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The rays beamed down on the first sunny day of summer as hundreds of riders piled behind the start line under an arch of blue, navy and white balloons. Supporters throughout shouted in support as the riders flooded out.
The 12th edition of the Winchester PMC Kids Ride occurred on the morning of June 13. Behind the scenes, organizers have been working hard for months to put together an event of this scale.
Everyone involved knew this event was bigger than anyone in it.
“The morning was electric,” elaborated Robin Shevland, Kids PMC’s Ride coordinator. “The kids came ready to ride on our first beautiful sunny Saturday morning in weeks. The neighbors collectively stepped up this year, too, so the energy along the route was wonderful!”
One rider from Lincoln Elementary School explained he just wanted to ride his bicycle on a warm summer morning. Another from Vincent-Owen explained she understood the cause the ride was pushing for and wanted to start supporting.
Regardless of the reason, this is an event to bring the community together and teach kids how to give back at a young age
Spectacularly, 2026 has been the most successful Kids PMC ride ever in the history of the Winchester event.
“We had 272 riders this year, the most ever, and 60 volunteers,” Shevland elaborated. “As of now, we’ve surpassed $50,000 and are on track to surpass last year’s total of $60,000.”
That $60,000 contributed to a total of $78 million that PMC donated to Dana-Farber last year.
Shevland said she won’t know the final total until Sept. 1, as riders have all summer long to continue their fundraising.
Putting it all together
To put together an event of this scale takes a “village.” Twenty-three local sponsors and organizations come together to make it all happen alongside the national sponsor of PMC rides.
“This ride can’t happen without all of them and the community’s support and commitment!” Shevland said.
One hundred percent of the money raised goes toward the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to further cancer research and support patient care and families of patients currently involved in treatment. This ride is an opportunity for the community to come together and support a cause bigger than any individual person.
“We’ve all been impacted by cancer in some way. We want the ride to continue to be a positive outlet for all those impacted by cancer and to provide hope for future better outcomes,” said Shevland.
Whether on bikes or scooters, the participants of the 12 annual Winchester PMC Kids Ride enjoyed riding through the town’s streets on June 13. WINCHESTER NEWS STAFF PHOTOS/XIYUE ERIC HAN
She started the ride as a positive outlet for her girls as her husband/their dad battled cancer. Over time, the scope only grew.
Now in its 12th iteration, the ride has expanded to include a bouncy house, card making for Jimmy Fund patients, bike and helmet decorating, a bike wash and of course, take a chance at the always popular raffle.
“There is something for everyone at the event and it is a feel-good morning for all,” said Shevland.
PMC events also have Pedal Partners that are pediatric oncology patients at the Jimmy Fund Clinic. Pedal Partners are identified through the PMC office.
The program gives children fighting cancer a fun distraction and a chance to be celebrated within the wider PMC communities. Winchester’s branch has had one for the past 12 years.
Xiyue Eric Han is a student at Winchester High School. He has been an intern with Winchester News since summer 2025.
