\WILLIAMSTOWN -- Six residents from Pittsfield and Williamstown will participate in the 33rd annual Pan-Mass achusetts Challenge (PMC) on Aug. 4 and 5.
The local riders are Donald Carlson, Daniel Moon and Craig Smith from Pittsfield and Kris Herman, Samuel Smith and Laurie Thomsen from Williamstown.
They will be among 5,500 cyclists who will ride with the collective goal of raising $36 million to support adult and pediatric cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through the Jimmy Fund.
PMC riders range in age from 13 to 88. Some are seasoned tri-athletes while others are weekend warriors having trained for this event alone. Most PMC participants ride in honor of a family member or friend lost to, or being treated for, cancer. The average PMC cyclist trains for three months, solicits 40 sponsors, and raises more than $6,000. More than 300 riders are cancer survivors or current patients.
The PMC is a fully supported bike-a-thon -- with food and water stops, mechanical and medical assistance, luggage transportation, and lodging -- that runs through 46 towns across Massachu setts. Cyclists choose from 11 routes of varying mileage designed to cater to all levels of cycling strength and time availability.
There are six two-day routes that range from 153 to 190 miles and five one-day rides that range from 25 to 110 miles. In 2012, cyclists are required to raise between $500 and
The PMC is presented by the Red Sox Foundation and the New Balance Founda tion. To become a virtual rider or make a financial contribution to a rider, visit www.pmc.org or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Checks can be made payable to PMC, 77 Fourth Ave., Needham, MA 02494.
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