Pan-Mass ride passes through Uxbridge today

UXBRIDGE – Police today are urging motorists to expect delay and use care and caution as hundreds of riders with the 38th annual Pan-Mass Challenge bicycle ride to raise money for cancer research and treatment pass through town.

Police said riders were expected to begin passing through around 6:30 a.m. and that the last rider should be through town by 9:30 a.m.

Police said motorists should expect delays in the area of Rivulet and West Hartford Avenue, and the intersection at West/East Hartford Avenue and North Main Street. Riders are expected to continue on East Hartford Avenue into Mendon.

The Police Department will have a traffic officer stationed at busy intersec- tions, including East Hartford Avenue by Granit and Linwood.

Police are also asking residents to have patience.

“The officers working to ensure the safety of the riders, spectators and motoring public receive some harsh words from motorists regarding delays, but understand when possible, these riders momentum will not be stopped as they ride to eradicate cancer,” the department said on its Facebook page. “Avoid thsee areas if possible unless you want to join as we cheer the participants on.

The 38th annual bicycle ride to raise money for cancer research and treatment kicks off this weekend with an impressive goal of $48 million.

The 192-mile Pan-Mass Challenge starting in Sturbridge and ending on the Cape, is a major fundraiser for the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The challenge runs through 46 Massachusetts towns, offering different routes for all cyclists. There are three starting lines – in Sturbridge, Wellesley and Bourne – and five finish lines – in Provincetown (two), Bourne, Wellesley and Foxboro.

Established by Billy Starr in 1980 and under his direction, the PMC has grown considerably and consistently from its modest beginnings into an event that draws 6,000 cyclists from 41 states and eight countries.

Today, the Pan-Mass Challenge raises more money than any other athletic fundraising event in the country. The PMC generates more than 50 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue and it is Dana-Farber’s single largest contributor.

Over the past 37 years, PMC cyclists have ridden to raise and contribute $547 million to cancer research.