The ride starts in Sturbridge at 6:00 AM sharp on August 2, 2008 and ends, on the first day, 111 miles away at Bourne, Massachusetts at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (where we will be spending the night). The second day starts at 6:00 AM on August 3, 2008 and ends, 81 miles away, in Provincetown, Massachusetts. I have a ticket for the slow ferry that leaves Provincetown at 3:00 PM and arrives in Boston, Massachusetts sometime before sunset. Once in Boston, I will get my truck and head home.

This is a quote from Billy Starr, the founder & Executive Director of the PMC: "The PMC supports the innovative work of doctors, nurses and scientists at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and their search for cures for cancers and related diseases. In 2006, the PMC donated 99 cents of every rider-raised dollar directly to cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund [In 2007, the PMC donated one hundred percent of every rider-raised dollar to the Jimmy Fund. The cost of producing the ride ($3.3 million) was underwritten by corporate/foundation sponsors, registration fees and sales - making it the best place to put your money to help find a cancer cure.] The PMC generates nearly fifty percent of the Jimmy Fund's annual revenue. In 2007, the event raised and contributed $33 million to the Jimmy Fund, bringing its 28-year contribution to more than $204 million! The PMC's 2008 goal is to raise $34 million for the Jimmy Fund."

I had been thinking of getting involved in the PMC for a couple of years but never really gave it serious thought until one of my angling customers, Chet Potyrala, passed away from cancer late in 2005. Chet epitomized the joy of living in the outdoors and would probably be alive today had more money been donated to the cure of cancer. I can't save Chet, who became a good friend as well as a good customer, but I can help to save others. So, the ride itself is a means for me of representing those who passed, establishing a foundation of hope for those who now have the disease and to raise money where the ultimate goal is a cure for cancer.

I completed my first PMC event in 2007. I was so impressed with the organization, the consistency of operation, the tremendous knowledge of all the volunteers, the ease of completing the ride, the cause, the friendliness of everyone involved and the idea that the PMC raised twice the amount of money (for cancer) ever contributed to charity by an athletic fund-raising event in the United States that I decided to do it again this year, 2008. I'm as committed as I ever was to the cause, maybe more so, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of completing the ride for a second time and hopefully exceeding my personal fund raising goals.

I am fifty-six years old, a part time triathlete, a life long endurance athlete and an avid deep sea party boat fisherman/captain/owner who loves his life, family, his father's restaurant business in Perkins Cove (Barnacle Billy's, Inc.) and the United States of America. I chose the PMC as my first pick for a fund raiser because of the cycling but also because I wanted to be a part of the largest one event sports related fund raising drive for cancer in the world. But, like a good ship, I need a good crew of donors to help me make this something special. And, if you know me, I don't do anything half baked once I make a decision to do something. I am asking for your help in contributions to make this second try a better fund raiser than the first. Also, keep in mind, that the amount donated is not the most important thing as the number of donors is also very important indeed. I don't care how large or small the donation is as every bit of money will help cancer victims in some way. If you, as a donor, want to make your contribution anonymous, write this as a note with your check and it will be so. Otherwise, donors and donations will appear below. This list will be edited as soon as I am able with your contribution added in order of the date on the check. Thank you in advance.

pan-massachusetts challenge website: www.pmc.org

The digital image above was taken by Steve LaPlante at 5:00 AM on August 2, 2008, an hour before the start of the Pan-Mass Challenge this year. All of us are wearing this years new PMC designed riding sweaters while I (the rider on the left) am wearing the full kit including the "heavy hitter" shorts. The four of us (above) have ridden as a team since my first time last year. From left to right (not including me) are Bryant Mitchell, Abby Mitchell (my niece) and, best friend, Paul "Hez" Haseltine, Abby's proud father.