Pan Massachusetts Challenge 2011
5,300+  cyclists
2  days (August 6th and 7th)
190  miles
$34,000,000
 
 for cancer research and treatment at the
 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

 

 

This year my brother and I and a friend of his once again took the original Sturbridge to Bourne to Provincetown route. As with last year's pictures, I've focused a number of them on some of the "We ride for..." postings that cyclists wrote on the large panels at the Maritime Academy in Bourne where we stop at the end of day one. I hope you'll take time to read them.

Click a picture to see a larger view.
I actually made it in a Sturbridge starting line picture this year! Clue after the last picture.

 

One of 7 team members whose shirts show ribbons for survivors and in memorial, each ribbon being a different type of cancer. Opening night, this father described the incredible journey his son endured, beginning at 18 months. He's now 6 and free of one of the rarest pediatric cancers (32 cases/year in the entire US). Look who rode with us this year: Lance! A good sport to help out, since his own foundation also works hard to raise money for cancer research.

 

Some of the 3,000 bicycles parked at Sturbridge awaiting the 5:30 AM start on Saturday.

 

One of a number of riders who show their support of loved ones and friends.

 

 

My brother, Bob, (on the right), and his friend, Tony Miller. Bob's 10th year, Tony's 4th. 5:15 AM Saturday!

 

Lunch time on Saturday, space for 5,300 cyclists rolling through this waterstop.

 

Need I say more?

The ice couch is a popular stop at this waterstop on Saturday, as is the one at the last waterstop on sunday. The "stick" is for rolling out the leg/arm muscles before they get a chance to cramp. Works!
Greg and Marcia Dana with their son, Eric. Last fall Greg's physicians told him there was nothing more they could do, and to go plan his funeral. He did. This year he rode with the family from Wellesley to Bourne - 84 miles - cancer free! A wonderful couple to know, they are still in a wonderful state of awe. At Bourne, mile 109, these banners are displayed for riders and volunteers to share why they participate. A number that particularly touched me follow.

 

 

     
 

And just

 

 

a few more

 

to help convey the power of these sentiments.
Diagnosed at 18 months with leukemia, Brodie is now cancer free at age 6.

 

 

 

The tent that serves to feed 3,000 of us Saturday afternoon/evening and Sunday morning for a 4:30 AM breakfast.

 

 

The sought after ice couch at the Wellfleet waterstop at about mile 167 on Sunday. A sore derriere loves a good chill!

 

 

The unofficial PMC cheerleaders with their bicycle shaped glasses, "over the hill cheerleader" t-shirts, and pink and white pom-poms. We stop for a picture very year at about mile 175.

 

Showered, fed and cheering other arriving PMC cyclists at the finish line in Provincetown 100 yards behind us. Between us, we've helped raise over $100,000 for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Feels so good to be able to do something to counter the helplessness of losing loved ones.
Where's Waldo? I'm two riders to the left of the rider with the yellow helmet near the front left.      


                        

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Paul W. Schenk, Psy.D.
3589 Habersham at Northlake, Bldg O, Tucker, GA 30084-4001
Phone: 770-939-4473
Office Fax: 770-939-0033