Thousands Of Riders Ready For 2016 Pan Mass Challenge

STURBRIDGE - Thousands of bikes stood at the ready outside the Pan Mass Challenge host hotel in Sturbridge, each representing a rider coming together for a common cause: to cure cancer. The PMC kicks off early Saturday morning, a two day, 192 mile ride. It's the single largest athletic fundraiser in the country. Last year $45 million was raised to fight cancer.

Volunteers helped register riders, while riders gave their bikes a final tune-up, pumping tires and greasing brakes.

First time two-day rider Mike Jandreau said he's ready and excited; and he's racing for a very simple reason. "Because everybody matter."

Each rider is ready to pedal with all their heart and strength to help save a life.

"It's a coming together of people to help other people," said PMC rider Mike Burke.

Volunteers like Greg Hoffman of Landry's Bicycles make sure it all runs smoothly, and the riders are safe. "We get everything from simple brake adjustments; to we got a guy over here from Florida with a broken bike."

Second year rider Peter Delmastro overcame a severe brain injury. "We're riding for people who can't, and hopefully we're doing some good along the way. If we help one person with cancer, it's all worth it."