Paterson Music Project Blog: Voices of the Silk City by Danielle Lefebvre | October 2018
Cold air and rain-soaked streets set the scene for the Gran Fondo bike race in Morristown, NJ the morning of September 9. Seven riders in support of the Paterson Music Project took on the two-wheeled challenge, riding a distance ranging from 18 to 107 miles. Each rider prepared in their own way, but all walked away with a great sense of accomplishment. Not only did everyone finish the race despite incessant rain and cold temperatures, the team raised over $7,000!
Pam Palumbo, Director of Development for WIPA, recalls that, “the discomfort of being wet and chilled didn’t diminish our team’s enthusiasm” as she successfully completed her 42-mile trek. PMP Program Director, Elizabeth Moulthrop, spent her summer weekends leading up to the event preparing for the physical challenge. According to Liz, the Gran Fondo is known for its elevation gain, so she prepared accordingly doing practice rides in the Adirondacks and western New Jersey. This year there were a few new faces to Team PMP, including PMP Teaching Artist, Bernie Visto. He says, “The start was a memorable one, being it was my first ride with the PMP team.” Almost 3,000 bikers participate annually and gather at a mass start at 7 a.m.
The Gran Fondo challenged our team to rise to the occasion physically, as well as promote a cause we all believe in—the Paterson Music Project. Thanks to the team’s efforts in training, fundraising, and finishing the rainy ride, PMP was able to raise $7,000, surpassing last year’s total amount by three times. Congratulations and thank you to our PMP riders for their dedication and commitment to our cause!