kevinnowak.com

Fall Ridin'.

You can't beat this time of year for some good riding out on the bike.  Granted the mornings are a bit cool, but once things warm up it's perfect out there.  I took advantage today and hope to do the same tomorrow [before the Patriots game of course!]

A few shots from todays ride...on the bike and then after-wards, sans the helmet.  I look like a mosquito in that photo with the sunglasses and noggin-warmer on!

     

For those keeping score at home...I'm now up to 2,201.41 miles for the year.  Reaching 2,500 isn't going to be easy, but hopefully I can still make it before December 31st!
  

Bike.

I tapped out a solid 75.5 mile ride this morning and things felt pretty good.  Okay...maybe not "good", but certainly satisfying.  Only 871 more miles to reach 2,500 for the year!  Get this, I came across an old farmer at one point who had parked his tractor under a tree in the shade to each lunch from his cooler.  As I went by he yelled out offering me a sandwich if I was hungry.  I was only about 15 miles from home at that point so I didn't stop...but what a nice guy! 

Speaking of bikes, check out this photo I snapped with my sub-par camera phone a few weeks back as we were driving in Cape May. 

            

How funny is that?  I guess they just didn't have enough room inside! 

The PMC Recap.

Okay...now for the official PMC Recap now that we've had about a week to digest everything.  [full disclosure, this post is being written on 8/5 and will be pre-posted to go live on 8/10 since we are on vacation in Cape May right now]  Anyhoot...it's hard to believe that this was my 4th PMC, it really is.  I still remember how nervous I was on that starting line out in Sturbridge back in 2006 with Cleverdon at my side.  I had no idea if I could make it or not! 

This year we had a great squad of guys...9 strong [8 riding the Sturbridge-Bourne-Wellesley route and 1 riding the Wellesley-Bourne-Provincetown route].  As usual we got the weekend started by attending the LIVE opening ceremonies broadcast around New England on NECN.  That event gets you so fired up for the ride that you want to get on the bike right then and there and just ride!   

Saturday start in Sturbridge occured a half-hour earlier this year at 5:30am and as a result we had about a 15 minute fog delay before we could roll out.  After that it was 110 miles to Bourne.  Thankfully the only mechanical issues we had this year were a few flat tires for several guys that only took a short time to fix. No broken spokes or snapped chains this time around! 

For the first time we got to sleep on the Ship at Mass Maritime Academy on Saturday night.  The bunks are tight, as you'd imagine they'd be on a ship, but the entire boat is air-conditioned...which makes everything perfect!  The dorms are more spacious for sure, but you bake like an oven in there! 

On Sunday the blue train of Team Xaverian rolled out in uniform and set a very fast pace all the way to Wellesely, 70 miles away!  That picture of us all coming across the finish line together is one of the best memories from the weekend, such a powerful image!  We all ride together for the same cause and I'm truly honored to ride with such an amazing group of guys [and maybe girls in the future?]  Each year seems to get better and better.

So many people came out to greet us along the way in both Wrentham and the finish line in Wellesley.  We really couldn't have done it all without you guys!  A special thanks to Kelly, Kristin and Kristin who followed us around all weekend long and cheered as loudly as humanly possible for all the riders who went by.  You guys were such a huge boost to us!  

Okay...here are the photos...this time taken by Miss Kelly since your's truly was huffing and puffing along the roads!  Maybe next year I can both ride and take photos???  Yeah, I didn't think so.  

      

      

   

       

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

This last photo is one of my favorites...snapped by the Bob-dog actually.  Apparently as our cheering section was waiting for us to arrive in Wellesley a reporter from NECN came up and asked who the Team Xaverian spokesperson was.  Of course all fingers pointed to Kelly!  Unfortunately the interview seems to have ended up on the cutting room floor, but from what everyone told me, she did an amazing job as our official PR person and gave a wonderful interview about Team Xaverian and our mission! 

 

Okay...there you have it.  PMC 2009 is in the books and starting today we begin to look towards 2010 which will be my 5th year riding!  We'll be looking for new Team members [Xaverian alums, parents of alums, and friends of the school] so be sure to let me know if you're interested! 

Lastly...a lot of the guys on Team Xaverian still need help with fundraising to meet their goals for the year...if you can help out, just click here!  Any amount will be greatly appreciated and as you know 100% of the money goes directly towards the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Okay...back to my vacation here in Cape May and Wildwood for the week!  [of course I'll be out on the bike a bit too...I've ridden about 1500 miles so far this year and I'd love to get to 2500 for the year]

  

PMC Completed!

Hi everyone....just wanted to let you know that we successfully completed the 30th anniversary ride of the PMC over the weekend.  I'll post a ton of photos in the next week or two, as well as an in-depth recap of the weekend, but wanted to share just a few with you real quick. 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course I have to thank all of you who have donated to the PMC again this year and to all of those who showed up to cheer us on over the course of the 180 miles we road.  Thanks so much! 

Stay tuned for more photos and a full recap!

PMC Weekend !

My 4th PMC weekend is about to begin later tonight...hard to believe it's here already! .  First the NECN live show, then 100 miles on Day #1 and 70 on Day #2.  Hope to see many of you out on the roads of Massachusetts on Saturday and Sunday!!!  [Note: Team Xaverian is riding the 2-day Sturbridge to Bourne, Bourne to Wellesley route this year]

I did want to touch on all the donations that have been pouring in the past 3-4 months.  Even in this "troubled economy" so many of you have stepped up to support me and the 5,000 other riders who will be pedaling this weekend.  I think it really speaks to how cancer touches so many of us.  We all know that the critical research work being done at Dana Farber needs to carry on, no matter what the economy does and how little government funding they receive.  It really is humbling to see all this money come in and know first hand just how important it is! 

Thanks again and we'll be sure to post a full recap next week!

One last chance to contribute to Team Xaverian's goal...just click this link and donate away!

Road Id.

I've set this post to go live today as I'm on my way back to NJ from Boston after having ridden in the 105 mile Climb to the Clouds bike ride for the 2nd year in a row this past weekend. 

Recently when I ride I've started using a new product that I wanted to let you all know about.  It's one of those things I hope I never have to use, but one that I'll be glad I have should the situation arise.  I'm talking about a relatively new thing called the Road Id.  Here are a few photos of mine:

   

    

What this does is provide my name and important medical information should I be in a bad accident out on the bike.  Like I said, hopefully that never happens, but you never know out there.  This way the medics will know who I am and how to get in touch with Kelly and others.  For around about $20 it's a very good idea to pick one of these up. Cyclists, runners, or anyone who's into outdoor sports could benefit from wearing one of these. Medics can call the 800 number on the band or log onto the web using the serial # and pin on the back of the band and they'll instantly have all the information at thier fingertips. 

2009 PMC Update.

I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable Independence Day weekend.  In the past 4 weeks that we have been back from our Europe trip I've been on the bike as much as possible [and looking for a job of course!] making sure my legs will be ready for the 2009 Pan Mass Challenge over the first weekend in August. I've logged over 600 miles here in New Jersey since our return and I'm feeling very good.  I'd like thank the many of you who have already donated to my efforts in this years PMC.  Even in this down economy you've stepped up to the plate and acknowledged that cancer doesn't understand a recession and that we still need to continue this battle.  I do still need quite a bit of help with my fundraising to meet the minimum amount and I'd ask those who have not yet donated to please consider a donation.  No matter what the amount it will contribute greatly the the PMC and the work being done at Dana Farber in Boston. 

 

Below is the email/letter that was sent out in April. 

 

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Family and Friends,

 

As I have for the past 3 summers, on August 1^st and 2^nd, I will be doing my part to raise money for cancer research and care by pedaling for the cure.  I will be riding 185 miles over 2-days from Sturbridge to Bourne to Wellesley, MAin the 2009 Pan-Mass Challenge to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute here in Boston.  Being a testicular cancer survivor myself, I know on a personal level how critical it is to raise these research dollars.      

 

This year marks the 30^thanniversary of the PMC and now, more than ever, the dollars raised by this weekend event are so critical.  With the downturn in the economy fundraising efforts are certain to be difficult this year, but the need has not gone away, because cancer has not yet gone away. 

 

I will be riding again as part of Team Xaverian, which for 2009 consists of 8 dedicated riders.  We once again intend to earmark our fundraising dollars directly to Dr. Christopher Turner, a researcher at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and a 1985 graduate of Xaverian Brothers High School.  We met with Dr. Turner shortly after the ride last year and got to see exactly where our fundraising dollars went.  Not only were they used to aid in groundbreaking research, but also to meet the quality of life needs for patients which are not typically covered by insurance.  Our fundraising dollars help to bridge that gap. 

 

As you know from years past, the PMC is the single largest contributor to Dana Farber, raising over $35 million dollars last year alone and over $250 million in its history.  The fundraising minimum for each rider this year has been raised to $4,000, which is by no means a small task, and the reason I am again asking for your help. Words cannot describe how humbled I have been by the generosity and support of my family and friends over the past three years.  All of you have helped me raise over $16,000 for this incredibly worth cause.

 

Although the ride is not until August, I try each year to meet my fundraising goals as soon as possible so I can concentrate on training.   You can donate by either mailing me a check made out to “Kevin Nowak” or by using a credit card online.  Simply log on to www.pmc.organd use my e-gift ID # KN0052.  [Or click here] Many companies also have matching donations programs that may be an option for you as well.  Please consider a gift in any amount, no matter how small [or large!] it will be greatly appreciated.  A little in abundance is a lot.  Remember that all donations to the PMC are tax deductible.

 

In closing, I take this challenge seriously every year and more than ever I want to be part of the effort to find a solution.  You would be hard-pressed to find a more worthy and leaner organization than the PMC. In 2008, 100 percent of all funds raised by the 5,000 PMC riders went directly to the Jimmy Fund. I truly believe somewhere along the PMC roads lies a cure for cancer.  You can help us find it.

 

Thank you so much for your generous and continued support!

 

                               

 

 

PMC Update.

Hey guys...just a quick PMC update before we head out on the trip next week...

I've gotten in a decent amount of time on the bike, with hopefully a few more rides next week, and we're off to a great start with the fundraising.  All thanks to you guys of course! I think we're at about just over $1,000 in, so we need to raise another $3,000 in the next few months.  It's a tall order for sure, but I know we can make it. 

If you would like to donate to this great ride please do so at the following link by clicking here. You can read more about the ride and my goals here.  Thanks again for all the support and I'll give you all an update once we're back from Europe...

T-Shirt Reminder.

Get those Team Xaverian PMC t-shirt orders in to me by tomorrow.  See here for more information!

PMC 2009 and Team X T-Shirts!

Family and Friends,

As I have for the past 3 summers, on August 1^st and 2^nd, I will be doing my part to raise money for cancer research and care by pedaling for the cure.  I will be riding 185 miles over 2-days from Sturbridge to Bourne to Wellesley, MA in the 2009 Pan-Mass Challenge to benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute here in Boston.  Being a testicular cancer survivor myself, I know on a personal level how critical it is to raise these research dollars.  

    

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of the PMC and now, more than ever, the dollars raised by this weekend event are so critical.  With the downturn in the economy fundraising efforts are certain to be difficult this year, but the need has not gone away, because cancer has not yet gone away. 

 

I will be riding again as part of Team Xaverian, which for 2009 consists of 8 dedicated riders.  We once again intend to earmark our fundraising dollars directly to Dr. Christopher Turner, a researcher at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and a 1985 graduate of Xaverian Brothers High School.  We met with Dr. Turner shortly after the ride last year and got to see exactly where our fundraising dollars went.  Not only were they used to aid in groundbreaking research, but also to meet the quality of life needs for patients which are not typically covered by insurance.  Our fundraising dollars help to bridge that gap.

 

As you know from years past, the PMC is the single largest contributor to Dana Farber, raising over $35 million dollars last year alone and over $250 million in its history.  The fundraising minimum for each rider this year has been raised to $4,000, which is by no means a small task, and the reason I am again asking for your help. Words cannot describe how humbled I have been by the generosity and support of my family and friends over the past three years.  All of you have helped me raise over $16,000 for this incredibly worth cause.

 

Although the ride is not until August, I try each year to meet my fundraising goals as soon as possible so I can concentrate on training.   You can donate by either mailing me a check made out to “Kevin Nowak” or by using a credit card online.  Simply log on to www.pmc.org and use my e-gift ID # KN0052 or just click here.  It's really easy!  Many companies also have matching donations programs that may be an option for you as well.  Please consider a gift in any amount, no matter how small [or large!] it will be greatly appreciated.  A little in abundance is a lot.  Remember that all donations to the PMC are tax deductible.

In closing, I take this challenge seriously every year and more than ever I want to be part of the effort to find a solution.  You would be hard-pressed to find a more worthy and leaner organization than the PMC. In 2008, 100 percent of all funds raised by the 5,000 PMC riders went directly to the Jimmy Fund. I truly believe somewhere along the PMC roads lies a cure for cancer.  You can help us find it.

 

Thank you so much for your generous and continued support!

 

[if you need my mailing address, current as well as the new one after May 1, just shoot me an email]

 

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T-Shirts!

There’s no better way to show your support for the PMC and Team Xaverian than by ordering a Team Xaverian 2009 t-shirt.  [see below the front and back graphics]  The shirts come in both men’s and women’s cuts, sizes small through 2XL and only cost $10 each.  If you’d like one, or more, please email me the size and cut, then send payment to the address below.  While PMC donations can be made throughout the summer, all t-shirt orders must be received by April 10^th. 

 

        

Thanks so much for all your support over the past 4 years!

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Update:  Earlier today all us PMC'ers got an email from Dr. Ed Benz, the el presidente of Dana Farber.  I thought his final paragraph was very poignant given our current economy...in his words:

The advances of the past several years represent a vital down payment on future scientific gains.   We owe it to patients and their loved ones to make the most of this moment in science and maintain, or even accelerate, our pace of research.  That's why your assistance is so critical. I know it's hard to ask for support when there is so much poor economic news.  But just like on the road, when the hills are ahead, now is the time to bear down and give it our best efforts.  I, and all the faculty and staff at Dana-Farber, are extremely appreciative of your continued commitment to our shared purpose. Best wishes for a healthy and productive 2009 PMC.