Region – The calendar may say January, but 5,500 cyclists from across the country have August on their minds. They are gearing up to ride up to 190 miles in the 33rd annual Pan-Massachusetts Challenge (PMC) and raise money for cancer research. Online registration opened to the public Jan. 17.
The Pan-Mass Challenge, which is set for Aug. 4 and 5, 2012, is the most successful athletic fundraising event in the nation. It raises two to three times more money for charity than any other and it contributes 100 percent of every rider-dollar raised directly to the cause.
The 33rd annual event will offer 11 routes that range from 25 to 190 miles over one or two days. Cyclists come from 36 states and eight countries to ride in the annual event. The PMC is a well-supported and beautiful ride that takes cyclists through 46 cities and towns, provides food, water, medical and mechanical attention every 20 miles, serves full meals at lunch and dinner, supplies lodging, transportation, and luggage carriage for riders, and converts 5,500 cyclists and 3,000 volunteers from strangers to members of one big family, all working toward a unified goal.
Since 1980, the PMC has raised and contributed $338 million to Dana-Farber.
“The environment created on PMC weekend is not easily replicated. It's a unique event,” said PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr. “Registering for the PMC is like lining up for Red Sox tickets the first day they go on sale. People want to be involved with the PMC and they say thanks through their inspired fundraising.”
For more information about the PMC or to register to ride, visit www.pmc.org.
