John Kerry riding Pan-Mass Challenge

[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

[tygab]

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

That sounds awesome, I will definitely make it up there perhaps for a fall ride (shudder, on a night like tonight that doesn't seem so far away - tell me, how can we go from 100 degree humid awful heat to feeling like fall is right around the corner in a few days? Don't get me wrong, I know the heat will be back and I much prefer these dry and cool temps, but the swings are pretty amazing...). I love Maine and I don't need much in the way of excuses to go there!

-Tasha

[mrss]

Congrats tygab on your first PMC. I was hooked from the first as well, although I have been road crew for 7 years. My husband and I share a road van, this year we brought our son along to crew so I could ride the second day to Ptown. I am now a hooked rider. I would love to ride the two days but truly don't want to give up the road crew experience. Such a dilemma to enjoy something so much and have two awesome options. My husband is a long time cyclist and infected me with the bug when we met 6 years ago. My(our) two sons have become avid cyclists and own a plethora of bikes thanks to havng a live in trained mechanic/builder. I enjoyed the PMC so much and being a former runner, I am seriously thinking of a spring mini tri, or at least a du.
The PMC is a tremendous organization. Seeing it from more than one aspect just reaffirms the committment of Billy Starr and all those who work alongside him. The excitement bulds all year and the nervousness sets in Friday night as crew member seeing all the cyclists who are our responsibility. We breathe a momentous sigh of relief Sunday afternoon driving the gear back to headquarters knowing the vast majority of riders made it without a medical or mechanical issue. The moment we hit home Sunday night we start checking for next years dates to mark our calendars.

[mrss]

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

Forgive my intrusion, but that does sound amazing. My husband and I are planning on leaving the Boston area in the next few years and settling in Maine. We actually spent our first camping trip together in the Machias area and honeymooned in Bethel. A bit furthur north but the entire state is amazing. We make frequent trips to the Big Chicken Barn in Ellsworth.
A fall bike trip sounds glorious. We have already begun planning one but we are weekend workers so always ride when the rest of the world works.
How long are your rides from the bike shop?

[mainerider]

How long are your rides from the bike shop?

Saturday's ride is 25 miles. It is a women's ride until October, then it becomes co-ed. Sunday's rides are 28-45 miles, we break up into several groups depending on speed, we all shoot for about 2 hours and then finish with coffee and muffins afterwards. The club's wed site is www.mainecoastcycling.com

Would love to have you come ride with us.

Maureen