Pan Mass Ride Report

The most amazing thing about riding the Pan Mass is the people cheering you along the road all the way from Sturbridge to Bourne, from 6AM to 4PM. Signs like "thanks to you my son is cancer free". (Gulp)

I was nervous the night before but slept well. We arrived a little late, and somehow I ended up in the first group of rider that took off (on my way to the 14 MPH group). There was an amazing sunrise and cheering that started us off. I immediately lost track of the friend I signed up with, and never saw her again.

Everyone was really friendly and supportive - we all had name tags, so it was easy to strike up a conversation. Lots of parents riding with teenage kids (gives me an idea for next year!).

The first 50 miles were a bit hilly, but since my plan was to take part one easy, I consciously slowed to 5 MPH on most of them. No grade was higher than Prospect Park here in Brooklyn, and not very long either. Either my worry about the hills was unfounded or all the training paid off!

I was very good about my hydration - one bottle of water and one bottle of GU20 every 2 hours, plus a gel after each rest stop. Accel Gel with protein for the first 80 miles and caffeine Expresso Gu for the last 31 miles. I had one slice of fruit and a banana before the lunch stop, and just a banana and roll for lunch. I tried to drink Perpetum, and maybe got down 2/3 of a bottle during the afternoon.

By the time it was lunch at mile 70, I realized the hills I was so worried about were over, and really not such a big deal at all. At lunch I also spoke to Jonathan Alter who was the opening ceremony speaker - he chronicled his battle with cancer in Time Magazine last year, and there he was at mile 70. Pretty inspiring!

The last 20 miles were a bit of a grind, pretty hot and I did notice my cruising speed lower from 15 to about 12. It was about 91 degrees and pretty humid - the GU20 really worked, I had not a cramp or dizziness or nothing, which I sometimes have in the heat when not even exercising.

I did get a few mosquito bite through my bike shorts - who would have thought to spray bug repellent there!

It was great to see my husband kids and Aunt and Uncle at the end with Mom you Rock signs - it was totally thrilling. I also raised over $3,000 for Cancer research, which was a good feeling too.

I felt great when it was over - slammed down some Endurox R4 right away. We really had to get the kids out of there after standing in the sun for 3 hours, so I unfortunately missed the TE photo OP - hopefully everyone will understand!

Thanks to all the TE advice on the Pan Mass, and training advice from everyone. If anything, I was more than ready,

Now - what to tackle next year?