Riding the Pan Massachusetts Challenge

There are several PMC route options. The classic route begins in Sturbridge, MA and finishes in Provincetown, MA which is at the very end of Cape Cod. If you choose this route, you'll be treated to over 192 miles of riding in 2 days. This ride begins by traversing a hilly region of Massachusetts in the foothills of the Berkshires, and day one ends at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Bourne. Fortunately, the terrain does flatten out considerably as the day goes on, but even so, the long day of riding is a true challenge.

The other start option is to begin in Wellesley, MA. Riders going on to Provincetown will travel 163 miles over two days, and face fewer hills than those starting in Sturbridge. For many, this is a popular option since you'll begin closer to Boston.

Both two day routes require serious cycling preparation over the course of several months.

There are also three one day routes offered, as well as an alternate return route to Wellesley, MA instead of continuing on to Provincetown. However, the P'town finish is the preferred choice of most riders, and is the first route to fill up. Spaces to P'town are limited to approximately 4000 riders.



Preparation for the PMC begins in early spring for most cyclists. Weather, at least in the Northeast, can be a challenge over the winter months, and most of us will have to regain some fitness. You should be comfortable enough to ride at least 25 miles on a road bike before beginning a PMC training regimen, to coincide with the warming days of May. Regular rides during the week, with longer rides each successive weekend, ending in back to back rides of 70 miles (some will do less, some will do more) are typical preparations for a PMC weekend. My husband and I like to be sure to take some very challenging long rides 2-3 weekends before the PMC, and then slightly easier rides the weekend before the PMC, so we are rested up and fresh for the event itself.

So by now, you might be wondering if you really could do the PMC. Yes, you can! It is all about building up gradually, and there are men and women, young and old, lighter and heavier, newer riders, and those who've been riding for decades, who successfully complete the ride each year. There are even physically challenged athletes who may just ride right by you as you mumble about going up that hill! In short, it is an inspirational event to see people of all backgrounds coming together for such a singular purpose.

There is one other aspect to PMC preparations - fund raising. Fundraising for the PMC is a very serious matter, unlike some other rides where the commitment levels are low or fairly flexible. The PMC demands you commit to both the training rigors as well as the financial commitment that the organization has made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Top cancer physicians and medical research teams depend on us.

Most riders will begin asking for donations well in advance of the ride. Commitments can be thousands of dollars. Planning and persistence will get you across the money finish line too! There are many great ideas PMC riders use to gather funds - from donating services, raffles, auctions, corporate sponsors, or ground-pounding, there are tools and ideas available to help you meet your goals.

Of course, volunteering is always an option for those not able to ride; the PMC has over 2500 volunteers to make sure the ride goes off smoothly.

I hope this has answered some of your questions about what I think is a truly amazing weekend and lifetime experience! But be warned, you could be on your way to many years of involvement as a Pan Massachusetts Challenge rider and/or volunteer!