commitment . The registration fee is $ 200 , which includes meals and lodging at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac in Lenox . For those who do not need on-site lodging , the registration fee is reduced to $ 150 , still inclusive of meals .
PMC Unpaved begins on Friday evening , September 27 , with a warm welcome at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac . Wholly optional , participants can choose to check in prior to the official ride and enjoy a community dinner , followed by a campfire gathering . As stars twinkle over the surface of the Stockbridge Bowl , riders , volunteers , and supporters swap stories and bond over the next day ’ s shared mission . For many participants , the cause is deeply personal . They ride in honor of loved ones who have battled cancer , carrying their names and stories with them . This connection to the cause adds an extra layer of meaning to the event , transforming it from a physical challenge into a deeply emotional journey .
For Michael Gushue , the event is more than just a challenging bike ride . “ This is my first year participating in the PMC Unpaved , and I ’ m really excited about it ,” Gushue says . “ I ’ ve been mountain biking for a few years now and just recently started road and gravel riding .” He recently completed the classic Pan-Mass Challenge , riding the Wellesley to Bourne route .
Gushue ’ s motivation to fundraise for the Pan-Mass Challenge this year is profoundly personal . “ The reason I decided to fundraise is because of the love of my life , my wife Christine ,” he explains . Christine , a dedicated second-grade teacher , fought a seven-month battle against metastasized colon cancer before passing away at the end of 2023 , at just 39 years old .
“ Christine has positively impacted hundreds of children ’ s lives in Quincy and the greater Boston area ,” Gushue says . “ Although her battle did not end how everybody had hoped , her family , friends , co-workers , and strangers were allowed time to be with her . This precious time was afforded to us by her team at Dana- Farber .”
Gushue ’ s connection to the Berkshires also played a role in his decision . “ Growing up , camping was a big part of my family ’ s vacations ,” he shares . “ Western Mass and the Berkshires were responsible for so many fun memories .”
Reflecting on a trip he and Christine took during the peak of Covid in 2020 , Gushue says , “ We had always dreamed of going to MASS MoCA and seeing a show at Tanglewood . Christine found a small motel in Great Barrington . We laughed the entire trip while finally checking off so many must-see places . It was much-needed relationship therapy during such a stressful time .”
The morning of Saturday , September 28 , will dawn with a sense of purpose . Riders will wake up early for the main event , filled with a mix of excitement and nerves , and will gather for a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day ahead . After a brief safety briefing and a few words of encouragement , they will set off at 9 a . m . on their chosen course , cheered on by friends , family , and fellow participants .
Riders can expect to traverse a combination of dirt roads , gravel paths , and wooded trails , as the trails wind through the Berkshire ’ s lushly verdant landscapes , offering both challenging climbs and exhilarating descents . The 30-mile course is perfect for those who want a taste of the gravel experience without committing to the full distance . It ’ s a manageable yet challenging route that includes several climbs and descents , offering plenty of opportunities to test one ’ s mettle . For those seeking a more intense experience , the 50-mile course delivers . This longer route features additional climbs and more technical sections , demanding a higher level of fitness and bike-handling skills .
Throughout the ride , participants are supported by well-stocked aid stations , where they can refuel with snacks and drinks , get mechanical assistance , and receive encouragement from volunteers . These stations are a lifeline for riders , offering a brief respite from the physical demands of the course and a chance to recharge before tackling the next section .
Upon their return to Camp Mah-Kee- Nac , cyclists are greeted with an exhalation of celebration . Food , drinks , and live music await , a veritable hammock of joy and collective accomplishment . This postride gathering is not just a reward for the physical effort ; it ’ s a testament to the collective impact of the participants . Among them are the Living Proof riders — those who have been treated or are currently undergoing treatment for cancer . Their presence is a poignant reminder of the progress being made through the funds raised by events like PMC Unpaved .
The journey doesn ’ t end with the ride . As the weekend draws to a close , participants will gather one last time on Sunday morning , September 29 , for a breakfast send-off . It ’ s a chance to reflect on the experience , celebrate their achievements , and look ahead to future adventures . For many , PMC Unpaved is more than just an event ; it ’ s a tradition , a yearly pilgrimage that brings together a community of passionate cyclists dedicated to making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer . The funds raised through PMC Unpaved contribute to groundbreaking research and innovative treatments at Dana-Farber , offering hope to countless patients and their families .
For Gushue , participating in the Pan- Mass Challenge is a tribute to Christine . “ As a public servant , she truly valued helping others , kindness , and giving back in any way possible ,” he says . Training for the ride has also provided Gushue with a positive focus and therapeutic outlet . “ My typical training route brought me past Christine ’ s burial site where I would — and still do — ride up and say ‘ hi ’ to her .” Choosing to raise money for Dana-Farber and riding through the scenic backroads of Western Mass and the Berkshires is a given for Gushue . “ The thought of this ride combines so many amazing memories ,” he said . “ For me , the PMC Unpaved will be part therapy , part wanderlust , and a whole lot of fun .” n
PMC Unpaved Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
Friday – Sunday September 27 – 29 6 Hawthorne Rd ., Lenox unpaved . org / ride
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