Polly #3 is Amazed by the 2010 Pan Mass Challenge

Just a few of the thousands of cyclists that participated in the fundraiser!

When Debbie, Candee and I were visiting Cape Cod this summer, we were able to witness part of the Pan Mass Challenge—a fundraising bike-a-thon which has more than 5,000 cyclists who hail from 36 different states and 8 countries. The PMC runs through forty-six towns across the state of Massachusetts, and cyclists are able to choose from ten different routes of varying mileage, the longest being the 190-mile Sturbridge to Provincetown route. Depending on the chosen route, riders are required to raise between $500 and $4,200 to ride in the event.

The PMC was started in 1980 by Billy Starr and has become the single most successful athletic fundraiser in the country. All money raised during each three day event is used to combat cancer and to date they have raised over 270 million dollars. In 2009 alone, over 30 million dollars was raised by the cyclists which is all put toward dealing with cancer and cancer research. None of the money is used toward administrative or organizational expenses, making it one of the most successful non-profit fund-raising organizations in the country.

Each year, over 2,500 volunteers help to make the PMC the success that it is. Candee’s mom, Jane, is one of those volunteers and she is the one that told us about it, and invited us to be present at the Brewster rest stop to see it first hand. The volunteers help to take care of many aspects of the race from providing food, water and medical attention, mapping the route, and more.

These two ladies come every year to cheer their team on!

It was an amazing site to see all of the people that are dedicated to health and fitness along with a desire to assist in the battle against cancer. If you’re ever visiting the area during this outstanding event, you may want to show up to lend your support for the cause. Who knows, maybe you’ll even participate as a cyclist!

Some of the first riders coming in to the rest stop!

Imagine sitting on a couch made out of bags of ice!

You're almost there!

Volunteers at the food stands were busy handing out nutritious snacks to the cyclists!

Candee and her mom handed out paper towels to anyone that needed one as they headed out for the next leg of their ride.

Here are just a few of the terrific teams that participated in this year’s PMC event:

Team Kermit...I fit right in!

Team Live, Love, Laugh

The Flying Henry's

Team Dot

Team Access

Spin Doctors

I’d love to hear from anyone who has ever participated in this fundraiser or has ever been present to see it during a visit to Cape Cod.

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