Tips for Dover and Sherborn Residents Gearing Up for Pan-Mass Challenge

Cyclists have been hitting the streets of Dover and Sherborn in preparation for the Pan-Mass Challenge, as the ride itself takes them through the two towns on the way to Provincetown.

The Challenge is a fundraiser to raise money for Dana-Farber’s Cancer Institute. Since 1980, it has raised $375 million to funding cancer care and research. The Challenge has a total of 11 different routes, ranging from 25 miles at the minimum to 192 miles from Wellesley all the way down to Provincetown. The event caters to the different levels of the cyclists participating, from beginners to PMC veterans.

Despite the level any one participant might be at though, Landry’s Bicycle of Natick, 10 minutes away from Sherborn and 15 from Dover, has some tips for training before the challenge kicks off on Aug. 3.

“It’s always a good thing to keep adding that additional mileage as you start to get ready for the Pan-Mass Challenge,” James Ray, senior salesperson at Landry’s said. Adding mileage, Ray said, is the most important thing to do in preparation in the weeks ahead.

“As far as dealing with the heat, it’s very important to have a bottle of water per hour,” he said. “If you keep control of your drinking, you’ll be far more hydrated.” Ray said without proper hydration in the 90 degree heat, the body can’t function properly.

Ray also advises cyclists to use some sort of electrolyte mix in the water. “It’ll replenish what you sweat out. You won’t be able to maintain your energy level quite as well without it.”

In addition to mileage and hydration, good quality cycling shorts are imperative, said Ray, because it ensures comfort on the saddle of the bike.

“Using GPS units will allow you to see your cadence and heart rate on the bike, as well,” Ray added. GPS units, like those sold at Landry’s, allows the rider to download their information into the computer to see their progress for the training day.

Cadence, as Ray explained, is the consistency in pedaling, which is something extremely important to maintain while riding. “A consistent pedaling speed will produce less distance for less effort,” he said. “Pedaling and coasting uses more energy than keeping a consistent cadence on the saddle.”

Ray also explained the GPS unit is important because of it’s function in measuring the heart rate of the cyclist. “Your heart rate is a barometer of stress on your body, so being able to see that on the computer will give you a gauge of your fitness level,” he said.

The last thing cyclists gearing up for the race should take note of? It may seem obvious, but making sure the bicycle is in top shape will have a big impact, Ray said.

“Having a bike tuned up and ready to go is key. It’s the tool to complete the Challenge, so if it’s well lubricated, it will be a much better Challenge.”

So whether it’s a cyclist’s first year or tenth year, hydration and proper equipment are the keys to success for the Pan-Mass Challenge on Aug. 3.