Lunch time

1130am Holden, MA 54 miles done about 26 to go. All going well. Thanks to all for support!

925am Townsend

Quick bio break, riding well, God blessing this weekend for all PFC riders and volunteers

PMC 2011 Day Zero Route

You asked how I will get to Sturbridge, MA, start of the PMC, from my home in Bedford, NH, this is how.

NH-101 W	12.7 mi
NH-13 S/South St Enter Massachusetts	8.5 mi
Continue onto MA-13 S/Brookline St	3.1 mi
Slight right onto Highland St	384 ft
Take the 1st left onto School St	479 ft
Continue onto MA-13 S/Elm St Continue to follow MA-13 S	5.9 mi
Continue onto Massachusetts 2A W/Massachusetts Ave	2.9 mi
Turn left onto Main St	0.2 mi
Turn left onto River St	0.6 mi
At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on River St	0.9 mi
Slight left onto Westminster St	1.1 mi
Slight left onto MA-31 S/Princeton Rd	6.5 mi
Turn right onto MA-31 S/Beaman Rd	30 ft
Take the 1st left onto MA-31 S/E Princeton Rd	2.8 mi
Continue onto Boylston Ave/Cemetery Rd	0.5 mi
Continue onto Brooks Station Rd	3.0 mi
Continue onto Wachusett St	2.2 mi
Turn left onto Glenwood Rd	0.5 mi
Turn right onto Massachusetts 122A N/Main St	3.1 mi
Turn left onto MA-122 S/Barre Paxton Rd	0.7 mi
Take the 1st right onto Pleasantdale Rd	1.9 mi
Continue onto Rockland St	1.0 mi
Slight right onto MA-31 S/N Spencer Rd	5.2 mi
Turn right onto Main St	0.7 mi
Continue onto MA-9 W/Dewey St	0.9 mi
Turn left onto MA-49 S	7.4 mi
Turn right onto US-20 W/Charlton Rd	2.5 mi

PMC 2011

Please sponsor my 2011 Pan Mass Challenge Ride to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Click on the link to contribute - http://www.pmc.org/egifts/LG0036

The Helmet

I ride for many!

During my years participating in the PMC I have recognized many individuals who have suffered (or lost their battles) with cancer by listing their name on my bike’s handlebar stem, to listing them on the top tube… 

and now these individuals will get a better view. I have written the names provided by my supporters onto my helmet.

The list you see below are those who have dealt with, or are dealing with cancer. This list is “my motivation!”

Marcel Gagnon		Doris Gagnon
Ron “Bumpa” Brown		Corey Stoller
Jane Acquino		Lisa Huber
Ray Lanzilotti		Madeleine Moher
Helen E. Renda		Joseph J. Renda
Maribeth Poole		Tim Poole
Delores Palmer		Peggy Wegman
Linda Frederick		Jeanne Spillane
Madeline Sevich		Katie Spillane
John Delangie		Dick Havens
Bill Schenk		Roger Larochelle Sr.
Sue Spillane		Randy Benthien
Donald Harrington		Virginia Harrington
Rick Walsh		Yolanda Thibeault
Allen Davis		Annette Sprague
Collin Hall		Ann Hart
Carl Flower		Peter Morrisette
Claire Oliver		Barbara Patterson
Jean O’Brien		Rita Dionne
Colette LaVertue		Stanley Legenc
David S. MacLean		Peg Lindwall
Donna Pratt		Dorothy M. Gilday
Ed Mijal		Reggie Pedego
Helen Kuligowski		Jeanne Lobalzo
Helen W. Couture		David Tullgren
Henry Kuligowski		Roger Miville
Tom Howard		Edward Pickford
Holly Wadsworth		Roger Gamache
Jacqueline Gaglini		Kelly Myers
Bob Brooks		George Sevich
Madeline Sevich		Mark Pegoraro
Joan Campbell		Jack Dougherty
Joan Cavanaugh		Louis Rantus
John Cavanaugh		Jake Anderson
Joan Simonds		Rosemarie Havens
Juanita Woodward		Meg Hausman
Tony Snow		Irene Szado
Laura Rifkin		Louis Rantus
Louis Gaglini		Joanne Buttie
Ronald Guillemette		Tina Jensen
Nick Harrington		Frances Provencher
Anna Lockwood		Dennis Ferrill
Ray Lanzilotti		Peter Perich
Michael Patanella

I have more helmet space to add names. I would be very proud to ride in honor and memory of your family or friends. Send me their names

PMC 2011

Please sponsor my 2011 Pan Mass Challenge Ride to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Click on the link to contribute - http://www.pmc.org/egifts/LG0036

First Time

We always remember our “first time” – right? Do you remember your first date, first kiss, first bike ride, first time attending a friend or family member’s funeral?

I have a strong first time memory of the day I decided to ride in the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC). My father, Marcel Gagnon, had passed away from esophageal cancer in March 1998. In June, I received my friend, Bud Dodge’s annual PMC fundraising letter (2011 represents Bud’s 20^th year!). Upon receiving his creatively written request I immediately picked up the phone and with heart pounding and wet eyes I told Bud that he was going to lose a contributor next year as I would be joining him. We spoke for another 30+ minutes on the pain of experiencing cancer and the passion that is the PMC. After hanging up the phone in a silent house, tears fell and I spoke to my dad, telling him how much I loved him and missed him.  I probably could have went out the door immediately and ridden the 200 mile PMC course. I annually supported Bud’s ride with a donation as I believed in the cause, but now it was personal.

When was the first time you encountered cancer?

PMC 2011

Please sponsor my 2011 Pan Mass Challenge Ride to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Click on the link to contribute - http://www.pmc.org/egifts/LG0036

LG’s PMC FAQs

Over the years (now in 2011, my 13th), I have been asked questions about the PMC, so for inquiring minds, here are the answers.

“Why do you ride the PMC?”

In no particular order, here are some of my reasons.

• The “I’ve done a good thing” feel,
• I lost my father to cancer,
• I lost my mother to cancer,
• Guilt-free, beer consumption,
• The spandex shorts make me look “hot” according to my wife and her friends,
• I know people who have cancer,
• The PMC weekend is the “ Woodstock ” of caring,
• I like to exercise “a little”,
• Shaved legs are cool,
• I need an outlet after watching the Tour de France in July.

“What is it like to ride a bike 192–miles?”
Every year I hope it is painless and fun. Depending on what happens between late-April and the event weekend in August, best determines the answer to this question. Beginning with the early season rides in cool (cold) rainy weather and carrying the extra winter hibernation coat (i.e. fat), then moving through steamy, humid New England weather days and long rides in June and July, my joy for having my butt on a small leather seat for about 5-6 hours for two consecutive days in August is “exhilarating” – because it’s the PMC!  See next question for more.

“Does it hurt to ride a bike 192–miles?”
To quote some guy who goes by the name of Lance, “its not about the bike.” There will be times during the two days that we, as a group of riders, will be screaming down the road at 25 and 30 mph, keeping pace, the lungs scream for air and the legs beg to stop. Or, there is “Purgatory Hill” and my favorite, “Marcel’s Hill” where it feels like trying to run away from a bear while you are in knee deep mud. Does it hurt? You ask.  Whether it’s the speed, the climb or the distance, I look down at my top tube and see the names of family and friends who are no longer with us because of cancer. Does it hurt? You ask. Only my heart hurts, but I know someday it won’t.

“Is a cure for cancer really ever going to be found?”
Yes! You only need to look at the cure rates which continue to rise each year. In 1980 when the PMC started the cure rate for some cancers was 20 percent, today it is 80 percent! Being the eternal optimist that I am, I believe because, not believing is no fun and means giving up. Everything is possible, look at the 2004 Red Sox winning the World Championship. The PMC and the Dana Farber Institute is a great team that will continue until we win our championship – the cure for cancer.

“How do I know that the money I give to the PMC every year is being used properly?”
Good question! Charitable organizations must pay their expenses and most likely you have heard some of the negative stories about funds being used for personal gain. Not the PMC! Because almost all of the goods and services needed to run the PMC are donated or underwritten by generous corporate partners, the PMC is able to give at least 95% of donated funds directly to the Dana Farber for cancer research and treatment. For the past number of years, the PMC has contributed 100% to the Dana Farber Institute!

“I can’t donate money this year, should I feel badly about not being able to support the PMC?”
Absolutely not! Do not even begin to put some guilt on your sleeve! I truly understand that the PMC might not always be in the budget, or, you may have other charities, which are near and dear to you. I understand. I will continue to ride the PMC until a cure is found, or until legs can’t make it. There will be other opportunities to give. I will continue to send you a flyer anyway to keep you in the loop (unless you don’t want to receive my flyer – let me know). If you can’t make a donation this year, I always appreciate a kind word on a note card or an email. You are a member of my team and even I need the motivational lift once in awhile.

“What kind of bike do you ride?”
It’s a good bike, it has wheels and a seat and pedals and it takes me through the many training miles. For the gear heads, it’s a Specialized Roubaix Comp with Shimano 105 components.

“How much should I give?”
”A lot!” is what my head thinks, but the answer I have given to those who have asked this question is that each and every dollar counts and I am extremely grateful. Whether you donate $5 or $1000 my gratitude is sincere and heartfelt.

“Is it fun?”
Yes! There is the camaraderie of the fellow riders and volunteers. There are the mast amounts of food consumption and the guilt-free beer drinking (I think I said that before. Don’t worry I don’t have a problem). There are Bud’s ditties along the way. There is the lying in the sun on an August day at the Mass Maritime Academy recapping day one’s 112 miles. There is the pride in knowing I have made another deposit into that “do a good thing” bank. Yea, I have fun.

“How did you start to ride in the PMC?”
Bud Dodge, he’s the man! Bud has been riding in the PMC for many years (2011 marks his 20^th!). Before my entry into this great event, each year, I would relish reading Bud’s passionate words in requesting financial support to the PMC/Jimmy Fund. Then there was the colorful event recap thank you note. This guy was having fun and “making a difference!” What a combination I thought. Then in March of 1998 I lost my dad to esophageal cancer and I remember picking up the phone and with tears in my eyes saying, “I’m in!” So, here I am today proud to be a domestique to Bud our TOGWIGFITWAM Team Captain.

“What does TOGWIGFITWAM  stand for?”
It’s an acronym which means, “The Old Guys Who Invariably Get Fat In The Winter And Meg”. Meg is Bud’s cousin’s 5’1″, 110lb dynamite wife. The rest of the team consists old guys who invariably get fat in the winter.

“Do you ride with other people you know?”
Yea, there are approximately 5,000 people who I have this close PMC connection. Within this group there is the TOGWIGFITWAM Team (see the question above) and then there are a few friends who I have “persuaded” to join me on this marvelous Massachusetts tour in August.

“Does your wife ride with you?”
To date, my wife has not had the pleasure of two days, nearly two-hundred miles of saddle time with me and my other 5,000+ friends. Besides every team has to have those who work very hard behind the scenes supporting the cause – thanks Kath!

“What does the Dana Farber Institute do?”
I will let you pick the right answer:

• Compassionate care to children and adults with cancer
• Advances the understanding, diagnosis, treatment, cure and prevention of cancer and related diseases
• Principal teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School
• Federally designated Center for AIDS research
• Federally designated comprehensive cancer center
• Conducts community-based programs in cancer prevention, detection, and control throughout New England
• Maintains joint programs with other Boston institutions including Brigham & Women’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital
• Click here for more on the great work of the Dana Farber Institute.

“How much money do you have to raise?”
Enough money to cure cancer should be the correct answer, however I will share with you that there is a minimum amount of money which each rider must raise, this year (2011) the amount is $4,200. In addition to the minimum, each rider must pay a registration fee and other optional fees to participate (this year I will pay $250). My (our) numbers have been successful each of my previous years in raising the minimum. The minimum is acceptable but I would like to do much better and maybe one of these years join the “Heavy Hitter’s Club”.

“What do you get for participating in the PMC?”
A great feeling of accomplishment! Along with the good feeling, I get a cycling jersey, food and beverage, outstanding volunteer support, a massage on Saturday, a good time with friends and sore legs and tired body.

“How do you get ready?”
Ride my bike, ride my bike and ride my bike. I try to get as many training miles as possible beginning in mid to late April. The struggle is finding the time between family time, home chores and job challenges. I do keep track of my miles and over an approximate 15-week period leading to that first weekend in August, I manage to get enough riding done. The key to being ready is to increase my long rides (50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 miles). If I get a century (100 miles) ride in before the event then I know I am ready.

“How fast do you go?”
I would be lying if I said that speed is not part of the event. We do not race, but there are many times over the two days that a pace line or group will develop and we may reach consistent efforts of traveling at 25-30mph plus. It’s fun!

“Is my donation tax deductible?”
The PMC’s tax ID or EIN number is 04-2746912. According to the IRS, a copy of a cancelled check suffices as proof of donation for gifts under $250.

“Can I make a donation online?”
Yes and giving online is easy and safe. Go to http://www.pmc.org/egifts/LG0036. In case you forget, my rider ID – LG0036.

“Where do you ride?”
There are six different routes available to riders ranging from a 1-day 89-miles ride to the original 2-day, 192-mile route of Sturbridge to Provincetown. I have ridden in the Sturbridge to P-Town route every year. In addition to the event, there have been years in which I have added a “day zero” to the weekend.

“What is ‘day zero’?”
In 2004, in recognition of the event’s 25^th anniversary, I rode the original course from the New York border to Provincetown on the Friday before the Saturday/Sunday event. Over the past few years I have continued to add this approximately 100 mile “warm up”. This is part of my psyche to do “battle” against cancer. Read more.

PMC 2011

Please sponsor my 2011 Pan Mass Challenge Ride to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Click on the link to contribute - http://www.pmc.org/egifts/LG0036

A Simple Question – What does this make you?

Do you…

learn the lessons that nature provides,

know to be quiet amidst the chaos and noise within our world,

remain steadfast in the pursuit of your goals and dreams,

stop and recognize and appreciate life’s small moments,

have a honest respect for all human beings and live by the “Golden Rule”…

what does that make you?

A Relaxing Ride

Temp in the 30′s, rain falling steadily and then snow; is it time for a ride? Hell yea! I made it outside today for 23 “refreshing” miles. I wanted to ride today. I needed to ride today. After a banana, almond butter sandwich and two cups of coffee I geared up and enjoyed the day. Yes, the weather was the challenge, however it was also the gift. Being on the road under these conditions creates a confined world for one to think and “relax” from other worldly realities. My fingers began to chill later in the ride and my thoughts moved as fast as my wheels turned. I pictured the pros enduring training rides such as these. I thought of work (not for long, thankfully). I thought of my family. I thought about the remainder of my day. I thought of my family again. I thought on.

Life is a gift,
life is a challenge.

Be thankful for the gift,
and be willing to accept the challenge.

Responding to 45 Rules

The following 45 rules were written by Regina Brett. (Check out her website to understand why she wrote these rules). As I read these rules, I thought about how I agreed with some and others I had a different point-of-view. My POVs are below.

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good. Larry’s POV: Life is fair; it’s just that sometimes it does not feel fair, and life is very, very good; otherwise consider the alternative.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step. Larry’s POV: When in doubt or facing any life challenge that has your head and heart spinning, it is incredibly difficult to pause for a moment and realize that a small step is the best strategy. So, don’t pause, don’t think, just keep moving forward and take the step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Larry’s POV: Hating someone is an emotionally draining activity. Hating anyone will have more of a negative impact on you then the person you hate. It is a “life suck” – don’t do it!
4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch. Larry’s POV: So true. When was the last time you picked up the phone and called a relative or friend you have not spoken with in quite some time? Too busy? No, you’re not! I know you get a pang of angst when you say to yourself, “I have to call ____” and then don’t follow through. Call today!
5. Pay off your credit cards every month. Larry’s POV: Good practice. The message here is live within your means.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. Larry’s POV: “Agree to disagree”, sometimes just getting to this point in a communication becomes a disagreement. If the other person will not “agree to disagree”, then I propose you walk away because there is no communication going on here. Remember, communication is talking “and listening” (even if you don’t like what you are hearing).
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone. Larry’s POV: This might be true, however, a good healing cry is always helpful whether alone or with someone else.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it. Larry’s POV: Imagine, you can get angry at God and He can take it; how amazing is that? Remember, don’t stay mad and remember the second commandment.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. Larry’s POV: Did you buy another coffee on your way to work? Did you eat out for lunch again? Did you buy your third glossy magazine for this week? If you have done any of these, I want to let you know that you absolutely can put a few dollars away for the future. Besides, do you really think there will be social security, or that one of your family or friends will have money for you in the future?
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. Larry’s POV: Can’t agree with this one. Wine on the other hand, resistance is futile. Everything in moderation.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present. Larry’s POV: This is not simple. One needs to look deep inside. It may help to say you’re sorry.
12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry. Larry’s POV: You are your children’s first and most important teacher of life’s lessons. When they see you cry; they will know that there are things in life that can sometimes hurt.
13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about. Larry’s POV: 100% agreement.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it. Larry’s POV: Unless you are a spy.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks. Larry’s POV: Cool! Remember, your eyes should be on the goal and your heart in the journey.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. Larry’s POV: While you’re taking a deep breath, take a walk too.
17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful. Larry’s POV: Get rid of the “extra” stuff. Unclutter your home and life. Make it simple.
18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger. Larry’s POV: Then, there are those times when you are digging deep to finish the race and you are nipped at the line; does that make you stronger? The next time you will be stronger, or you will have learned a valuable lesson.
19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. Larry’s POV: Don’t grow up – keep your inner child!
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer. Larry’s POV: Use all of your passion to make your dreams reality!
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special. Larry’s POV: Candles – OK, nice sheets – OK, fancy lingerie – I don’t think so! Anytime you are with your special someone, make it very nice and “extra” special!
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow. Larry’s POV: I believe in the Boy Scout motto – “Be Prepared”
23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple. Larry’s POV: My kids look sideways at some of the things I do and my brother says, “the elevator does not go all the way to the top”, but you know what, they smile and so do I!
24. The most important sex organ is the brain. Larry’s POV: Talk dirty or just plain talk, and then get “dirty”. Sex is healthy, and fun!
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you. Larry’s POV: You decide how happy you want to be, and sometimes you need a reminder from friends. After you get the reminder, then be happy.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’ Larry’s POV: It is a fact that life will present challenges (so-called disasters). When life delivers one of these to your doorstep, pause, and remember that life will also deliver “gifts”, then use your strength, the support of family and friends and the love of God to move you forward.
27. Always choose life. Larry’s POV: No other options to choose from – period!
28. Forgive everyone everything. Larry’s POV: This is hard sometimes, but try very hard.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business. Larry’s POV: Stay true to who you are and you will not care what other people think.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time. Larry’s POV: Time does not heal everything; time makes the pain go away, but not all the way. How else would you explain how your heart feels when you think about a family or friend who is no longer with us?
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change. Larry’s POV: This is true. Jump in and be part of the change. Change the situation to the way you want it to be.
32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does. Larry’s POV: See #19 and #23.
33. Believe in miracles. Larry’s POV: Life begins as a miracle and continues to be a miracle every day. Be thankful for the miracle.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do. Larry’s POV: Thank God!
35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. Larry’s POV: Be part of the solution, don’t be the problem or the question.
36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young. Larry’s POV: I plan on growing very, very old and I hope everyone else does too!
37. Your children get only one childhood. Larry’s POV: Love them unconditionally, each and every day!
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. Larry’s POV: Love is the most powerful force in the universe. Love is beyond the feelings you feel between people; love includes the passion for pursuing your goals and dreams.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. Larry’s POV: Touch the earth and the earth will “touch” you back.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back. Larry’s POV: I would throw my problems onto the pile and either run away quickly or see if I could help someone with their problems.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. Larry’s POV: I don’t need to waste my time and I am confident that you don’t either.
42. The best is yet to come… Larry’s POV: Really? I think the best is delivered each and every day. Pride in the past, faith in the future.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. Larry’s POV: You have to be in the game.
44. Yield. Larry’s POV: I think this means, you got to stop and smell the roses, take in the view, etc.
45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.” Larry’s POV: Life is a gift, life is a challenge. Be thankful for the gift, and accept the challenge.

Poetic Ride

“How was your ride?”  ”It was a poetic ride” I responded. Halloween 2010 and the early afternoon weather delivers a delightful treat; low 50′s, sunny and minimal winds. I got outside today thanks to this treat. Here are the details.

Nature played tag with me,

I grab for a leaf; a leaf touches my face.

The sun shines bright, another miss by my hand.

The stone wall, a New England stone wall.

Vibrant colors. I miss again, but smile.

Thank you Lord!

Nature tags me again with a leaf slap; 3-0.

Vibrant colors, a stone wall, more spinning.

Back home with a smile.