---
title: Why I PMC - Wes Besser
description: Wes Besser shares why he rides in the Pan-Mass Challenge as he prepares for his second year riding
---

[PMC Blog ](https://www.pmc.org/blog)

# [Why I PMC - Wes Besser](https://www.pmc.org/blog/why-i-pmc-wes-besser)

 Written by [Pan-Mass Challenge](https://www.pmc.org/blog/author/pan-mass-challenge) | Mar 6, 2018 6:42:00 PM

[#WhyIPMC guest post by Wes Besser](http://profile.pmc.org/WB0073)

Why I ride: 

For the past 25 years, my wife and I have supported friends and neighbors who have selflessly ridden in support of the PMC.  2017 was the first year that I rode the PMC.  It was such an exciting and rewarding experience, I have registered to ride again in 2018. 

At age 61, I ride for two primary reasons.  First, my goal is to see that one type of cancer has been cured in my lifetime.  Second, after turning 60, I wanted to do something good for others and myself.   

My goals for 2018 are more ambitious.  I am challenging myself to raise more awareness and more money for the PMC’s critically important mission.  I am also challenging myself to finish the ride without incident.  Last year I did the Wellesley to Wellesley 50-mile Sunday ride. I hit a small pothole leaving the Patriot Place midpoint.  Although I was going slowly I did fall and received various wounds to my face, arms and hands.    

I was determined to continue and with the help of the PMC staff and a few bandages, I was patched up and, on my way, back to Wellesley.  During my ride back to Wellesley your mobile Van checked on me twice to make sure I was feeling OK to finish. Once I crossed the finish line, I was greeted by the medical professionals who reviewed, cleaned and bandaged my wounds, all of which were generally mild surface wounds.  I cannot praise the PMC staff, volunteers and doctors enough.  They were kind, thorough, supportive and very professional. 

Later that evening, my wife received a call at the house inquiring about my condition and checking to see how I was doing. My wife and I were so impressed with the professionalism and follow up. 

While my first-year ride was tarnished by a falling incident, it does not compare to the challenges faced by those who suffer from and live through cancer.  As I rode toward the finish line in Wellesley, I was overwhelmed by the life-size photos of children living with cancer (PMC Living Proof).  Those emotions reminded me of why I ride.  I am excited about year 2 and the many more years that I will ride to raise money for the PMC.

#PMC39 #PanMass2018

[View full post](https://www.pmc.org/blog/why-i-pmc-wes-besser)

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