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August 12, 2009
Completing the Challenge
I did it! Last weekend I rode with Alan, Charlotte, and Charlotte’s friend Soo Mi in the Pan-Mass Challenge—along with more than 5,000 riders who represented 36 states and 10 countries. I have to admit, I was pretty nervous going into it. I didn’t really train for the ride—the most I’d ever biked before was 20 miles at a time—and Alan kept joking about how people were going to zip by me and run me off the road.
As soon as I arrived at the starting point, however, I could feel the support of the volunteers and my fellow riders, and my nerves began to calm. When I checked in, a volunteer rang a bell to announce that I was a first time rider. Soo Mi was, too—and it was a nice way to make us feel welcome. I’ve since learned that 25% of riders this year were participating for the first time, which means more and more people are coming out to support Dana Farber and the Jimmy Fund. It’s really fantastic, and I was proud to be among them.
I was also proud to finish! The neck massages I got at the rest stops helped, but what really made a difference was the support of my family and the energy of the people—especially the onlookers cheering us on from the sidelines.
In News & Views, I’ve gathered some impressions from the other OAT associates who rode in the Pan-Mass Challenge—and we all agree that it was a great experience for a great cause. I’m still on cloud nine knowing that I rode 90 miles—grunting and groaning all the way—to help researchers find a cure for a disease that affects so many families.
Harriet Lewis