Pan-Mass Challenge Wilmington-Andover Kids Bike Ride

Last year, the Pan-Mass Challenge Wilmington-Andover Kids Ride was one of 34 rides that raised a total of $730,000 for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Jimmy Fund. This year, the 11th annual ride being held on Sunday, May 22 in Wilmington, is hoping to attract over 100 riders from preschool through grade 6 to help raise another $12,000 to fight cancer.

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. Kindergarten through third graders will start the day off at 9am by riding for 45 minutes. The next group of 4th-6th graders will start at 10:00 and end at 11:00am. 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 (http://www.kids.pmc.org/wilmington.aspx), 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 21, so that people can pick up their goodie bags and avoid lines at registration on Sunday. Wilmington Boy Scout Pack 136 will be sponsoring a bike safety rodeo and tune up at the Boutwell School during pre-registration on Saturday as well.

For more information, or to make a donation in support of the ride, go to:http://kids.pmc.org and click on Wilmington-Andover ride. We are also on Facebook: PMC Kids Wilmington/Andover Bike Ride 2016.