After a 15-year hiatus, I'm back!  When I first rode in 2004, I had no cycling experience and had never participated in such an event before.  The picture above is from my third PMC, in 2006.  Over the course of the next six years, the PMC became an important part of my life, and I gained more and more appreciation for the impact that this event has on so many people.  While great strides have been made in cancer research over the years (due in no small part to the incredible amount of money raised by this event), there is still much work to be done.  Cancer has affected most of us in one way or another, so it is important that we continue the fight.

Since I started cycling early in 2004 in preparation for my first of six consecutive PMCs, I have become an avid cyclist, by riding with the Rippers, a cycling club in my hometown of Winchester, MA, as well as participating in several different cycling events over the years.  But these events pale in comparison to the Pan Mass Challenge - from the starting line to the finish line, to all of the rest stops in between, everything is first class - the volunteers, the food, the music, the bike mechanics, you name it.  The sense of community and enthusiasm, as well as the Pedal Partner program that links us up with individual cancer patients, makes the event a truly moving one.

This year, I am riding with Team Beachcomber, and I'm excited to be back at it.  This is the final year of the traditional Sturbridge starting point, and I'm looking forward to pushing through every mile, all the way to Provincetown.  One of the things that I remember from my past experiences is the inspiration from the cancer patients that we are riding for - whether it be people we know or stories that we are told.  When my legs start to tire and my back unavoidably starts to hurt during the course of the ride weekend, I think about the folks that we are riding for, and realize that my aches and pains are nothing compared to what these patients and their families are going though.  Their bravery and strength is truly inspiring.

So I'm asking for your support.  Like I mentioned before, there is still much work to be done, and the funds raised from this event are integral for the research needed to combat this terrible disease.  No amount is too small - it all adds up and I thank you in advance for your support.  Thanks!!