Who better to help prepare new PMC riders for their first PMC than alumni riders? We recently asked some alumni for their advice on topics from training to fundraising to PMC weekend experiences. This is the third collection of their advice – stay tuned for even more tips leading up to PMC weekend!
14 Things to Know Before Your First PMC Weekend
According to many PMC alumni, PMC weekend is the best weekend of the year. Riders, volunteers, and their families return year after year, so we asked some of those riders, "What is one thing you wish you knew before your first PMC weekend?"
1. Commit, You'll Figure It Out
"Once you do it, you're going to want to do it for the rest of your life ... this from a 24-year rider."
– Bill Finan, 24-year PMC rider; member of Team 9
2. Be in the Moment
"Slow down and take a moment to really take in what is happening around you. The ride is challenging, but extremely rewarding. Be in the moment."
– Chris Stuckart, 12-year PMC rider; member of Team MFS
3. Choose Meeting Places Ahead of Time
"When riding with friends, always decide on a meeting place at the water stops – usually at the bike exit of the water stop – so you do not waste time looking for everyone."
– Luke Sabella, 32-year PMC rider
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Together We Can: This series highlighting advice from PMC riders, for PMC riders, is powered by M&T Bank, the co-presenting sponsor of the Pan-Mass Challenge.
4. Take It All In
"How emotional the weekend is. The people along the route, the volunteers, the kids holding thank you signs for giving them hope, health, and life, and the new friends you make in the riders. Remember this is not a race, so take in all the aspects of the weekend."
– Debora Bacchiocchi, 17-year PMC rider; member of Team WROR
5. Find Common Ground with Riders
"Immerse in the culture. 6,000+ people are all there for the same reason. Talk to people; you'll absolutely find it easy and find common ground – and quickly."
– Brian Carver, 37-year PMC rider; captain of Team Carvers Etc
6. Have the Right Gear
"My first ride was on my old 10-speed from high school and I wore cutoff jeans. I learned (the hard way!) the importance of having a decent bike and proper cycling clothing and shoes."
– Stephen Sacco, 38-year PMC rider
7. Take It One Day at a Time
"Don't worry if you are exhausted after day one. You'll feel great on day two!"
– Michael Steinberg, 12-year PMC rider; PMC Living Proof; member of Team Spoke Heroes
8. The Water Stops Have Everything You Need
"I wish I knew that I didn't need my CamelBack. The water stops are frequent enough that you'll need two bottles at most."
– Martin Middelmann, 16-year PMC rider; member of Team PHAT Tuesday
9. Take Photos to Remember the Experience
"I was blown away and humbled by the number of people who come out to support us. Don’t be afraid to stop and meet people or take photos if you’re particularly moved by something or someone, provided that it’s safe to do so."
– Dena Brayson, 18-year PMC rider; Team Brentwheels
10. Talk to Riders Throughout the Weekend
"Ask people why they're riding! Everyone has a story and you may find that one story can change the entire course of your day! Just when you think you need to quit you'll hear something that'll make you want to keep going, and you won't get that experience without being chatty! Don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with the rider next to you."
– Amanda Chase, 20-year PMC rider; member of Team Erica’s Entourage
11. Your PMC Community Will Become Family
"I ride with a team and I never expected the level of mutual support all the riders give to one another. Listen to other riders tell their stories; they are amazing and serve as a true motivator for the ride. Once you have completed the ride you will become a part of the PMC family and it is a very special family to be included in."
– Alan Blondman, 14-year PMC rider; member of Team Toby’s
12. Appreciate Special Moments Along the Way
"Even though it's a long day one, you will want to spend time at places like Cherry Street, with the PMC Pedal Partners in Lakeville, and at water stops with friends."
– Katherine Jansen, 17-year PMC rider; member of Team Nashua Rides for Hope
13. Prepare Before PMC Weekend
"Be prepared and organized. Use the list of items to bring in the handbook even if you don't think you'll need them. Take advantage of as many resources before the weekend that you can."
– Susan Young, 21-year PMC rider
14. Don't Rush
"Enjoy the ride and go at your own pace. You have been waiting all year for the PMC, don't be tempted to speed through the event!"
– Rena Gyftopoulos, 33-year PMC rider; member of Team Erica’s Entourage
Find these tips and more on The Spoke, the PMC blog.
