Writing this from the comfort of home- it's the first wi-fi I have had since our hotel room in Sturbridge. So here's a concise sum-up of the official PMC ride- day one and day two.
We and 3500 cyclists started out at 5:30 AM (!) from Sturbridge in the wee morning light. The number of cyclists and volunteers is a staggering sight to see. Very different than our day zero ride were the many people lining our route, cheering us on. So motivating! The weather was in the 60's to start and barely broke 70 the entire day- perfect cycling weather especially for a 110 mile day. Below you'll see my friend Paul and I in Franklin at mile 42.3. The terrain was rolling, with some climbs, but nothing like our day zero in the Berkshires.
What's amazing about this ride are the people who come out to cheer us on, and those who volunteer. Many of whom have a direct connection with cancer. One of the favorite streets for PMC riders is Cherry Street in Wrentham. The street is lined with residents cheering, playing musical instruments and thanking us for riding. My favorite is the bag piper troupe, all kids!
We rolled into Bourne feeling great- I felt that under these conditions I could have ridden 150 miles. In stark contrast to last year when it was 97 F on this day and we were absolutley spent by day's end. Cool temperatures can make all the difference between an easy and extremely difficult day on the bike.
This sign in Bourne sums up a lot about this ride. Who do we ride for? This year I'm riding in memory of my friend Jack Mintz, who passed from esophageal cancer in the spring. And I was thinking of my close friends Marilyn and Jeanne who both died of ovarian cancer and I always think of my Step Dad who we lost to pancreatic cancer. Many people literally wear who they are riding for on their sleeve, or in this case back of the jersey. Not only for those who have been lost but for those who are fighting their battles against cancer. My friend John survived his bout with a rare endocrine cancer last summer and he joined us for Saturday's ride. He's one of 500 "Living Proof" riders and volunteers who were honored in an incredibly touching ceremony in Bourne.
There are so many stories you hear during the ride. One was simple and touching. Herbert, an elderly gentleman who was kindly offering to clean riders' glasses with windex, is a prostate cancer survivor who said he was very glad to be there helping others who were raising money for cancer research. I also came upon a young Mom and her husband who were riding their first PMC in honor of their ten year old daughter who is now cancer free after being treated for a rare olfactory tumor last year.
After a great deal of eating, and free beer supplied by the awesome Harpoon Brewery, we camped out in our tents on a lovely breezy evening, and once again woke up super early- 4 am to hit the road by 5:30.
We had great cycling weather again on the Cape- with temps in 70's and the sun made its first apprearance in the afternoon. Biking on the Cape is superb- lovely towns, gorgeous scenic views, and again the ever present residents cheering us on and police waving us through intersections. Our 80 miles rolled by quickly,
And we were done for the day arriving in Provincetown before noon. After ravenously eating, I went for a great swim at a small beach.
The PMC was once again a great experience, powerfully emotional and really bringing one's focus repeatedly on what and who we were cycling for.
Physically this ride was also a powerful experience- I set a new personal record for miles ridden over two days (205 miles) and over three days (285 miles), and doing this together with my friend Linda made it all the more enjoyable. But do have done this ride for this cause makes every mile seem like a small step towards the continual fight against this terrible disease. Let's hope for continued progress. Thanks for your support and for following along! Now back to reality for this boy....
Posted with Blogsy
