En masse; Thousands gather for Pan-Mass ride.

Byline: James F. Russell

STURBRIDGE - The annual bicycle journey known as the Pan-Mass Challenge, organized by Billy Starr 33 years ago to raise money to help cure cancer, has always been part ritual, part experience.

To say nothing of the endurance test of a 192-mile ride from Sturbridge to Provincetown on the first Saturday and Sunday of August, typically a hot-weather month in Massachusetts.

Beyond the $338 million raised in the past third of a century, riders express emotion and gratitude for a loved one lost to or stricken with cancer.

"I am specifically doing it for a friend of mine's brother and my sister-in-law who died in 2006 after a nine-year battle with breast cancer," retired Gen. George W. Casey Jr. said in an interview last night a few minutes before addressing many of this year's 5,500 cyclists gathered at Sturbridge Host Hotel's large ballroom.

Part of the ritual has become the Friday night gathering before the ride, where inspiration and anticipation compete with the food tent and ice cream outside. Music and gaiety are also part of the event, as well as pep talks by dignitaries and survivors inside a ballroom.

This year is Gen. Casey's second Pan-Mass Challenge. He was commanding general of the multinational force in Iraq from 2004 to 2007, and was appointed the 36th chief of staff of the United States Army in 2007 by President George Bush, where he served until 2011,

"I saw the same kind of spirit in the riders last year as the men and women of the armed forces," Gen. Casey said, "a willingness to commit to something larger than life, to make a difference in the world, to help others."

Marcia E. Pereira, a 2001 graduate of Shrewsbury High School and 2005 graduate of Boston University will ride in her first Pan-Mass today. She said a friend who is a nurse "convinced me of the need. She told me a story about helping out the other kids" stricken with cancer.

Her friend is Maggie M. Malsch. She is a nurse at Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Center.

The women are part of the 68-member team called Pedals for Pediatrics. Their mission is to raise awareness and money for pediatric oncology services and research at Dana-Farber.

Pedals for Pediatrics raised $374,127 for this year's Pan-Mass event. Founded in 2004, the team has raised $1.7 million the past seven years combined.

"I ride a lot to prepare" for the annual trek to Provincetown," Ms. Malsch said. She holds a bachelor's of nursing degree.

A year ago Pan-Mass raised $35 million. This year's goal is $36 million from 240,000 individual donors. The donations fund cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute via the institute's Jimmy Fund program.

While Mr. Starr, Gen. Casey, and Sens. John Kerry and Scott Brown were speaking inside yesterday, a handful of the approximately 3,300 volunteers were assisting with the parking detail outside the Host.

John M. Kirwan, 42, of Wilbraham, said the parking lot was filled by 2:30 p.m. The Pan-Mass operates many shuttle buses Saturday morning for riders staying at Auburn and Worcester hotels who were unable to get a room in Sturbridge.

"We hone in on how to make it easier for people," Mr. Kirwan said.

ART: PHOTOS; MAP

PHOTOG: (P) T&G Staff/PAUL KAPTEYN; (M) T&G Staff/STACEY ARSENAULT

CUTLINE: (1) Mickey Rooney of Wilmington gets his bicycle ready yesterday at the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center for the start today of the 33rd annual Pan-Mass Challenge. This is Mr. Rooney's 28th year riding in the fundraiser. (2) Gen. Casey. (M) The Pan-Mass Challenge