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

Money is good (very good) but so are the words

The PMC is about raising money to support those (docs, nurses, care givers, scientists, etc.) on the front lines in the battle against these diseases. In order to do this, money is needed, and lot’s of it.  While I recognize this objective, I will tell you that the words I get (along with the donations) are what keep me fired up and staying focus in preparing for this event.Here is a glimpse of some of the notes I have received.  Please keep them coming!

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

By the numbers – “our” PMC history

To all my wonderful supporters this page is your page. This is your success. Here is the history of our participation in the PMC by the numbers.

Year	Training Miles	No. of Donations	Money Raised
1999	742	44	$1,514
2000	762	66	$2,561
2001	808	70	$3,688
2002	1359	65	$3,690
2003	984	80	$3,099
2004	1021	79	$3,257
2005	1548	103	$4,728
2006	1403	76	$4,597
2007	0	72	$4,629
2008	1710	86	$5,353
2009	1982	95	$5,671
2010	2640	81	$5,265
2011	2619	102	$5,683
Totals	17,578	1019	$53,735

So, come back to see my progress. Thank you for your continued support!

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

I ate popsicles on her back porch

Cancer touches many people and in many different ways.  The story below comes from the daughter of a good friend. 

My Mémére is kind, talented, and smart. She never gives up or puts up with anything. This is my Mémére. Right now, my Mémére is in a hospital bed with liver cancer. The nurses at the hospital brought the bed to her house because she cannot move, talk, walk, eat, or drink…she is slowly dying. It is hard for me and my family because she means so much to us. I can remember when it was a hot summer day and my Mémére and I ate popsicles out on her back porch. The last time I went to her house, I said hello to her, but she couldn’t answer me because she couldn’t talk. I was completely heartbroken when I saw her. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I knew and saw that she was truly, dying. No one knows like I do, no one understands how close me and my Mémére are. I love her so much and I don’t want to let her go. No one does. We all have so many memories, good memories and bad memories. We will forget some of the memories, but we will NEVER forget our Mémére. Easter was the last time that she could actually walk around. Even before we knew she had cancer, we knew something was wrong because she only wanted to sleep, eat and throwup. This is how we knew that something was wrong. My family and I all wish that she could stay with us longer, but we know that it is time to let go. We pray that she doesn’t suffer any longer that she has already.

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

“She died in my arms. I donate in her name…”

When I reflect on the past 12 years of training for and riding in the PMC, I inevitably ask myself “why do I ride?” The answer is simple.  I ride because of YOU!  Every year, along with their donations, friends write me quick notes. Here are just a few messages that they’ve shared:

“She died in my arms. I donate in her name…”

“My husband died from Prostate Cancer in 1991 and other family members have suffered from the awful disease. So proud of you and the other riders who tackle the Pan Mass.”

“My mom has been doing chemo for a year after surgery for colon cancer.”

“Hope you can log a few miles for…”

“On behalf of those who succumbed and those who will struggle.”

“Wishing you an enjoyable and pain-free ride!”

“…both my dad and my husband are cancer survivors, so Go Larry!”

“I am sure your dad will be looking down on you…”

“Please add my husband’s name to your bike…”

“In memory of my dear friends…”

The PMC is both a gift and a challenge. The gift is the single-minded hope of all who contribute to make a difference. The challenge is the heart breaking pain felt by friends who watch the ones they love fight cancer, or those who are actually suffering from the devastating disease themselves.

When I receive your personal messages and supportive words, I know that YOU are gift! You send me the gift of inspiration and your donations are a gift to all who will ultimately benefit when we finally cure this disease!

Each year, not only do I make my request to you via this letter, I also renew my commitment to YOU, the PMC and the Dana Farber Institute to continue in the war on cancer!

Join me, my friends, and once again support the PMC!