Voice Post: 2010 PMC Fri Sturbridge

[ornoth_cycling]

The following is a transcription of a phone post that originally appeared in my main journal, here.

Well, we're here in Sturbridge at the end of a 95-mile day -- Pan-Mass Challenge Day 0, from the New York border to Sturbridge -- on the day before the official Pan-Mass Challenge starts. My first time doing that route. The two big hills were pretty substantial, but we managed to get through it, although we were starting to flag by the end, and it will be interesting riding tomorrow!

Tomorrow is 112 miles from Sturbridge to Bourne, and then another probably 15 miles additionally at the end of the day to my hotel, although those miles will be a little more relaxed. But tomorrow should be interesting.

Today, aside from the puncture that I had, we had a great day. Got into Sturbridge at 2:45, which was pretty good time. Weather was absolutely beautiful -- occasional clouds and bright sun -- but overall was a pretty good ride, and a great experience for my first time riding from the New York border.

Also it looks like (if I count the two verbals that I have, in terms of people who said they've made donations through their company that haven't showed up yet at the PMC site) it looks like I may be on the threshold of having 100 people sponsor me, which aside from doing the extra miles from the New York border was my second big goal for the year. So it looks like I've achieved my two big goals, although I suppose I can't count the extra miles one until I actually do the PMC ride Saturday and Sunday.

But really looking forward to those, should be fun. Had a great day today with my buddies Paul and Jay took a quick brief dip in a pond behind the hotel here in Sturbridge where riders register. Got registered, got my ride jersey, and now we're off to the hotel to go shower, get some food, get some water, and try and prepare my body for the excitement that will happen tomorrow.

I may be updating again this evening, and I may not, but otherwise there will be an update at 5:30 tomorrow morning when we leave the line in Sturbridge for for the official start for the Pan-Mass Challenge: my 10th ride and my 5th year in a row as a Heavy Hitter. Thank you everyone for your support. It really means a lot to me to have your support, and also to be able to participate in an event that does so much good for an organization that does so much research and treatment and assistance with the cause of eradicating cancer.

So that's it: mostly a wrap for for Friday's ride, PMC Day 0, but look forward to two more days of riding down to the cape and out to the end of the cape at Provincetown. I'll talk to you soon!