{"id":5,"date":"2006-08-17T10:17:32","date_gmt":"2006-08-17T10:17:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snapper.net\/wpblog\/?page_id=5"},"modified":"2011-09-26T17:45:17","modified_gmt":"2011-09-26T17:45:17","slug":"pan-mass-challenge-august-5-6-2006","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snapper.net\/wpblog\/?p=5","title":{"rendered":"Pan Mass Challenge – August 5 & 6 2006"},"content":{"rendered":"

(the short report<\/em>)<\/p>\n

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.<\/font><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Once again I would like to thank you for sponsoring me in this very worthy cause and for letting me ride on your behalf.<\/p>\n

Highlights and some statistics<\/strong><\/p>\n