LENOX, Mass. – Hundreds of cyclists from across the region and beyond gathered in the Berkshires on Saturday for fifth annual PMC Unpaved, the Pan-Mass Challenge's annual gravel ride raising funds for critical cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

 

This year’s PMC Unpaved comes at an especially critical time, with federal research support shrinking, grant approval rates reaching historic lows, and cancer cases continuing to rise. 100 percent of every PMC Unpaved rider-raised dollar goes directly to Boston's Dana-Farber, one of the nation’s top three hospitals for cancer research and care. Among those riding was Dr. Benjamin Ebert, CEO and President of Dana-Farber, along with many Dana-Farber doctors and researchers.

 

Riders enjoyed the paved and unpaved country roads of the Berkshires through western Massachusetts and into New York state on routes measuring 20, 30 and 50 miles.

 

Following the ride, the PMC Unpaved camp experience continued with live entertainment, activities for riders and their loved ones, and a speaking program featuring PMC leadership and members of PMC’s Living Proof® community - riders and volunteers who were previously treated or are currently undergoing cancer treatment and serve as Living Proof of the progress made through raising funds for cancer research and treatment.

 

Among those scheduled to participate in the post-ride festivities were: 

 

• Billy Starr, PMC Founder and Chairman, discussing the PMC Unpaved experience and the enduring significance of PMC fundraising since 1980.

 

• Dr. Benjamin Ebert, President and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, speaking about the direct impact of PMC funding on life-saving cancer research and treatments.

 

• PMC riders and volunteers, who can share the excitement of participating in the PMC and why the mission matters to them, including:

 

• PMC Living Proof riders, riders who were treated or are currently undergoing cancer treatment, to speak to why riding the PMC is so impactful to them.

 

• PMC Triple Challenge riders, cyclists who complete all three annual events (PMC, PMC Winter Cycle, and PMC Unpaved), to speak to their year-round commitment to fundraising for the PMC’s mission.

 

• PMC Pedal Partners, pediatric patients at the Jimmy Fund Clinic who are paired with cyclists and their families to speak to how Dana-Farber, the PMC, and the Pedal Partner program have impacted their lives.