(NECN: Leslie Gaydos) – Five thousand bicyclists strapped on their helmets Saturday and headed out on a journey across Massachusetts.

They are raising money for cancer research and treatment, taking part in the Pan Massachusetts Challenge.

The annual bike-a-thon covers 190-miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown.

For so many the Pan Mass Challenge is a rewarding annual commitment.

On bicycles, they are going the distance and making a difference in the fight against cancer.

Rob Alber a cancer survivor said, “I had cancer when I was a kid and again when I was 19 and 22 and again at 24..treated at dana farber..and I’m 21 years out now..I have to ride because its for the Farber and the Jimmy Fund.”

Each rider will raise between a thousand and $4,200 this year.

Most exceed their minimum goals.

Lauren Berntson of Plymouth MA stated, “this is year number five and why are you here? My best friend Kristin Dione, she was diagnosed with cancer five years ago…she’s the reason I started riding and the reason I continue to ride every year. Here..she’s going thru more testing and she’s not cancer free..but we’re hoping.”

Mike Hubbard from Northfield MA spoke about how long and why he is riding. “I started riding five years ago. We lost my mother in law to breast cancer and it seems that since then.. every year there is someone else to ride for. We come closer and closer to a cure but there is still always somebody else.”

Over the years the PMC has raised nearly $240-million for cancer research and treatment and the Dana Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund.

This year for the 30th anniversary of the ride, the goal is 30 million dollars.

NECN reporter Leslie Gaydos has more on this truly amazing event.