Friends,

As I look forward to this year’s PMC (my 17th), it’s the end of one era and the dawn of a new one. My boys Michael (age 20) & Daniel (age 18) will both be in college this fall making our so-called nest an empty one. So, what has all this bike riding meant?

1. The obvious: We’re raising money to fight cancer! God knows there’s never enough to support the endless fight against this disease. The PMC will surpass the $1 billion mark this year, an unbelievable accomplishment considering its humble roots 44 years ago as a group of friends riding to the end of Cape Cod to support one friend whose mother was dying of cancer. And, that is the story of Toby’s Team (my team), and so many like us. We ride for our friends and family so we can do something about cancer. It’s the heart of the PMC - friendship and love.

But, back to empty nesthood:

2. The task of learning to ride a bike follows closely behind walking. It’s just so basic and the accomplishment lasts a lifetime (apologies to those who don’t ride - I know you’re out there). It’s why whenever you learn a new skill that you never forget how to do you can say, “It’s just like riding a bike.” But those early years when most of us learn are key. They include the training wheels, the falls, the scraped knees, the excitement of riding down the street with wind blowing through your hair, popping wheelies, jumping off ramps, riding into town for a cold slush, getting a new bike or your brother’s hand me down. There’s simply nothing like a boy or girl with a bike. And you never forget the skill and enjoyment of staying upright on two wheels.

3. Lessons learned? In the way that everything you need to know in life you learned in kindergarten (a book whose title gives away the movie), so true of bike riding. It gives you a degree of competence, balance, and endurance. It takes you to new places, makes you vigilant, and requires that you obey the rules of the road. It’s not so easy to do in the rain, but on a nice summer day, it feels good to be alive. And the PMC demands hardiness, flexibility, and the ability to tolerate discomfort and keep a positive attitude while committing to a larger cause. Hopefully, Michael & Daniel, who have both ridden past PMCs with me will heed some of these lessons.

4. So, what of the future? This moment is one of transition, shifting gears, poised between boys riding off into the world, and caring for parents who are “two tired” to ride any longer (yes, Julie gave me that pun). Ironically, the PMC bike riding provides balance and a way to move forward, rolling down the road into the next phase of whatever life holds in store.

This isn’t the time to hit the brakes! Please help me help the PMC roll through the $1 billion mark. I will greatly appreciate any contribution you make.

Thank you!!

Click here to make a gift - https://profile.pmc.org/SW0055

Warm regards,

Steven

Videos from years past:

2019 - El PMC 2019 - https://vimeo.com/350629145/a5921b375c

2018 - Carpool Karaoke! - https://vimeo.com/user54773758/download/280193048/a0d6c272dd

2017 - PMC Tribute! - https://vimeo.com/user54773758/download/230290528/f4bb826323

2017 - What if Alexander Hamilton Rode the PMC - https://vimeo.com/user54773758/download/225799100/26c019c4d1

2016 Training Video – Part III of the Trilogy – What it Takes to Ride the PMC

https://vimeo.com/user54773758/download/176258398/62e55ff944

What It Takes To Ride The PMC Part II - https://picasaweb.google.com/118363934006802334084/WhatItTakesToRideThePMCPartII?authkey=Gv1sRgCOjF7ezq9tziuwE#6176907687537172674

What it Takes To Ride The PMC Part I – https://picasaweb.google.com/118363934006802334084/WhatItTakesToRideThe2013PMC?authkey=Gv1sRgCJD51pD_p5SSKg#

2012 PMC - Breaking Away! – https://picasaweb.google.com/118363934006802334084/2012PMCBreakingAway?authkey=Gv1sRgCNey_oLL8Lzucw#5765013127831252882