my head brings a smile to my face.
Thank you to all of you who made a donation and shared your personal connection with cancer. As we work toward this year’s goal of $30 million for cancer research, please know that your support is making a difference in the fight against cancer. Together, we will make cancer HISTORY.
There is still time to make a donation if you haven’t already. Click here to make your contribution.
Jared

Heading to Sturbridge

PMC weekend has arrived. In a few short hours, thousands of people will descend upon quiet Sturbridge, MA for the start of the most successful athletic charity event in the nation. I'm so excited!
Tonight at 7 PM, NECN will be broadcasting the PMC opening ceremonies live. Please check it out - it is always a powerful and uplifting show, and I'm sure this year won't disappoint. Look for me in the audience! The network also has weekend-long coverage of the ride, so tune in for updates all the way to P-town!
Hmm... It's raining as I type this. The forecast looks decent for Saturday and Sunday. Let's hope it stays that way!

A Common Goal

The first weekend in August is the highlight of my summer – I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. Riding 190 miles through the quaint villages and rural towns of Massachusetts with the support of 5,000 other cyclists, nearly 3,000 volunteers, and countless supporters lining the route, well, it can’t be beat. The PMC brings out the best in everyone, all in the name of making cancer HISTORY.

In less than 48 hours, I’ll board a plane to Boston, pack my weekend bag, and head to Sturbridge for the start of the ride. On Friday evening, the PMC holds registration, a bike expo, and a massive carbo-load dinner, complete with Harpoon beer (a major – and much-appreciated – sponsor). Opening ceremonies for the ride are also held that night from Sturbridge (if you’d like to watch, it’ll be broadcast live on NECN on Friday at 7 PM). The scene is electric – PMC spirit fills the air.

Saturday and Sunday are emotion-filled days. There’s the agony of climbing a long hill, the thrill of coasting down a long descent at 40 mph, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching each rest stop. And those are just the physical emotional triggers. There are many more times where I am moved beyond words by supporters lining the route, saying things like “I’m alive because of you” or “keep riding for my wife” or “27 years cancer-free!”

But most of all, I’m moved by the generosity I see each and every year from my friends and family, who support me in everything I do for this event. I am humbled by the support I receive, and I’ll push myself to my limit this weekend to honor you, the real heroes of the Pan-Mass Challenge. $30 million for cancer research – you’re an amazing part of that!

Check out this article from today’s Boston Globe. It provides a bit of background on the PMC and some history from its founder, Billy Starr.

Click here to make your donation.

Personal Battles with Cancer

Cancer doesn’t care if you’re young or old, fat or thin, or rich or poor. The odds are high that cancer will affect you directly – half of all American men and a third of all American women will get some form of the disease in their lifetime. The odds are even higher – almost 100% – that you are close to someone who has battled the disease. I’m no exception.

My maternal grandmother was diagnosed in the winter of 1998 with cancer. She began treatment shortly thereafter to fight the disease. She became very weak, and in April 1998 she passed away while battling cancer. My grandfather was also diagnosed with cancer a few years later, but doctors caught it early and he was treated and cured without invasive (and risky) surgery or chemotherapy.

During my training for the Pan-Mass Challenge, I often think of my grandmother and others I know that have succumbed to cancer. The fight they exhibited helps me push myself to my limit. Any pain I might feel while on a long ride is nothing compared to coping with cancer. I ride in memory of my grandmother and in honor of all those that have won their fight against the disease.

I’m not the only one who rides the PMC in memory of a loved one. Team Luca is a group of PMCers riding in memory of three-year-old Luca, who died of a brain tumor in 2005. Team Luca collectively keeps Luca’s spirit alive while raising tens of thousands of dollars so that someday childhood cancers are eliminated. Check out this heart-wrenching video.

Nearly 300 riders in this year’s PMC will have battled cancer (or are currently battling the disease). These “Living Proof” riders show that you can thrive after a cancer diagnosis, and they are all an inspiration. One rider in particular inspires me each year – Jothy Rosenberg rides the two-day, 190-mile ride each year with only one leg. His right leg was amputated due to osteosarcoma in 1973. Every year he passes me going up a hill on the ride. Read more about him here.

Think of how cancer has affected you and your loved ones. I hope it inspires you to make a donation to support my ride. Think of it as an investment in a cancer-free future. Please make your donation today.

High Gear

The Pan-Mass Challenge kicks off in 11 days. Over the last three days, I've put 200 miles - 105 of which that were part of a century ride - on my bike. I'm planning on riding at least 100 more miles before the first weekend in August. I'm putting all I've got into my training in order to have a fast and relatively painless PMC weekend.
My fundraising is also in high gear. You'll be hearing again from me soon about making a donation to join the fight against cancer. I am 45% of the way to my $4200 goal, but I still need your help. I know the economy has hit many of us hard, but please give whatever you are able. Click here to make a donation.
Thank you for your support. Together, we will make cancer HISTORY.

Humachine

There comes a point while riding the Pan-Mass Challenge that you and your bike become one. Shifting gears is no longer a conscious decision - your finger does the clicking without direction. You start to see hills as something to conquer as opposed to something to fear. Every pedal stroke brings you closer to your goal, motivating you past any pain you may feel. You and your bike are no longer human and machine. You are one. You are a humachine.
When your body is in full work-mode, your mind is able to begin to comprehend the sheer magnitude of this event. Over 5,000 riders, together as one, are working toward a common goal - the eradication of cancer. Thousands of volunteers offer nourishment, replenishment, and encouragement. Countless supporters line the 190-mile route from Sturbridge to Provincetown to motivate and thank the citizens of the PMC city-on-wheels. Every sign touches your heart. Every cowbell makes you smile. Every child's high five reminds you of why you're working your body to its limit.
I dream of a world without cancer. I ride so that my future children will never suffer, directly or indirectly, from its destructive power. I ride for life - yours, mine, and everyone else's.
Please consider supporting this amazing event. Click here to support my ride. Thank you.

What does your donation buy?

I thought I'd share a little bit of background info on where all the money raised in the Pan-Mass Challenge ($240 million since 1980) goes. The sole beneficiary of the PMC is the Jimmy Fund, the fundraising arm of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston. Opened in 1947, Dana-Farber provides compassionate care for children and adults living with cancer. It is also one of the premiere cancer research facilities in the world, where everyday scientists and doctors are working together to develop innovative treatments and cures for the family of diseases.
Your donations simultaneously support compassionate and world-class care for patients currently fighting cancer and cutting-edge research to help future cancer patients. And best of all, 100% of your donation will go directly to the Jimmy Fund. Very few athletic fundraisers are able to do that, and certainly no other does it with a $35 million check.
I strongly believe that supporting the Pan-Mass Challenge with a financial gift is one of the best ways to advance the excellent care and research at Dana-Farber. Investing in Dana-Farber is an investment in a cancer-free future.

Illinois is flat. So are my tires.

My friend Sam and I have been exploring the Chicagoland region on our bikes. Last week, we checked out a few neighborhoods on the north side of Chicago and in the process found the beautiful (and smooth!) North Branch Trail. Today, we explored the suburbs west of Chicago, including the Illinois Prairie Path and the Grand Western Trail. It would have been a great ride if it weren’t for one thing – well, six things actually…

When I retrieved my bike from the bike room of my apartment building this morning, the rear tire was flat. No worries – I had a spare in my saddle bag. I replaced the tube and was off (if only I had seen this as an omen…). As we rolled through Oak Park, I felt that familiar bouncy feeling. Another flat. I patched it quickly and was on my way.

Five miles later – another rear flat. This time the hole was in a different location on the tube, so it wasn’t caused by a poor patch job or a sharp object embedded in my tire since the previous flat. This is getting frustrating! A few miles later, we entered the Illinois Prairie Path, the country’s first rail-to-trail conversion. While the crushed limestone surface was smoother than I had expected, tiny bits of the rock made their way into the cracks in my three-year-old tires. Boom, another flat!

About forty miles into the ride, Sam and I stopped at a deli for lunch. It was a good thing we saw it, because I got a flat (this time on the front wheel) right before we turned off the trail (that’s the fifth flat for those who haven’t been counting). Rather than deal with the flat immediately, I waited until after eating. By the time I was ready to take care of the flat, I noticed (but was not entirely surprised) that my rear tire was also flat! That’s six!

I used my last patch on my front wheel, so I had to use Sam’s one and only tube to make my bike mobile again. Nearly 20 miles from the end of our ride, we both knew that it was going to happen again if we didn’t address the cause of the flats. Sam called his dad and had him google the nearest bike shop from where we were. Once the bike shop and its location were identified (it is aptly named “The Bike Shop”), we were off. The mechanic replaced the worn out tires and tired tubes. From then on it was smooth sailing back to Chicago.

Our day of biking ended up being longer than we had planned. On the plus side, I can now change a flat tire in under four minutes! Here’s to no more flats!!

Let the Summer Begin!

Hello from Chicago! I've been here for just over two weeks now, and I'm finally getting used to all the changes (people are friendly here, and not just when they want something from you!!). The weather hasn't been great, but I have been exploring none-the-less.
My bike arrived almost undamaged. The skewer in my front wheel came slightly bent, so I went to a nearby bike shop and had it replaced for $14.99 plus tax (which is 10.25% in Illinois!!!). Not bad - it could have been much worse.
Just yesterday I finally got out on my bike for my first ride in the Midwest. I joined up with a group of cyclists from the Chicago Cycling Club. Every Monday they offer a training ride where the leaders teach riders how to efficiently ride in a paceline. They advertise the average speed to be 18-20 mph, just above my comfort level. I have to challenge myself out here, though. They don't have ANY hills!!
The ride went great. I had only ridden in a paceline casually before, so it was great to get some more experience with some coaching. I was able to keep up most of the time, except when the leader yelled "SPRINT!". That's when they lost me. Oh well - I'll surely be among the fastest when I've had time to get a few more miles under my belt.
Sunday is looking like it'll be a nice day, so I'll probably venture out on my own for the first time. More updates to follow!

Chicago or Bust!

I'm heading to Chicago for the summer, and my bike is coming with me. Thats ol' AC/DC in the box in the above photo! Together we'll tackle the flat roads of the Midwest and Chicago's beautiful Lakefront bike path. It's all preparation for the big event in August, which I'll be flying back for.
Here's to hoping my trip to the UPS Store is painless and the trip doesn't take a physical toll on my trusty steed!

Obey the Law!

This morning, on my regular bike commute to school, I was reminded of why it's a good idea that we all obey the rules of the road. While waiting at a red light, I heard a loud screech-boom (yes, it was one sound) and saw a bicyclist flying in the air to my left. The bicyclist appeared shaken and his bike was a bit mangled. The driver was in tears. My heart was pounding (yes, even more than usual).
As my light stayed red, I had the time to reconstruct the crash in my mind and realized that the cyclist had run a red light. It made me feel a little better knowing that - I obey the traffic signals, so that will not happen to me. Still, I felt bad for the cyclist - his day, and possibly his bike, was ruined. I felt even worse for the driver - she didn't cause the accident.
Still, even if cyclists obey the laws, they're still vulnerable. At the very end of my training ride on Sunday, a driver nearly pulled out of a liquor store driveway right in front of me. I yelled "STOP" as loud as I could, and was safe. He probably thinks I'm a jerk. I was just happy to get home in one piece.
Cyclists and drivers - please obey the rules of the road. They are there for your own safety!
PS - the above photo is a dramatic reenactment of the crash I witnessed this morning. No kittens were harmed in the taking of the photo. :)

Start of the Season

Spring has finally sprung in Boston, and as leaves emerge on the trees and tulips emerge from the ground, about 5,000 cyclists are spilling onto the roads of Boston. With a collective goal in early August, we're dusting off our bicycles, stretching our quads, and donning sexy spandex shorts to begin training for the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC).

2009 marks the 30th ride of the PMC. Since 1980, over 56,000 riders have ridden over 15 MILLION miles to raise nearly $240 MILLION for cancer research. The funds allow Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to develop innovative treatments for cancer in many forms, while providing patient care of the utmost compassion.

I am honored to be riding once again in the PMC, 190 miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown, over two days this August. This year brings several new challenges. First, the recession will play a role in gift-giving this year. I'm optimistic - in difficult economic times, Americans open up and give to what they feel is good. Over the next few months I'll be sharing with you why I think donating to the PMC is the best use of your philanthropic dollar.

The second challenge is that I'll be living in Chicago starting June 1. I'll be doing a summer internship at the Chicago Transit Authority for my graduate program. I'll still be able to get my training in, as I'll be bringing my trusty steed with me. Chicago is flat, though, so preparing for the hilly terrain of the PMC route will be more difficult than ever. Plus, I won't have my biking buddies Rich and Michelle to ride with. 

I'm looking forward to a great training season and an even greater PMC 2009! Stay tuned for more updates!