Rider Advice: 15 Things Riders Wish They Knew Before Their First PMC

Who better to help prepare new PMC riders for their first PMC than alumni riders? We asked some alumni for their advice on topics from training to fundraising to PMC weekend experiences. Read on as you get ready for PMC 2025!

15 Things Riders Wish They Knew Before Their First PMC

We asked some PMC alumni riders, "What is one thing you wish you knew before your first PMC weekend?" Their advice ranges from the practical (what to bring) to the emotional (expect to cry).

1. The PMC Is an Emotional Event

lily-gustafson “As a new rider, I was truly moved by the people and the emotions of the weekend. The stories shared on the road, the powerful speeches from Billy Starr, and even seeing a child holding up a sign thanking riders for the lifesaving care they’ve received because of YOU. It’s hard to put these moments into words. But deep down, these moments will stay with you and remind you why you’ll continue returning year after year. They capture the heart of why we ride and why the PMC community is so special.”

– Lily Gustafson, 3-year rider

2. Regardless of the Weather, You Need to Hydrate

jessica-piwowarski “When it’s cold or raining, you really need to push the fluids and food, even if you don’t feel like it. If it’s hot and steamy, you should have one bottle of water and one of electrolytes. You will never forget your first PMC!”

– Jessica Piwowarski, 12-year rider; captain of Team De-Feet Cancer

3. Expect the Unexpected

michelle-bourbeau “You will think you know what to expect of the weekend. You will be wrong.”

– Michelle Bourbeau, 5-year rider; PMC Living Proof

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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. Label All of Your Belongings

vaughn-harring “Bring a Sharpie to put your name on all your gear, shirt, shorts, water bottle, gloves, etc. With so many riders wearing identical gear--make sure you can ID yours.”

– Vaughn Harring, 23-year rider; member of Team Lick Cancer

5. Keep Your Seat Dry

jen-field “Bring a seat cover (like a garbage bag or plastic bag) if you're going to be dropping off your bike (Friday night) or for the Saturday overnight. A wet saddle stinks.”

– Jen Field, 5-year rider & volunteer; PMC Living Proof; member of Team Duncan

6. Safety Is a Top Priority for All Riders

tim-donaghey “Having a safe ride is #1. Watch the safety video at least a couple of times. When we check in, we receive a couple of name tags. Mount one on your saddlebag or the back of your jersey. There are a lot of us on the road, so if you're passing another rider (on the left!), tell that rider by name (I hear all the time, "On your left, Tim!"). Take it easy at the start. It's a long ride. If you're a stronger rider, do your passing going up the hills until things thin out.”

– Tim Donaghey, 6-year rider; member of Team Crank

PMC Tip: Watch the brand new PMC Safety Video, just released this month! It covers group riding etiquette, safety tips, and what to expect on PMC weekend.

7. You Don't Need a Fancy Bike to Ride the PMC

bryan-widmann “Don't be intimidated by fancy bikes and gear. Prepare well, be sure your bike is ready to go shortly before the PMC, and you'll do great and have fun.”

– Bryan Widmann, 23-year rider; member of Team ROAG

8. The PMC Is a Fully Supported Event

andrew-castle “The ride is incredibly well-supported with food & drink stops plus guides at the few busy crossings; look forward to great, low-traffic roads and only minor hills; you will be truly moved by the number of people sitting on lawn chairs along the route with hand made signs and noise makers; and my personal favorite (!) the families who set up with a card table and a cooler and hand out water bottle Tour de France style.”

– Andrew Castle, 2-year rider; member of Team Samantha

9. Think of the Event as a Number of Shorter Rides

audrey-crozier “I carry a small piece of paper in my phone case with the breakdown of rest stops and mileage to get to each stop. It helps me focus mentally and break down the ride in chunks. 80+ miles seems too big sometimes. Day one is easier than day two. Be prepared for more hills and use the downhills to get up the uphills.”

– Audrey Crozier, 13-year rider; member of Team Evan’s Crew

10. Eat Throughout the Day

jodi-ross “I struggle with eating enough, particularly when it's really hot out, so I recommend eating at the rest stops. Also, drink the pickle juice; it sounds gross, but it's amazing!”

– Jodi Ross, 5-year rider; member of Team Morse Force

11. Carry Only What You Need

jeff-zemsky “Don't carry too much on the bike – the ride is so incredibly supported.”

– Jeff Zemsky, 16-year rider; member of Team PTC

PMC Tip: While riding, you should carry two water bottles, your cell phone and charger (in a plastic bag), your identification, money, credit card, health insurance card, keys, and any prescription medications. Find the full packing list here.

12. Don’t Stress

chris-clancy “I wish I were more relaxed during my first year. I stressed about the ride and logistics, but came to learn how amazing the PMC staff and volunteers are at organizing the event.”

– Chris Clancy, 11-year rider & 3-year volunteer; PMC Living Proof; member of Team South Shore Health

13. The PMC Is a Labor of Love

john-mcdonald “I still have a vivid memory of my first PMC in 2002. I had viewed the PMC as the opportunity to ride 192 miles in a weekend and as a one-time bucket list endeavor. Leaving Sturbridge on Saturday morning, the crowds and signs surprised me. I was glad I was wearing sunglasses as I had tears in my eyes for the first few miles after seeing the first (and there have been many) signs reading ‘I'm alive because of you’. What I thought would be a one-and-done event has become an annual labor of love continuing 20+ years later.”