John Kerry riding Pan-Mass Challenge

[DebW]

John Kerry is riding the Pan-Mass Challenge this weekend to raise money for the Jimmy Fund. I just got an email from JohnKerry.com (his political email list of 3 million) asking for donations. Didn't know that John Kerry was a survivor of prostate cancer, but that's what his email says. He's done the Pan-Mass Challenge twice before and this year he's riding the 111 mile route from Sturbridge to Bourne. Anyone here riding PMC this weekend?

[pooks]

That's fantastic! Is there a link?

[newfsmith]

Mainerider & I are starting in Sturbridge, we hope to meet up in Bourne before heading on to Provincetown. I also hope to meet a couple of other women from the Terry cycling forum.

[DebW]

That's fantastic! Is there a link?

No, and I didn't find it on his website, but here's a copy of the email:

-----

Dear Debra,

Saturday, I'm going on a long bike ride -- with 4,500 other riders from 36 states. Following my 2003 bout with prostate cancer, I will be among the 200 or so riders who are cancer survivors.

Each of us will be sponsored by the donations of friends and family. And 99 cents out of every dollar we riders raise during the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge will go directly to the Jimmy Fund, which supports the life-saving cancer research of the Dana-Farber Institute.

At the fundraising training sessions for the event, they tell you to email your friends and ask for their help. But, I don't suppose they realized I had three million friends in my email address book. Will you consider joining me in support of this very special charity?

I want to help John Kerry support the Jimmy Fund. [link to: https://www.pmc.org/egifts/default.asp]

All I can tell you is that this ride means a great deal to me. If you've ever participated in a walk, run or ride for a cause you believe in, you know what a powerful and rewarding personal experience it can be. The Pan-Massachusetts Challenge is especially so.

It started out in 1980 when 36 riders took part and the event raised $10,200. Last year, those figures were 4,000 riders and $23 million. And this year, with your help, we expect to crush the goal of $24 million raised. The funds generated by this race now represent 50% of all money raised annually for the Jimmy Fund. Pretty remarkable, isn't it?

I can hardly wait until early Saturday morning when I join thousands of fellow riders at the starting line in Sturbridge. There are several different routes, and the one I'll be riding travels 111 miles to Bourne.

Because I care so much about this event and about the unbelievably important work that Dana-Farber does, I'm hoping you'll sponsor me on my ride on Saturday by pledging either a total dollar amount or an amount per mile.

I want to help John Kerry support the Jimmy Fund. [link to: https://www.pmc.org/egifts/default.asp]

Those of us who grew up in New England know all about the Jimmy Fund -- a wonderful charity that has been long supported by people all across the region. My own memories go back to Ted Williams urging Red Sox fans to rally round children struggling with cancer.

I've helped the Jimmy Fund out by taking part in the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge twice before. Now, in a few days I will ride again as a cancer survivor, one who knows that others -- including friends and family -- weren't so lucky. That makes this year's Challenge even more special and anything you can do to help will be especially meaningful. Thanks for considering this invitation to join me in support of the Jimmy Fund.

Sincerely,

John Kerry

P.S. The 5 people who come closest to guessing my time will win a free, autographed Pan-Massachusetts Challenge jersey. Click here to guess my time. [link to: http://www.johnkerry.com/features/panmass/]

Paid for by Friends of John Kerry, Inc.

[mrss]

Hi All,
I have been lurking for a while. I am a 7 year veteran volunteer for the PMC, road crew. This year my son joined my husband and I as road crew so I could ride day 2. I wasn't sure I could not having done many long rides, I did ride the Ride for Shelter two weeks ago, 62 miles, and did ok.
Seeing the PMC from the saddle of a bike is so much different than from the seat of a road crew van. I had to pull over a few times from being overwhelmed from the support of the onlookers. I was concerned that people would think I was injured but it seemed a few others also "had something in their eye".
My respect and admiration go out to all riders for any cause, I would like to ride both days but for now am not ready to give up my road crew position.
Thank you to all who rode and to all who stood out for hours cheering each and every rider.

[mainerider]

Hi - Jean & I did hook up in Bourne on Saturday. Fortunately the weather broke on Friday and we had a beautiful weekend - both weather-wise and PMC-wise.

My husband & I saw John arrive in Sturbridge Friday afternoon. He attended the Opening Ceremonies Friday night and had a brief spot in the Opening Ceremonies (live on New England Cable News - NECN). Usually you can access their clips. John said Friday night he was just shy of the $50,000 mark with his fundraising. The link given in his email would bring you to a screen where you would have to type his name. You then get his story and his current fundraising total (over $51,000, I just checked).

Also participating in this year's PMC were Greg Lemond, Uta Pippig (international marathon winner including Boston 3 years), and Johann Koss (gold medalist speed skating 1990's). I had my picture taken with Greg & Uta but don't have it with me today to download!

I saw Johann in Bourne on Saturday, my husband saw Greg in P-town on Sunday.

Maureen

[newfsmith]

The PMC is special in many ways. The crowd support is so genuine, and sometimes over the top. Like the women in hula skirts passing out water and oranges slices at the top of one hill. The sheer number of signs on lawns "A cancer survivor lives here, thank you PMC riders." Honking up one hill I realized that the fellow I was passing had an artificial left leg. After a water stop I thought I was about to pass him again until I realized that this rider had an artificial right leg. There is something very empowering about seeing all these riders in the same jersey, forming a long yellow line as far as you can see ahead or behind you; all united to help fund cancer research

[tygab]

Notice I say my first ... yeah I am hooked.
It was a blast. I find myself wondering "now what" since this year was all about getting to the point where I could do this. Context: did not own a road bike before this spring. was not in decent shape. wasn't comfortable with cars, clipless pedals, and so many other things. I hadn't even ever really biked seriously. There were times I wondered if I was crazy for trying to do this in my first year cycling. But I was also driven... this was just something I had to do.

Well, I did it, and I loved it. Even better, now I love cycling, and I am pretty good shape (though I plan to take it to the next level once I finish my post PMC rest period of easy riding).

I can't wait til next year! And I am going to be doing some club rides soon. If any of you are MA/NH locals I would love to ride sometime...

[mainerider]

I can't wait til next year! And I am going to be doing some club rides soon. If any of you are MA/NH locals I would love to ride sometime...

Congrats on your first PMC!

Plan to come to Kennebunkport, ME some weekend! I lead a women's ride on Saturdays from Cape Able Bike Shop, 8 am and we have co-ed rides on Sundays (we break out into groups based on speed, 20+, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15), 8 am.

Maureen