PROVINCETOWN (CBS) – It was the biggest year yet for the Pan-Mass Challenge. A total of 6,800 bicyclists from all over the country and the world participated in the fundraising ride.
The sun shone brightly through the blue sky as thousands of riders crossed the finish line in Provincetown on Sunday morning.
“All of these people have a story and they are all turning it into progress,“ said PMC founder Billy Starr after he crossed the finish line for his 40th ride.
PMC founder Billy Starr is done with his 192 mile ride — 40 years in. Best part of this years’ ride to him? It’s bigger than ever! #WBZ #PMC2019 pic.twitter.com/VP0WWasgJP
— Kristina Rex (@KristinaRex) August 4, 2019
Starr said the sheer size of the crowd this year is what makes it so special. Every person who rode has a story to tell about how cancer has touched their lives.
Dan Smith rode in his 8th year for his dad, who he described as a “proud guy” who didn’t want anyone to do anything for him. So instead of Dan and his college roommate began riding for Dana-Farber, where his father received his treatment.
His father was able to see him ride in his first PMC, but died shortly after.
“It’s inspiring,” he said. so much support.”
We did it!! Thank you to all the @panmass volunteers, riders, donors and people who poured Harpoon. #pmc2019 pic.twitter.com/fmerjR7m5s
— Lisa Hughes (@LisaWBZ) August 4, 2019
WBZ-TV’s own Lisa Hughes crossed the finish line in Provincetown for her ninth year in a row. She said something about this year just felt special.
“It was awesome,” Hughes said. “It was so good – emotional. And it was joyous.”
Congrats to WBZ’s @LisaWBZ on finishing the #PMC2019! What an incredible day at the finish. #WBZ pic.twitter.com/8LyIEDFrwU
— Kristina Rex (@KristinaRex) August 4, 2019
The target goal is an unprecedented $60 million. The PMC has not reached that goal yet, but has until the fall to do so. If they do reach $60 million, the CEO of Overstock.com has pledged an additional $1 million donation, bringing the total to $61 million.
Mike Jeans participates in the event every year with his family, something he said will never change.
“It’s in our blood. Every year we go away from this weekend so inspired. There’s no doubt we’ll be back next year,” Jeans said.
Kristina Rex
