Pan Mass Challenge 2011: Mass Prepares For State-Wide Cycling Race

Cycling fever captures Massachusetts this weekend as the 32nd annual Pan Mass Challenge takes place from Saturday, August 6 to Sunday, August 7 and will run through 46 towns across the state.

The race, which has 11 different routes that its riders can choose from based on cycling ability, has two starting lines in Wellesley and Sturbridge and has five finish lines at Bourne, Sharon, Wellesley and two in Provincetown. There are six two-day routes and five one-day routes to choose from. The courses range from 25 to 110 miles.

According to the PMC's website, there are around cyclists who participate in the event each year. In order to participate this year, cyclists need to raise from $500 to $4,200 depending on which route they take.

The PMC was founded in 1980 by Billy Star, who is still the executive director of the event. Over its 31-year existence, 66,563 cyclists have ridden in the race and it has generated $303 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

For more Pan Mass Challenge coverage, visit the event's official website.