“”To reap the rewards, you have to do the work.” In its Zen-like simplicity, this is what PMC Founder and Executive Director Billy Starr took home from a 400-mile hike through the northern and most challenging part of the Appalachian Trail. This knowledge, learned years ago, has not only shaped his life but has enabled him to run what is today the single most successful athletic fundraising event in the nation. “  –from Pan Mass Challenge Website.

The Mariners support a variety of causes each year, two of the most notable being Joe Mawn’s (Vice Commodore) and Dick Walter’s (Chief Bass Drummer) marathon bike rides.  Joe rides across Massachussetts in the Pan Mass Challenge, while Little Dick cruises between Boston and New York in three days in the Tri State Trek, benefitting the ALS TDI, frequently giving up the fabled Deep River Muster weekend to do so.

Last weekend, Joe hosted a sunset cruise around Boston Harbor as part of his fundraising efforts. (and what’s a boat ride without a touch of rum?)

Both ride hundreds of miles during the event and untold miles in training, in memory of friends and loved ones lost to cancer and Lou Gehrig’s disease.  The Mariners have lost more than their share to both, and we (and I) thank Joe and Dick for their respective parts, and indeed, work,  in raising awareness and funds..

Both are still actively fund raising for this year’s events if you are so inclined.   Click here for Joe, here for Little Dick, Rider 29.