Pan-Mass Challenge makes a pit stop in town
Cyclists enter the rest area at the Decas school. Photos by Brandy Muz
Bob and Susan Sacco waiting for their friend.
One rider makes his way to the rest stop.
A cyclist matches with the American Flag.
A trio pushes up the hill.
Supporters gathered and waved cow bells as the cyclists passed by.
Dozens of riders make their way up Main Street.
Some hold signs and some use their voices to show support.
For many, the stop in Wareham is the last push they need to keep going.
A rider has Tigger attached to his helmet.
Supporters sat waiting cheer for the arrival of those taking a break.
This year saw 6,000 participants. 
A large group pulls in to get a rest.
Cyclists enter the rest area at the Decas school. Photos by Brandy Muz
Bob and Susan Sacco waiting for their friend.
One rider makes his way to the rest stop.
A cyclist matches with the American Flag.
A trio pushes up the hill.
Supporters gathered and waved cow bells as the cyclists passed by.
Dozens of riders make their way up Main Street.
Some hold signs and some use their voices to show support.
For many, the stop in Wareham is the last push they need to keep going.
A rider has Tigger attached to his helmet.
Supporters sat waiting cheer for the arrival of those taking a break.
This year saw 6,000 participants.
A large group pulls in to get a rest.
Cheers accompanied cowbells, signs and music as cyclists in the annual Pan-Mass Challenge made one final stop before Bourne.
The challenge, a two day bike-a-thon that stretches over 186 miles, makes a variety of stops in towns around the state. The event raises money for cancer research and treatment at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with over 6,000 cyclists participating in 2025.
Day one starts in Southbridge or Newton and ends in Bourne. Wareham marks the final rest area for the cyclists before reaching the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.
Pam Blaquiere is a volunteer with the Pan-Mass Challenge and has a summer house in Wareham. She has been with the challenge for over 12 years.
"The people are great here," she said.
The Wareham rest station was located at the John W. Decas School and had snacks, first aid, bathrooms and water for participants. Blaquiere said that the location is special for their bananas and peanut butter among other services.
"We get very busy," she said. "They know there's only about nine miles left before they can go and party."
With no clouds in the sky and a light breeze, Blaquiere said this year she looked forward to good weather.
"The last couple of years it has been really hot, but it's a perfect day today," she said.
Susan and Bob Sacco from Carver were taking advantage of the shade and good conditions. With lawn chairs set up among dozens of other supporters, the couple were there to cheer on their friend Denise MacFarlane.
"She is one of my good friends and she lives down the street from us," Susan said. "She's riding for Team Jake and they're called the Turtles."
Team Jake is riding in memory of Jake Boudreau, a Shrewsbury native who passed away from cancer in 2010. Susan said the team will be riding with turtles on their handlebars in his honor.
"She's been helping out and volunteering for a few years but hasn't ridden in a long time," Susand said. "It's a great cause."
Wareham Police Officer Calib LaRue took to volunteering this year, having participated in the challenge himself.
"My wife and I did it in 2017," he said. "We were so moved by the volunteers that we wanted to give back to the community."
As cyclists rolled past and toward the end of day one, volunteers and spectators gave their support from the sidelines.
The Pan-Mass challenge picks up again on Sunday, Aug. 3 starting in Bourne and ending in Provincetown.
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