George (left) shares a moment with Connor Drew.

Thirteen years ago, Connor Drew became the catalyst that brought George and his bike into the rank and file of the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC). On December 4, 2003, Connor's dad, Doug Drew, lost his own 2-year battle with cancer. George's 2004 PMC ride was in Doug's memory. Each year George's efforts have exemplified the heart and determination of one who is committed to the vision of the Jimmy Fund and the research of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

George has been the owner/operator of the Hampton Falls Village Market for more than thirteen years. He is an avid bike rider and logs an average of 5,000 miles per year. He is married to Paula (a cancer survivor) and has two grandsons, Adam and Mitchell.

The 2008 PMC was his thirteenth year in the saddle. Each of the previous years found George among the "Heavy Hitters" or those with pledges exceeding an established goal with the 2008 level set at $6,500. Pledges from his supporters last year exceeded $33,800 for a thirteen year grand total over $396,500.

George rides a US POSTAL road bike similar to the bikes ridden by members of the US Postal Team during the Tour de France.  Considering the abuse a bike will take during the training period, maintenance becomes a very important aspect of safety and comfort.  George's bike is maintained through the cooperation of the owner and technicians of Gus's International Bicycle Shop of North Hampton, New Hampshire.