PMC 2012 - Crazy Good!

Day 0 group assembles at the border.

For the last nine years, the first weekend in August has always been a unique one. This year proved to be one of the most exciting yet. My 2012 Pan-Mass Challenge ride began at the New York border on Friday, where 40 or so other riders and I ascended the Berkshires, rolled through the Pioneer Valley, and pedaled on to Sturbridge amid hot and humid conditions - a total of 91.6 miles. While it was a blast, the heat did take its toll, slowing the entire group, including myself, down.

This would normally not be a problem - it's a ride, not a race. However, that day I was racing against the clock in order to arrive in Sturbridge, register for the full PMC ride, shower, and high-tail it to Amesbury, where my brother and sister-in-law were holding their wedding rehearsal. My plans had me arriving in Sturbridge at 2:30, but it wasn't until 3:50 when I rolled my sweaty and sore body across the Day 0 finish line. I took the quickest shower known to man and beast and met my ride to go to Amesbury (and only 30 minutes late! :/ ).

As you all know by now, I missed the Day 1 ride (Sturbridge to Bourne) on Saturday to be best man in my brother's wedding. I was virtually cheering on my Team Kinetic Karma teammates during the day! The wedding was a huge success and the reception was a lot of fun. I paced myself in the alcohol department so that by midnight when I left I was ready for a good night's sleep and would wake refreshed.

I awoke at 3:30 am (after only 2 hours of sleep!) on Sunday to get ready to travel down to Bourne for the start of Day 2. I met my teammates at the starting line and we began the 77-mile trek to Provincetown. We passed the major milestones - crossing the Bourne Bridge, pedaling along the Cape Cod Canal, riding the roller coaster that is Service Road, passing the throngs of screaming children at da Hedge, the Team Kinetic Karma "Twizzler" stop in Wellfleet, and finally the dunes of Provincetown. It did rain, no, pour on us for about 15 minutes straight, but the cooling raindrops washed away (some of) the sweat. The sun came out later and dried us off before we rolled across the finish line.

Another successful year!

In typical Team Kinetic Karma fashion, we stopped just before the finish line for our traditional "champagne" toast photo (I'm sixth from the left in the back). This year more than others, I felt a strong bond to my teammates throughout the riding season. From training together to sharing fundraising ideas to that motivational "you can do it!" on a tough hill, my teammates came through like no other group of people could. Thanks, friends!

If you'd like to get a taste of what it's like to ride with my awesome teammates, check out this video that our team captain made of our Day 2 ride. See if you can spot me!

So, the epic PMC/Wedding/PMC weekend was a success. I'm still catching up on my sleep, but it was a success nonetheless! I'm REALLY close to calling my fundraising a success too! To date this year, my friends and family have donated $6,342 to support cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute! That puts me only $263 short of my goal. Remember, just $263 more will put my lifetime (since 2004) fundraising amount to $40,000! I'm so close!

If you haven't made a donation yet this year, or if you want to supplement your prior donation, visit my fundraising page and make your secure donation today.We really are making a difference in the fight against cancer - join us and help make cancer HISTORY!

PS: All of my donors who have given $100 or more this year will receive a small gift from me - a packet of spices from Hubba Hubba Foods! In June, Hubba Hubba donated over $400 that they raised through a farmers market fundraiser - I'm happy to spread the spice to my biggest supporters!