I got involved in the PMC in 1980. When Billy told me that he was starting a fund raising bike ride, I thought it would be great fun. I was happy it was for a charity, but, quite frankly, I was doing it because Billy persuaded me. I was to attempt to ride more miles that I ever done. I was doing it for the fun, the challenge, and for Billy. It turned out that it was more fun than expected, even though I completed the ride at night, with help from the headlights of the single support van. There was almost no food left by the time I got in. A few riders ended up in Malden instead of the cape. The feeling that I had after the ride was like nothing that I had ever experienced. I accomplished more than I ever thought I could and it was a great feeling. In spite of all the issues with that ride, I knew I had to come back for more.

I continue to be involved in the PMC to come Full Circle. I did the ride for fun that first year, and in the ensuing years, it became more for the cause. Each year when I ride, I never lose track of the reason why I'm there. I still have lots of fun, the people are great, and the whole atmosphere makes you feel like you are doing your part. I am blessed that I am healthy enough to continue riding. I'll continue to ride until the year comes in which I am riding for the initial reason I rode.. for fun and for the challenge. I will continue to ride until we have a cure. Then I will have come Full Circle.

My 18 year cousin was the first of my family to be taken by cancer. My mother, at 68 was next. She was proud of me, got to see my involvement in the PMC, and knew that I was doing something that I loved while helping others. I never thought that I would some day be riding for her. All of the rides that I did when she was sick were extra special and helped me to stay focused on the cause. My uncle and aunt died of cancer, and most recently, my sister-in-law, as did several friends. One of my best friends, Todd Miller (that's him with me in the picture), who rode all but the first PMC with me was my bicycling mentor and provided the inspiration for me to keep after it year after year, even when I wasn't in the best shape. I continue to ride with a memento from Todd on my bike. He is with me every day that I am on a bike. He will continue to be with me until I can ride for fun with him again. I continue to ride in the hopes that others will not have to experience the loss of a close friend like Todd.

Personally, the PMC is as much a part of my life as childhood, summer camp and college were. I've met some great friends over the years. I see them during the year, and look forward to seeing them at the event every year. I've been riding so long that the PMC and the Boston Red Sox gave me the thrill of a lifetime. For the 25th anniversary, I got to ride my bike on the outfield grass at Fenway Park. And for the 30th anniversary, I got to throw out the first pitch! (see the photos).  So, the PMC has taken me places I never thought I'd be, and I know we've helped cancer patients go to places that they never thought they would be. 

 

Riding the event gives me a solid reason to be on the bike when it's cool and overcast. It keeps me focused and in shape. The PMC even has it's own language. I speak PMC for 12 months a year. But the bottom line is that I want to come full circle. I want to be riding the event strictly for fun again.