Sam Richardson
Ryan and Ben repping their team, Granny's Grit.
While most high schoolers spend their summers relaxing, two Masconomet High School students will spend August 2nd and 3rd taking on the Pan-Mass Challenge — a two-day, 162-mile bike ride to raise money for cancer research at Dana-Farber.
Junior first-year rider Ben Richardson (16) and senior second-year rider Ryan Richardson (17) will set their alarms early on August 2nd and be ready to go at the starting line in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The cousins will then embark on 85.3 miles on day one before reaching Mass Maritime, where all riders will set up camp for the night. Another early morning boasts a beautiful yet challenging ride through the Cape, where riders will bike 77.1 miles and cross the finish line in Provincetown, MA.
Each rider participating in this year’s ride has the tall task of raising at least $6,000. In 2024, the PMC brought together approximately 6,800 riders supported by 3,500 volunteers, raising a record $75 million — more than any other athletic charity event in the United States. All of the donations that riders raise for the PMC go directly to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Since Billy Starr founded the ride in 1980, the PMC has raised over $1 billion for cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber.
Both boys will be part of a cycling team named “Granny’s Grit” with their fathers and longtime riders, Chris and Peter Richardson. The team is riding for Ben and Ryan’s grandmother (Granny), who is a three-time cancer survivor. Ben is also riding for his grandfather, who died of cancer last year, and his aunt Kayellen, who is still fighting the battle.
“Cancer has impacted our family greatly, and I wanted to take on this challenge because it’s for a great cause, and it’ll feel good for me to do this,” said Ben Richardson.
The Richardson boys are each thrilled to get the chance to ride with their dads, as unfortunately, Ryan didn’t get that chance last year.
“This year I’m especially looking forward to getting the chance to ride with my dad [Peter] since I couldn’t last year due to an injury he sustained before the ride,” said Ryan.
The training leading up to the ride is no walk in the park. As soon as the weather gets nice enough in the spring, the boys hit the road, doing rides ranging from 25–50 miles in preparation.
“There has been a lot of training and working to get donations, but I’m focused on completing the goal of 162 miles,” said Ben.
Both Richardsons also play for the Masco Chieftains football team, Ryan as an All-Northeast Conference linebacker and Ben as a receiver. Their coaching staff is proud of this committed mission.
“It’s incredibly rewarding. As coaches, we talk all the time about character, toughness, and doing hard things for the right reasons. Ben and Ryan are living that out,” said Masconomet football head coach Patrick Sheehan. “They’re representing our program and community in a way that goes far beyond football. There’s a real sense of pride in seeing two young men you coach step up and take on something this meaningful.”
All the offseason strength and speed football workouts for the Middleton natives will definitely play a factor when setting out on the ride.
“Football develops grit, discipline, and the ability to push through discomfort, both physically and mentally. Those qualities translate directly to something like the PMC,” said Sheehan. “Ben and Ryan understand how to set goals, put in the work, and follow through — whether it’s in the weight room, on a field, in the classroom, or on a bike. More than that, they’ve learned to live by a standard — one that demands effort, accountability, and purpose.”
The PMC does a great job recruiting many enthusiastic volunteers for the starting line, water stops, the overnight stay at Mass Maritime, and the finish line. Fans also line the streets, cheering the riders on with cowbells and signs.
“My favorite part of last year’s ride was seeing the number of people showing up to support such a great cause, and that is what pushed me to ride again,” said Ryan Richardson.
As Ben and Ryan gear up for the 162-mile ride, they will bike each mile honoring those with cancer. Anyone interested in supporting this effort can visit Ben’s page and Ryan’s page to help them reach their fundraising goal of $6,000 for Dana-Farber.