Good day to all of my past and prospective donors. It is that time of year where I reach out and ask again for your support in the fight against cancer. As is usual, there are some new people added to this e-mail list, so first a brief summary: The Pan-Mass Challenge is a 200-mile bike-a-thon that raises more money for charity than any other single athletic fundraising event in the country. Benefiting the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the PMC donates 100 percent of every rider-raised dollar directly to Dana-Farber and is the Institute’s largest single contributor, raising more than 64 percent of the annual revenue at the Jimmy Fund. In 2023, the PMC raised $72 million, bringing its 42-year contribution to $972 million! This year we will exceed the $1Billion threshold. There are roughly 6000 riders and 3000 volunteers that come together to pull this whole thing off. This will be my 16th year of participating and, including $12,477 in 2023, with your generous contributions I have raised $125,000 over those years. Team Cyclosaurass, which I have been on for the past 14 years has raised over $775,000. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
The 2023 ride was, thankfully, without much drama. The weather was low 80’s, with no rain. We had no crashes on our team, and no mechanical failures. Usually I have one or more to write about. I felt really good both days, making all the training miles logged worthwhile. We got to the overnight spot at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne, where I took a quick shower and headed for the beer tent, followed by the food tent, followed again by the beer tent, and so on. Great weather, live music, and ran into a few people that I did not know were riders who I haven’t seen in years.
As has been the case for many years, I spent the night at our friends Jen and Sarah’s house down the street from the MMA. After a nice dinner and a cool, quiet place to sleep, Jen brought me back to the MMA at 4:30 a.m. on Sunday to meet up with a couple of my teammates who, given their age, once again pulled me through day two.
This year - is going to be different. I have committed to raising at least $4,500 and have set my goal at $10,000 as I usually do, but I will not be riding in the event. I will instead be nearing the completion of a 4,300 mile cross-country motorcycle ride called the Trans-America Trail (Google it for more info). What’s unique about this trail is that it is predominantly dirt roads, fire roads, and dual track trails. It starts in Nags Head, NC and ends in Port Orford, OR and includes some challenging riding, particularly in Utah and crossing the Rockies in Colorado. This has been in the works for several years and it will finally happen this summer. Three of us will be camping along the way so we are carrying camping and cooking gear with us. It will take about a month to complete. Here’s a picture of the bike packed and ready to go.
After 15 years, I’m asking for your indulgence this year by continuing the tremendous support you have given in the past. Instead of being exhausted each day after pedaling two wheels for two days, I’ll be exhausted each day after riding two wheels for 30 days. As I do on the PMC I will spend a lot of time during this ride thinking about all those that we have lost to this terrible disease in its various permutations. I used to attempt to list those people here that were close to me that were taken too soon, but after doing this for 15 years, it’s unfortunately a pretty big list. The PMC ride always reminds me just how fortunate I am in so many ways.
For my past donors, I can’t say thank you enough. For the newcomers to the list, please consider making a donation to this wonderful cause. All donations are tax-deductible and, unlike many charitable organizations, EVERY DOLLAR of your donation goes to Dana Farber, as the operating costs are covered by a multitude of corporate sponsors. If you are able to make a contribution you can do so online at the PMC site https://donate.pmc.org/PC0160. If you would prefer to mail a check it can be made out to PMC and mailed to me at 224 Partridge Hill Road, Charlton, MA 01507.
Thank you, and stay safe.
Phil
508-847-0711
