40th Pan Mass Challenge
The iconic “Da Hedge”
This summer marked the 40th Pan Mass Challenge Ride, and the Cape Cod Sea Camps 26th year with a riding team. This year’s team included Brian Lutes (CCSC 1985-2019), Andrew “Crash” Sims (CCSC/MDC 1981-2019), Tom “Pranny” Pranikoff (CCSC 1970-1985), Mike Moore (MDC 2012-2019), Rob Foley (MDC 2015-2017), first time rider Aria Lange (CCSC 20172018), and community members Sam Duncan and Kate Schoch.
m on ur tea ering o e h c ” ge Da Hed rs at “ Campe
There was also a second camp team riding the PMC. Team “No Name” included alumni Sean Thibert (MDC 1995-2006), Dan Guariglio (MDC 1992-2006), and Tyler Turgeon (CCSC/MDC 2011-2019). Team No Name had a very strong ride, particularly in their first year out. The PMC is a 200 mile bike ride that raises money for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute – this year raising $63 million! As a team, the Cape Cod Sea Camps raised just under $100,000. But perhaps CCSC’s more important contribution is “DaHedge”. On the 2nd day of this 2 day event, the riders pedal down Rt 6A right in front of the Cape Cod Sea Camps. The resident campers and staff, get up early on that Sunday morning. They all head down, past the front fields, and line the hedges along 6A. As a group, they become “Da-Hedge”.
“DA HEDGE” TEAM Front: Aria Lange, Sam Duncan, Kate Schoch, Mike Moore Back: Andrew “Crash” Sims, Tom Pranny Pranikoff, Harry Long, Brian Lutes, Otis Moyer, Rob Foley
28 2019 JibSheet · capecodseacamps.com
Da-Hedge is certainly the largest cheering section of the entire event. The campers make signs of support. They have funny hats and noise makers. It’s a huge party, and after 150 miles of riding it is a welcome sight to the riders. Riders look forward to seeing the cheering campers every year. Many stop to high five the campers lining the route. The CCSC Team stops there to meet family and friends, and thank volunteers. Other than the finish line, Da-Hedge is the most anticipated part of the ride!