Pan-Mass Challenge Wilmington-Andover Kids Bike Ride

The Pan Mass Challenge Wilmington Kids Bike Ride has raised over $133,000 for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Jimmy Fund, but organizers Sue Hendee and Sheila Salois hope to improve upon that number in a couple of weeks. The 10th annual ride, being held on Sunday, May 17, is hoping to attract 200 riders from preschool through grade 6 to help raise another $18,000 this year to fight cancer. Hendee, a physical education teacher in Wilmington and Salois, a physical education teacher in Andover were roommates at Springfield College and are trying to bring both towns together to support a great cause.

The event takes place on Carter Lane in Wilmington, on the grounds of the Boutwell Elementary, West Elementary and Wilmington Middle Schools. Carter Lane will be closed to all vehicles for the ride, and children will ride the one mile loop around the schools as many times as they choose. Kindergartners and 1st graders will start the day off at 9am by riding for 30 minutes. The next group of 2nd and 3rd graders will start at 9:45 and end at 10:30. 4th graders through 6th graders will finish the event by riding from 10:45-11:45am. Preschoolers can ride their tricycles, bikes, big wheels, or can be pulled in a wagon on the “Tykes on Trikes” obstacle course on the Boutwell School tennis courts from 9am-10am. In the time between rides, participants can enjoy a free hot dog, a DJ, face painting, raffles, and other refreshments while cheering other riders on.

All riders are required to register ($15) on the event website (www.kids.pmc.org, click on Wilmington-Andover ride), and raise a minimum of $25. 100% of the proceeds go to the Jimmy Fund and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Those raising $250 and above will be recognized as a “Heavy Hitter” and will receive a special prize from the PMC. All who register will receive an event t-shirt, water bottle, and goodie bag. A pre-registration day will be held at the Boutwell Elementary School in Wilmington from 9am-11am on Saturday, May 16, so that people can pick up their goodie bags and avoid lines at registration on Sunday.

For more information, or to make a donation in support of the ride, go to: www.kids.pmc.org and click on Wilmington-Andover ride. We are also on Facebook: PMC Kids Wilmington/Andover Bike Ride 2015.