My first encounter with the PMC happened by accident.  Twenty years ago I was on vacation at the Cape and went out cycling which I had recently taken up to save whatever was left in my worn out "runner's knees."

All of a sudden, I found myself in the middle of what I thought was just a large cycling race.  I was immediately impressed with the spirit and camaraderie of the riders.  As I rode along the route I was even more impressed with the enthusiasm of the spectators and volunteers at the rest stop I passed.  I said to myself that I've got to find out what this "event" is and how to participate in it.  I didn't have to wait long for an answer to my question, as I caught a short TV news story on the PMC that evening. 

Despite my good intentions, it took me eleven more years to actually participate in the PMC.  I certainly had good reasons to ride, having lost two aunts and several friends to cancer.  On the bright side, both my parents are cancer survivors (Dad beat colon cancer in 1990 and Mom is getting good reports on her ongoing battle with renal cell cancer). 

My PMC rides have been truly inspirational experiences, from Friday night's pre-race show to the finish in Provincetown.  On Sunday's ferry ride back to Boston I am already looking forward to next year's PMC.