Now that my solo ride is complete, here are some final stats:
This solo ride was self-supported and self-funded. My solo ride started on May 8, 2025, and finished on June 6, 2025—total miles ridden: 2,319.4 mi. Total elevation climbed: 71,102 ft. Time spent riding: 205 h 14 m. Rode through 13 states. 0 new or flat tires.
Donations raised for Dana-Farber Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC): $20,247.85.
Maine to Key West in under a month! 🙌🙌🙌 cancersoloride.com #PMC2025 🌴🙌🌞🌊😊 Darryl Jelley
Heavy fog and poor weather conditions made the journey a bit challenging. I had to make a stop in the town of Rutland, Massachusetts. Interestingly, the hill climbs felt similar to those in Rutland, Vermont. The fog was incredibly dense, and the rain was heavy and cold.
I discovered some incredible small towns and breathtaking gravel trails during this segment. My first stop to escape the rain and regroup for the final destination was Rutland, Massachusetts. I stumbled upon a fantastic establishment called Rutland Tap and Table. It was a new place, perfect for relaxation with delicious food. While I was enjoying my meal, I was asked why I was riding in the rain. I explained that I was riding for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness. The wonderful staff at Rutland Tap and Table generously donated to my ride. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Shamus, Flava, Lauryn, Keith, and Michel. The food was fantastic, and the people were even better.
After a delicious meal, I headed to Lilac Hedge Farm, a rustic cabin and B and B located on a beautiful family farm. The farm boasts a charming barn that serves ice cream, farm-fresh vegetables, and specialty foods. Additionally, the bar offers a stunning view of the mountains. When the view is not obscured by fog. I recommend this place during the summer months. The staff is friendly, and the location in Rutland, MA, is beautiful.
Alright, so I’m six weeks and two days out from my solo ride, and things are really starting to come together! I’ve been putting a lot of thought into how I’m going to fuel myself on the road, making sure I’ve got a solid plan to keep my energy up and help my muscles recover. Figured I’d share a little peek at what I’m packing in my waterproof panniers for food.
My main thing is keeping it simple: easily digestible foods that give me sustained energy. I’m focusing on carbs for that quick hit of energy, and protein for muscle repair, and that longer, steady burn. (Just a heads up, this is what works for me; everyone’s different, so you gotta figure out what works for you!)
Here’s a breakdown of some of my protein power-ups:
Speaking of rice (I love rice), I’m definitely bringing that along. It’s easy to store, calorie-dense, and easy on the stomach. I’ll be using quick-cooking white, basmati, or instant rice and spicing things up with dehydrated veggies or spices and Bachan’s Original Japanese BBQ Sauce.
For those long ride days, I’m keeping it simple with:
I’m totally expecting to be fine-tuning my meals as I go, figuring out what keeps me going and what…well, doesn’t. I’ll keep you posted on what works and what to avoid.
Anyway, in the next post, I’m diving into what I’m planning to wear for the ride!
Hi friends,
Less than 2 months until the start of my solo ride—56 days, to be exact. I have been training, planning, and receiving help from family and friends to meet my start date of May 8th. Full details here
My sister Dana (a gigantic thank you) and I have finalized the logistics of the route I’ll be riding; you can view my Solo Ride Logistics Summary, with a snapshot of the map route.
Thank you to Evan Chismark and all the good folks at Ranch Camp Bike Shop for all their support in getting my bike ready for the long haul.
The bike I’ll be riding for this ride will be a titanium Revel R+ Gravel Bike. I bought this bike three years ago from Ranch Camp. It has been tested in some tough gravel bike events and has never failed me. It’s all mechanical and can handle all the on and off-road conditions I’ll encounter. That said, Evan and I are making some modifications to the bike. The changes: switching from an 11-speed to a 12-speed mullet-style XT 51-tooth 12-speed cassette, a new 12-speed chain, a new XT derailleur, 12-speed GRX shifters, dual-sided pedals, and a check of hubs bearings, sealant, and other needed adjustments.
It’s going to be a busy month. More updates will come soon! Follow along and support this effort.
My Solo Ride for Pancreatic Cancer 