Pmc

[tygab]

I would still love to do it so I'm putting it on my list of to-do's next year which include a 3 week trip to India and hiking Mount Washington. The India trip is def. happening, but I think I need to make a decision between the PMC and Mt. Washington. It'll be a toughie.

May I ask why you'd have to choose between doing the PMC and hiking Mt Washington? I think you can do both! Are you planning an extended hike along the AT? or do you just want to get to the top?

I did my first PMC last year. I did the Wellesley to Wellesley route, which goes Wellesley to Bourne to Wellesley over 2 days. That is a cheaper route, and some consider it easier. I don't know if I agree, I haven't done the other routes, but the "easy" downhill is not so easy uphill. You have to come back what you went down....

Our requirement was $2500 last year, and both my husband and I raised that amount as first timers. We were plenty nervous about it, but we've learned a lot and even just from others on what we can do to raise more. I feel pretty confident we can do it again. Use company matching wherever you can w/your donors, that goes a LONG way! I realize the fundraising can seem very intimidating, but there are different ride options. I will say that the 2 day rides to Ptown fill very quickly. When I registered last year the only 2 day open was the W2W. Also, this year they've added a 1 day ride, Wellesley to Wellesley with a $1,000 fundraising requirement.

Here are the 2007 routes and minimum fundraising requirements:

HEAVY HITTER $6,300 <<note: this means you get cool shorts and some privs like early registration etc
2-DAY RIDES TO PROVINCETOWN $3,600
2-DAY RIDES TO WELLESLEY $3,000
1-DAY RIDES TO MMA $2,600 (Saturday)
1-DAY; STURBRIDGE TO WELLESLEY $1,800 (Saturday)
1-DAY; WELLESLEY TO WELLESLEY $1,000 (Sunday) - NEW
1-DAY; BOURNE TO WELLESLEY $1,200 (Volunteer Saturday; Ride on Sunday) - not available until Volunteer registration opens on March 6th
VIRTUAL RIDE No Minimum/No Obligation: $500 PMC merchandise; $1,000 for ride jersey

I have been thinking about it for months already and am just waiting to sign up when it opens to us. We'd like to do the Ptown route this year. It is really a very transforming experience. I started cycling just to do the PMC and so I guess for me the transformation included going from inactivity/non-cyclist to relatively fit and improving cyclist.

I met people who traveled from California, Ohio, etc just to do the ride, people who'd done it for 10+ years, people who started riding when their kids were little and are now riding with their kids and so on. Of course, the other unifying theme is what everyone has gone through - survivors, people who have loved ones fighting the disease, adults who were treated by the Jimmy Fund now old enough to ride (one of our team members fits this description), kids fighting the disease now and those riding in memory of someone they've lost. Sadly, it seems like the list of people my husband and I are riding for in one way or another just keeps growing.

Also, the PMC has a pass thru rate of nearly 99% on the fundraising, and a very high rider retention rate. So, when the eyes get big on the $ amount one needs to raise as mine did, the flip side is that the demand to participate in this ride is high and a LOT of money gets raised as a result. The fundraising is part of the challenge and when you cross the line knowing both goals have been achieved, it is a great feeling that lasts for days.

I have no doubt there are other great fundraising rides in the area, like the MS 150. I would consider doing those rides if they appeal to you. I do think that for whatever ride you choose, you need to believe in the cause as it goes a long way in your motivation both cycling and fundraising wise.

Feel free to contact me if you'd like more information.