Bud Dodge's PMC FAQ's

Why do you ride the PMC?

I feel that my participation represents an annual deposit in the "Bank of Good Karma". Cancer has hit close to home with the loss of three grandparents, one young uncle and other family friends. Yet, I know an ever increasing number of people who are cancer survivors. In fact,  PMC riding partners - and cancer survivors - Jim Gagnon and Meg Hausman provide very fit and fast living proof success stories as I chase them from Sturbridge to Provincetown each year.

How many PMC's have you ridden? How much money have you raised?

20 wonderful years. PMC 2011 saw you and I eclipse the $190,000 mark in funds raised.

What is it like to ride a bike 192-miles?

Most certainly an acquired taste. Early season rides when I am still burdened by my winter hibernation fat, are about as enjoyable as a sharp stick in the eye. Once I have rounded in to shape, the PMC weekend itself is very enjoyable. Bottom line is that the discomfort I might feel on a bike, is nothing compared to the challenges faced by treating cancer patients. Keep that thought in your mind, and you can do most anything.

Is a cure for cancer really ever going to be found?

Yes! Anyone recall polio? Cure rates continue to rise each year. We'll get there thanks to your generosity and events like the PMC.

How do I know that the money I give to the PMC every year is being used properly?

A great question! You have probably heard about some "charitiable" operations that have been using donated funds for overhead costs and personal gain. Not the PMC! Because almost all of the goods and services needed to run the PMC are donated or underwritten by generous corporate parters, the PMC is able to give 100-percent of donated funds directly to the Dana Farber for cancer research and treatment ... a high water mark for the percentage directed to the cause, and a number that is an important one to me given the trust that you put in my fundraising solicitations.

Your PMC cycling team is called "TOGWIGFITWAM". What does that mean?

It's an acronym which means, "The Old Guys Who Invariably Get Fat In The Winter And Meg". Meg is my cousins 5'1", 110lb wife. The rest of the team consists of old guys who get fat in the winter.

Finances are tight. Should I feel bad about not being able to support the PMC this year?

Definitely not! Please take the year off - I truly understand that the PMC might not always be in the budget. I will be riding the PMC until a cure is found, or until I can no longer swing my leg over the top tube of my bike. So, there will be future opportunities to contribute. I will send you a flyer anyway to keep you in the loop.

What two words best describe your feelings when your friends and family rally every year to support your PMC ride?

1) Freekin', 2) Amazin'

Bud Dodge