George Barker, 13, of Arlington, Mass. is a PMC Kids Rides veteran who is about to take his passion for fundraising and cycling for the PMC to the next level. On Sunday, Aug. 4, he will ride the 47-mile Wellesley loop in what will be his first adult PMC experience.
In 2007, Barker was inspired to become involved with the PMC Kids Rides program after watching PMC cyclists and cancer survivors ride around the warning track prior to a Red Sox game during PMC Night at Fenway Park, an event that honors cyclists who are cancer survivors. After learning more about the annual bike-a-thon and its mission, Barker decided to join the PMC family to support people affected by cancer. To date, Barker has raised more than $8,100 for the cause. He rides and raises money in honor of his late grandfather, Alfred Oberhardt, and neighbor, Harry Adamian, who both succumbed to cancer.
The PMC is a fully supported bike-a-thon that runs through 46 towns across Massachusetts. Approximately 5,500 cyclists ride in the event. Cyclists choose from 11 routes of varying mileage designed to cater to all levels of cycling strength and fundraising ability. There are six two-day routes that range from 153 to 190 miles and five one-day rides that range from 25 to 110 miles.
The PMC Wellesley loop is one of two available routes that accommodates riders who can only ride on Sunday or those looking for a shorter ride. Teen riders, ages 13 to 17, can ride one of the Sunday one-day routes and raise only $500 to be a part of the PMC.
To ride alongside Barker on Sunday, Aug. 4, register now!
In 2012, PMC Kids Rides veteran George Barker reached Heavy Hitter status, raising more than $250 for the PMC which supports adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
