Gordon Sewall reports:

“Last Saturday’s ride was magical and, true to its name, a genuine challenge.  At the finish, I commented to teammates Rob Moore and Gerry Campos that I used all the energy and endurance I had to complete the ride, there was no second wind to be found in Bourne that day.

The forecast for the day was for mostly sunny conditions, mild to moderate humidity and a temperature of 83 degrees – a perfect August day for a long bike ride.  Looking back on the demands of the course and the fact that the 84 miles was about 36 miles longer than I had ridden before, I question whether those seemingly ideal conditions would have allowed for a successful finish.

Thankfully, the weather forecasters had it wrong and the entire ride was under cloudy and cool conditions with a sprinkle or two thrown in for good measure.  Those of you who attended Elizabeth’s memorial service recall the cloudy and rainy weather we experienced that day, until the end when a brilliant sun burst through the clouds as though to bless the proceedings with our dear Elizabeth’s fondest wish for that day, a celebration of her life with a celebration of light.

As we pulled into the Mass Maritime Academy campus the clouds seemed to part on cue presenting the exhausted finishers with a glorious sunny afternoon.  I felt Elizabeth’s presence at every moment of my inaugural Pan Mass Challenge.  The cool weather was a tangible sign of her presence and the sunshine at the finish was, in case there was any doubt of her presence, signature Elizabeth.

Gifts continue to come in and will for some time.  Team Elizabeth has raised more than $35,000, a total that could go as high as $45,000 for her endowment which will be used to find ways to better detect and treat lobular breast cancer.  We are honored and humbled by the good wishes and generous support we have received.”

For those who would like to contribute to the ride, donations continue to be accepted at Gordon’s Pan Mass fundraising page or by sending a check made out to Pan Mass Challenge to Gordon at 57 Wheelwright Farm, Cohasset, MA 02025.