(the short report)
The Pan Mass Challenge took place on August 5 &6. This was my 18th time riding. It was one of the best and one of the toughest. The weather was perfect, I felt strong the most of the way, and finished with one of my fastest times ever.
The ride was one of the toughest because I injured my left foot the day I was to head out to Sturbridge. I turned my ankle and stretched some ligaments and chipped a bone. I thought I was not going to be able to ride. The doctor at the hospital told me it was ok to give it a try but I’d be in pain and would most likely not be able to put any pressure on the foot which meant climbing would be very hard.
To make a long story short (remember, this is the short version) I did do the ride but skipped the first 30 miles of day 1. This was all the nasty hills I usually enjoy riding. My day 1 ended up being 82 miles instead of 112. I rode it very well considering riding with an air cast. Day 2 was equally tough but somehow I managed to ride even harder and had one of my fastest finishing times ever. See the long report for all the details as well as some pictures.
Most of you are probably asking why I would ride this injured? The answer to that is simple to me. I love the event. The event is about overcoming adversity. This is a challenge and not a race. Cancer patients face a challenge each and every day with their battle to beat the disease. Their battle is mental and physical. Their treatment knocks a lot out of them yet they continue on. If I could ride the event and it meant that I’d have two days of challenge and a little suffering I figured it was worth it. My accomplishment was nothing compared to their fight. If anything it helps me to appreciate why I was out there.
Once again I would like to thank you for sponsoring me in this very worthy cause and for letting me ride on your behalf.
Highlights and some statistics
- Current fundraising: $16m = +37%
- Current heavy hitters: 602
- Registered Riders: 4,661
- Off the line: 4,273
- Reg. Volunters: 2,571
- 2-day riders: 3,342
- 1-day riders: 931
- Male/Female: 60/40
- Average Age: 43 (I’m over by 3 years…)
- Avg. Yrs in event: 4.7 (I got this one beat by a mile)
- Sturbridge start: 2,550
- Wellesley start: 1,702
- States participating: 36
- Foreign countries: 7
| Ride Day | Dist. | Avg Speed | Riding Time | Start Time | Finish Time |
| Saturday | 82 | 18.1 mph | 4 hr, 30 min | 7:00 am | 12:55 pm |
| Sunday | 78 | 19.3 mph | 4 hr, 2 min | 5:45 am | 10:15 am |
Thank you once again. It’s been an honor, a privilege, and a pleasure riding on your behalf.
Best Regards,
– Bill