![\"Sturbridge](\"http:\/\/snapper.net\/wpblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/08\/IMG_0367.jpg\" "\\"Sturbridge")
<\/a>Arriving at the Sturbridge Host Hotel<\/em><\/p>\nFed and satisfied we got our registration SWAG and settled in for our PMC family reunion. \u00a027 years with the same group of people and it is like a family you only see once a year if you’re lucky. The afternoon flies by and it’s off to the opening ceremonies. \u00a0Our pedal partner Erica was one of the people featured in the “Living Proof” video and it was extremely moving and powerful. \u00a0Erica is a 19 year old girl that was just completing a viscious 1 year plus long battle fighting cancer. \u00a0Instead of shopping for college supplies and clothes and meeting her roommate Erica was trying to survive. \u00a02014 and a good part of 2015 has been one large battle for Erica and her family. \u00a0I’m happy to report that Erica is NOW shopping for college supplies a year later and will be a freshman in September! \u00a0She’s still weak but Erica is a fighter and can’t wait to get to college and resume a normal life.<\/p>\n
Our 2015 Pedal Partner, Erica<\/em><\/p>\n A group of us headed to a pub across from the hotel before calling it a night. \u00a0Knowing it was going to be brutally hot I refrained from alcohol of any kind. \u00a0Last thing I needed was anything that would make riding 6 plus hours in the heat any tougher the next morning. \u00a0It was fun hanging out by the lake at the pub and catching up with friends and meeting new ones while the band played on. \u00a0As fun as it was I made it an early night as wakeup call was 4am.<\/p>\n 4am rolled around fast. \u00a0After doing this so many years it’s definitely easier. \u00a0Bags are packed, clothes and supplies for the day are ready and away we go. \u00a0We roll our bikes out to the front of the starting line before the thousands of bikes fill in. \u00a0Off to grab a quick breakfast, put our bags on the trucks and up to the starting line eagerly awaiting the starting gun. Sturbridge Start – 5:30 am<\/em><\/p>\n It was a beautiful morning. \u00a0Clear skies, crisp air, and so much nicer than the freezing rain we started in and rode in all day in 2014. \u00a0We knew this cool air wouldn’t last but it was great \u00a0to start in it. \u00a05:30 and off we went. \u00a0I’d always taken off with my fast friends every year but knew there was no way I could ride at that speed all day and make it the 110 miles without dehydrating so I set my target speed at 17-18 mph average. \u00a0That was my goal…<\/p>\n We pulled into the first water stop after 20+ miles of hills averaging 19 mph. \u00a0Whoops, this wasn’t the plan but on the bright side, it was a few miles per hour slower than I’d done in the past so I was hopeful I’d be able to dial it back and ride my target ride. \u00a0In and out of that stop in Charleton and off we went for the next 20 plus miles on to Franklin, my group’s home turf. \u00a0The miles just flew by thanks to the incredible group of teammates I rode with all day. \u00a0It’s like a rolling party with lots of talking and laughing all along the way. \u00a0We rolled into the Franklin water stop at 8am to a heroes greeting by our friends and family that were there to cheer and volunteer. \u00a0I was proud of my family all being there working and enjoying their own PMC. \u00a0Nancy, Eric and Nicole along with Christine and Ben were all doing their jobs making sure riders had what they needed. \u00a0It’s really great seeing them enjoy the event. \u00a0My kids have grown up on the PMC. \u00a0This was my 27th PMC and Eric’s 27th birthday is August 19. \u00a0I haven’t missed a year. \u00a0It blows my mind to think back over the years but I’m really proud of them all finding their own way to be involved.<\/p>\n Franklin Volunteers (my family in the red rectangle, click photo to see)<\/em><\/p>\n As fun as it is to see everyone in Franklin we need to move on quickly as we were only 44 miles into our 110 miles for the day so off we went. \u00a0Lunch stop is next in Rehobeth at the 70 mile mark. \u00a0We rolled along and into the lunch stop at 9:45 averaging close to 19 mph average. \u00a0Still hadn’t dialed back enough. \u00a0I was getting a little concerned but felt great. \u00a0I had all my supplements, food, and pickle juice. \u00a0Yes, I said pickle juice. \u00a0And yes, I thought it was absurd and disgusting sounding when I was turned onto this during a ride in the NH mountains by some fellow riders. \u00a0It seems that pickle juice helps with getting sodium and much needed electrolytes into the body quickly to push cramps off and even knock em out after they hit. \u00a0Does it work? \u00a0All I can say is that it works for me. \u00a0This could be completely placebo effect but when something like this works I don’t question it. \u00a0Funny thing is, the lunch stop had small cups of pickle juice at the food table for people. \u00a0I was carrying mine in a plastic bottle in my jersey. \u00a0People thought I was nuts but then they saw this and, well they stil think I’m nuts but maybe have slightly more credibilty…<\/p>\n We spent a bit to long at lunch but we were on our way by 10:15 or so. \u00a0It was heating up. \u00a0I was putting away between 1 and 2 24 oz bottles of water\/drink mix down between every water stop and still that was barely enough.<\/p>\n The next stop was the pedal partner water stop. \u00a0Our pedal partner Erica and her family were there to greet us. \u00a0It was really special for us and I think it was for them too. \u00a0We hung out with them for a bit before continuing on. \u00a0One great memory from this stop is that they had Dell’s Frozen Lemonade. \u00a0I had a cup of it with the goal of brain freeze. \u00a0Goal achieved! \u00a0This was so good in helping cool us down. \u00a0I decided I’d have them fill one of my water bottles with it. \u00a0Sure it melted quick over the next leg but it was cold and good!<\/p>\n Meeting up with our pedal partner and her family<\/em><\/p>\n On our way and off to the last and final water stop of the day after a bit to much time at this stop. \u00a0Oh well, it was for a good cause. \u00a0Our group was still together which was impressive as we had \u00a0about 15 of us.<\/p>\n The final stop is about 8 miles from the finish line. \u00a0By now the heat was taking its toll on me. \u00a0I hadn’t cramped up yet but had a feeling it wasn’t far off. \u00a0Amazing to think that even putting down almost 2 gallons of water, lots of pills containing sodium and electrolytes, and yes, the pickle juice, it wasn’t enough. \u00a0Our speed had finally dialed back and we were at 18.5 avg. \u00a0We did what we could to refuel at this last stop and got out as quick as we could. \u00a0It was now after 12:30 and we all just wanted to be done.<\/p>\n I made it about 2 miles out of the water stop and bang, my right leg cramped up. \u00a0At this point the only thing I could do was get off the bike and try to rub it out and make it go away. \u00a0I punched my thigh so hard I ended up wiht a bruise but the cramp was gone. \u00a0Bruises heal. \u00a0My team kept rolling when I stopped as I didn’t yell out to them and didn’t want to stop the whole paceline this close from the finish. \u00a0I knew I was going to ride in on my own but was determined to do it. \u00a0Once I got back on the bike I basically just rode one legged the final 6 miles. \u00a0My right leg was clipped into the pedal but was essentially just going along for the ride with the left doing most of the work. \u00a03 miles more and bang, there it was again. \u00a0Off the bike, worked it out and back on the bike.<\/p>\n I made it through Onset and emerged on the main road leading to the Mass Maritime Academy (i.e. MMA). \u00a0I knew I was there and had this locked up. \u00a0I was OK going in by myself because I was doing it on the bike. \u00a0I turned the corned into the MMA entrance and the road is lined with spectators. \u00a0I heard some call out my name and was kinda surprised. \u00a0My name is on the tag on my bike so I thought it was just people cheering me in which is what most spectators do. \u00a0I wasn’t expecting anyone I knew to be there. \u00a0It turned out that it was my team. \u00a0They ALL stopped to wait for me once they realized I had dropped off. \u00a0It just about brought tears to my eyes. \u00a0This was special and a real honor. \u00a0We all rode in together and that meant more to me than I can explain.<\/p>\n <\/a>Crossing the finish line at Mass Maritime Academy<\/em><\/p>\n <\/em> Showered, massaged, and on to the food tent. \u00a0Food at MMA is nothing to write home about with the exception of the Legal Seafood Clam Chowder. \u00a0Well, due to an allergy to clams I can no longer eat that so it was some mediocre pizza, a very well done burger and a really dry piece of chicken. \u00a0Mmmm, I know you\u2019re all jealous. \u00a0They did have a truck serving some great BBQ but the line was so long it wasn\u2019t worth it to me. \u00a0And yes, there\u2019s plenty of Harpoon beer to be had but unlike most, beer just doesn\u2019t appeal to me after that kind of ride. \u00a0That\u2019s OK, time at MMA was more about enjoying the afternoon with music and friends. \u00a0Food would come later…<\/p>\n For 20 years I stayed at MMA overnight. \u00a0That was \u201cok\u201d but notice I say \u201cstayed\u201d and not \u201cslept\u201d. \u00a0Sleeping in the dorms in hot humid conditions on a bed that is less comfortable than sleeping on a board (which is essentially what we slept on there) was not restful. \u00a0I\u2019m lucky to be able to go back to my house on the cape and sleep in my own bed. \u00a0It\u2019s a real treat for many reasons. \u00a0Several friends came back with me. \u00a0While leaving the fun and crowds at MMA is a bit of a sacrifice we manage ok. \u00a0We went for a swim in the ocean with water temps in the high 70s. \u00a0The salt water waves were like magic in healing my legs from the day\u2019s work. \u00a0We then went back to my place where we ate grilled swordfish, salmon and quinoa with some decent wine. \u00a0Yeah, MMA conditions were roughing it but I feel like I paid my dues there and this was so nice. \u00a0Everyone was asleep before 10 which wasn\u2019t hard with the air conditioning and comfy beds.<\/p>\n Wakeup call came at 3:30am Sunday. \u00a0Everyone was up, dressed, grabbed their breakfast and coffee and in the cab heading to MMA by 4:15am. \u00a0I think we\u2019ve got this down from an efficiency standpoint. \u00a0Well, I thought so until I realized I forgot my water bottles at the house. \u00a0Lucky this was just about a mile from the house so the cab turned and we went back to get them. \u00a0We still got to MMA with plenty of time to drop our bags off and meet up with the team to roll out by 5:15am. \u00a0Off we went…<\/p>\n We roll from MMA to the Bourne Bridge where we have a lane blocked off for us to safely ride across. \u00a0When we got to the bridge we were stopped on the onramp. \u00a0We saw emergency vehicles going past us and knew someone\u2019s day wasn\u2019t going well. \u00a0We had no idea that it was a friend of ours until we were 40 miles into the day. <\/a>Waiting to get on the Bourne Bridge<\/em><\/p>\n Once the emergency vehicles cleared we were on our way. \u00a0Unfortunately our group got separated with the crowd and a few of us would end up chasing them down for the next 20 miles. \u00a0We did pretty well and covered the miles really quick. \u00a0Our average for this section was over 23 mph. \u00a0I\u2019m always amazed when I can do something like this. \u00a0It\u2019s a rare speed for me and usually only happens on PMC weekend.<\/p>\n Riding across the Bourne Bridge<\/em><\/p>\n We regrouped at the stop and within 15 minutes we were on our way to the second stop of the day at Nickerson Park in Brewster. \u00a0This section of the ride is probably the easiest as it\u2019s mostly flat. \u00a0Everyone is charged up after hitting it really hard the past 20+ miles. \u00a0The group gets into a pace line and works really well together and the miles just fly by.<\/p>\n Riding the Paceline at Old Bass River and Seatucket Rd<\/em><\/p>\n Just as we approach the stop we pass by the Cape Cod Sea Camp. \u00a0This gets us charged up every year. \u00a0All the campers line a long row of hedges and scream \/ cheer us on as loud as they can. \u00a0It\u2019s a real rush and seeing all those smiling faces you can\u2019t help smile yourself. \u00a0We pull into the second stop and it\u2019s about 8am. \u00a0We\u2019re making pretty good time so we take a breather to refuel and enjoy the music and all that goes on there. \u00a0I ran into a friend there that filled me in on what went on at the bridge earlier that morning. \u00a0It turned out that our friend Jon had crashed and was taken to the hospital. \u00a0Luckily it was not serious. \u00a0He cracked his helmet when he hit and ended up with a concussion. \u00a0This is what the helmets are supposed to do. \u00a0It saved his life. \u00a0No broken bones or internal injuries so yes, thankfully this was minor compared to what it could have been. \u00a0We were all a bit surprised to learn about this as Jon is a 31 year PMC rider and very experienced \/ skilled rider at that. \u00a0It just shows you that it can happen to any of us.<\/p>\n We headed back out as a group on our way to Wellfleet, the third and final water stop of the day. \u00a0We start out on the bike path out of Nickerson and exit onto the roads in Orleans. \u00a0Through Orleans we enter Wellfleet and ride up along the coast. \u00a0Miles seem to just fly by as we seem to be at the next stop in a flash. \u00a0We hit the Wellfleet stop at around 60 miles in for the day at 9:30. \u00a0It\u2019s looking pretty good for a 10:30 or so finish and I was ready for that. \u00a0While I was feeling physically strong and OK I was also physically and mentally exhausted as well. \u00a0I had a fluffernutter (my one time a year I eat one) and boy was that good. \u00a0I can\u2019t explain why but it was just the perfect food for me at that time. \u00a0Washed down with gatorade, bottles refilled and ready for the final push into Provincetown, the finish line\u2026 \u00a0While waiting for the group to get ready to roll I was just antsy to get going. \u00a0Feeling tired I decided I\u2019d roll out ahead of the group and just spin a bit slower for a few miles knowing they\u2019d catch up. \u00a0I rolled out with my friend Fred who also wanted to take it easy for a bit. \u00a0Well, before we knew it we realized that 4 others had joined us and the other 4 were not known for taking it easy. \u00a0So be it. \u00a0This is one of those moments when teamwork pays off as we all pushed each other. \u00a0We picked up the pace and cruised through the dunes of Truro, a very hilly and beautiful section of the ride. \u00a0We exit the dunes onto Route 6 which would be our road for the next 10 miles or so.<\/p>\n Route 6 is a challenge due to the wind and the fact we\u2019re riding in the breakdown lane of a highway. \u00a0Cars flying by us with most of them beeping and cheering. \u00a0The miles flew by with a few of us doing most of the work. \u00a0I was happy to sit in the draft and take my turn up front when I could but I didn\u2019t have a lot of energy left so my pulls were short. \u00a0That\u2019s ok as the group as a whole worked well to cover this section. \u00a0We turned off Route 6 into Race Point, the final 5 miles of hills in Provincetown before the finish line. \u00a0We waited for the rest of the team to regroup before rolling out. \u00a0They weren\u2019t far behind us.<\/p>\n Waiting to regroup at Race Point<\/em><\/p>\n We rolled into Race Point and covered those miles quickly only to stop again about a quarter of a mile from the finish line to wait for some others on our team to catch up so we could roll in together. \u00a0Waiting and patience is not one of my virtues but I do it because of this group and our team leader and my friend Tim Brightman. \u00a0All these people waited for me on day 1 when I fell behind and it meant a lot. \u00a0We grouped up and all rolled in together at 10:30. \u00a0My average speed for the day was 19.0 mph. \u00a0I was happy. \u00a0I was through! \u00a0PMC number 27 was in the books for me.<\/p>\n Waiting for some of the team so we can cross together<\/em><\/p>\n Crossing the finish line!<\/em><\/p>\n Core Team Finish Line Photo<\/em><\/p>\n Ah, now it\u2019s time for a nice shower and we can finally kick back and enjoy some food and drinks. \u00a0We did our annual toast and headed to the food tent. \u00a0Food in Provincetown is much better than the rest of the weekend. \u00a0It\u2019s one time I just don\u2019t get concerned about what I\u2019m eating from a health perspective. \u00a0Sausage sub, hamburger, lobster roll, chips, and some beer were a nice way to start the afternoon. \u00a0We\u2019d earned it. \u00a0I knew I wasn\u2019t getting back on the bike in the morning and that was a very good feeling. \u00a0As much as I love to ride I like having a ride like this behind me.<\/p>\n We headed into town making our way to the ferry for our trip back to Boston. \u00a0The weather was perfect for a 3 plus hour boat ride home. \u00a0The time flew by as it always does. \u00a0We approached Boston and were greeted by the Boston Fire Boat with a water canon salute.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
\nDay 1 was done! \u00a0I finished at 1:28pm with an average speed of 18.0 mph, the high end of my target goal. \u00a0I was really happy and it was shower time… after I made my massage appointment first of course.<\/p>\n<\/a>Ready to roll out of Mass Maritime Academy at 5:15am<\/em><\/p>\n
\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>Sunrise on the Cape Cod Canal<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>The pace line we were chasing along the canal<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n