Pan-Mass Challenge cyclists to pedal through Wareham on Aug. 3 and 4
Jul 9, 2019
Pan-Mass Challenge 2017: Chris and Katie Moulding, along with their children Bryce and Natalia, cheer for riders as they cycle down Main Street on Saturday. Katie participated in her third consecutive Pan-Mass Challenge this year. Photo by: Matthew Bernat.
Pan-Mass Challenge 2016: Members of team Pedal 2 the Mettle traveled from Florida and California for the ride. From left: Gil and Chris Falcone and Cody and Natalie Gantz. Photo by: Matthew Bernat.
Pan-Mass Challenge 2016: A Pan-Mass cyclist rolls into the Decas Elementary School water stop. Photo by: Matthew Bernat.
On August 3 and 4, more than 6,700 riders, including five from Wareham, will pedal up to 192 miles in the Pan-Mass Challenge with the goal of raising $60 million for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Cyclists from 43 states and 12 countries will convene in Massachusetts to participate in the challenge, taking on one of 12 routes, which pass through 47 towns and range from 25 to 192 miles, designed to cater to all levels of cycling and fundraising ability. Riders range in age from 13 to 88 and include everyone from seasoned triathletes to weekend warriors. Many cyclists participate to honor a family member or friend who has battled cancer, while more than 950 riders and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients themselves.
Participants are required to raise between $600 and $8,500, depending on their chosen route. On average, each cyclist raises more than $8,825. Volunteers, spectators, donors and sponsors all work together on ride weekend to make a difference in the fight against cancer.
“As we prepare for our milestone 40th PMC, we are humbled by the continued support from our growing community,” said Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the PMC. “It is thanks to the unwavering passion and commitment of our riders, volunteers, donors and sponsors that the PMC has been able to make such a tangible impact on advancements in cancer research and treatment since 1980. We can’t wait to see everyone on the road come August for what we hope will be a safe and enjoyable ride!”
If the Pan-Mass Challenge reaches its 2019 fundraising goal of $60 million, Overstock.com CEO Patrick Byrne, a cancer survivor and a Pan-Mass Challenge rider, has committed to donate an additional $1 million to the cause.
One hundred percent of every rider-raised dollar is donated directly to Dana-Farber. In 2018, the Pan-Mass Challenge donated $56 million to Dana-Farber, bringing its 39-year contribution to more than $654 million.
Those who wish to donate can go to donate.pmc.org and search for the rider they would like to support. This year, Wareham riders include Ken Destremps, Henry Gleason, Katie Moulding, Nichole Stahmer, and Eric Wade.
