PMC 2023 marks my 31st year as the PMC Road Coordinator and my 38th with the event. I've seen a lot of changes in the event, but also in the PMC routes and technology over more than three decades. From a era when marking a route meant using a highlighter and a map book, to electronic mapping, vehicle tracking and high-tech radio systems, Road Operations includes the Medical and Mechanical Road Crew, as well as the Sign Crew. In the months before event weekend, we survey routes, map and take notes on problems (both potential and existing), create and update the mailing list that sends a notice to all residences along our routes, reach out to the public safety agencies in 48 towns, and prepare the equipment and supplies needed to keep the crews operational. I'm so fortunate to have a dedicated Crew of over 80 volunteers, many who have worked with me for over 10 years (some over 20!), who spend the weekend - from Friday night to Sunday afternoon - supporting the riders. Our mission is to support them, so they just have to ride and raise donations. We work very closely with the PMC Command Center on event weekend.
My first year with the PMC was 1985. After riding that year, I took a year off, then returned as a volunteer in 1987. After a couple of years volunteering at a couple of sites, I was asked that fateful question: Would you like to become more involved with the event? After a couple of years soliciting beverage donations and assisting with site traffic issues, I heard it again. In 1993, I joined the Volunteer Head Staff as the PMC Road Coordinator and never looked back.
I have the honor of not only working with the Professional Staff and the Head Staff, but also with a dedicated, talented, and often funny group called the Road Crew. I also served a two-year term on the PMC Board of Trustees.
Along with surveying over 340 miles of PMC routes, I am the liason to the towns and government agencies whose jurisdictions we pass through. In cooperation my fellow Head Staff coordinators and my Road Crew, we have a fleet of over 30 vehicles on PMC weekend, equipped with medical and mechanical supplies.
The PMC is pretty much a year-around commitment for those of us on the Volunteer Head Staff. A iot of work, but the reward--a safe and productive event--makes it worthwhile.
Every year, unfortunately, seems to bring yet another reason to push for cancer treatment and research. For me, the last couple of years has brought the loss of three long time friends, to three different kinds of cancer. It just proves that the fight isn't over. I dedicate my efforts this year to their memory.
Because cancer doesn't take a year off, I would be honored to accept donations, of any amount, to support our mission. In 2020, for our virtual year, we produced a video tribute from the Road Crew to the riders. Meet and hear from me and some of my crew. To see it, click here!
Please feel free to email me with questions, comments, or chat! Please stay safe and well
Allan
Allan Eyden
PMC Road Coordinator
