Riding the "short ride", Wellesley to Bourne, of the Pan-Mass Challenge last year was nothing short of inspirational. It was also truely a challenge. Having started strong, buoyed by the enthusiasm of the supporters gathered to see us off, I rode too fast and hit the wall as the temperature climbed into the 90s and I approached the 50 mile mark. Fortunately, I found a big block of ice to sit on to cool down and resumed the ride remembering that my aspirational animal was the tortoise not the hare.

I'm delighted to be able to participate again this year riding with the newly renamed Team Porto TRADE. But more than the riders and the Team, every survivor and each person helped by the research and treatment made possible by this remarkable ride is an individual reason I want to participate. I have family members and friends who have been affected by cancer. Some have beaten it; others are fighting it; still others fought bravely but ultimately succumbed. By riding and urging others to support my ride, I -and you, my donors - can contribute to ensuring that the innovative research done at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and supported by The Jimmy Fund will result in fewer and fewer people who lose their fight. 100% of rider-raised revenue goes directly to support the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's tireless commitment to finding a cure.

Please support my ride. As I pedal away, at the pace of a turtle, I might add, not the cheetahs who populate the rest of our Team, I know your generosity and the thought of all the good our fundraising is doing will keep me in the saddle long after I begin asking myself, "What were you thinking?". Age continues to rob me of speed, but my fundraising network is, I hope, still robust and this year, as last,  I will do everything I can to finish the ride! Please be generous.