There is no age limit to caring as youngsters will prove at an upcoming ride in town.

The 18th Annual Natick Pan Mass Challenge (PMC) Kids Ride will be held on Sunday, May 17 at Belkin Family Lookout Farm. As an official Pan Mass Challenge program, the Natick PMC Kids Ride is a way to include young cyclists in the mission to raise money for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Last year, the race attracted 500 people to cheer on 200 riders. Each year organizers aim to increase ridership because every dollar raised goes to the Pan Mass Challenge/Jimmy Fund. 

Kids also have the option to raise funds in the name of a relative or friend fighting cancer, or to dedicate their ride to a special person.

“In 2016, my son Finn Carlson was born at 24 weeks. During his NICU stay, he was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy at 40 weeks,’’ said Shannon Carlson, mom of Finn Carlson, the 2023 Natick PMC Kids Ride Pedal Partner. “Each year as a family, we ride to honor all those who continue to fight, and for those who we lost too soon. We ride with thankful hearts for all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Dana-Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic who took care of Finn for the first five years of his life. We ride to raise our voices and raise funds for a cure.’’

 The race offers the chance for kids to bring their bikes and ride along paved paths in the orchards of the Belkin Family Lookout Farm. 

The farm’s orchard offers two route options. The Mini Fruit Loop is designed for the littlest riders on more than two wheels, such as balance bikes, big wheels, trikes or training wheels. 

The Adventure Express is a 1.1 mile circuit through the orchard pathways for riders on two wheels. And riders can use up all their energy by biking multiple loops.

“As parents we look for ways to model impact and service to the community for our kids. This ride turns kids’ energy into impact for kids at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. It’s all about kids helping kids,” said Julie Shank, Parent Coordinator of Natick’s Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride.

Giving back starts early for these youngsters. Courtesy photo

At the end of the ride, Belkin Family Lookout Farm hosts an after-party with music, food, apple cider doughnuts, a raffle, and other attractions. All riders receive free admittance to the re-opened Kids Play area on the day of the event.

Registration for the Natick Pan Mass Challenge Kids Ride is open at kids.pmc.org/natick. The registration fee is $20 with a required fundraising commitment of $40 per rider. For sponsorship opportunities contact [email protected].