Heather Hobler decided to do the 192-mile Pan-Mass Challenge bike ride while she was still a recovering cancer patient, and she plans to ride for at least 10 years to “pay it forward” for others diagnosed with the disease.

About eight years ago, Hobler, a Mattapoisett artist and yoga instructor, found out she had sarcoma, six months after her beloved father died from leukemia. Both she and her dad were patients at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and as Hobler healed, she vowed to help others by participating in the yearly cycling ride that raises money for research and treatment.

“I saw the check presentation for the Pan-Mass, [and said] now I know what I can do for both my father and myself,” said Hobler, who also started an accompanying blog.

After the decision was made, she bought a “beater bike” and started training.

“It’s a lot of riding, and it’s a lot of fundraising,” said Hobler, who is participating in her seventh ride this weekend.

There are several routes throughout Massachusetts, but those like Hobler who opt to pedal the full 192-miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown must raise a minimum of $4,500. It definitely takes some work, but for several years Hobler has achieved that goal and reached “Heavy Hitter” status for raising at least $7,500.

One hundred percent of “rider-raised” dollars go to Dana-Farber, a hospital that practices “compassion without pity,” said Hobler.

The hospital’s kind and responsive staff were a great help to Hobler during diagnosis, surgery and recovery, and have inspired her rides, as have those involved in the PMC.

“It’s a very powerful weekend,” she said. “It’s full of everybody being the best they can be. From the people on the side of the road, to the volunteers to the riders to the bagpipers.”

The weekend never fails to remind Hobler of her father.

“Even after eight years, I get on my bike and I think of my dad,” she said.

Cycling has been just one way for Hobler to give back and to heal from cancer. As an artist, she’s also found a new outlet through photography.

“When I got sick, it really changed the way I looked at art,” she said.

From her Pico Beach home, Hobler began taking photos of the beach and sea, not noticing that it was part of her recovery process.

Through it she realized, “I’m still here and I’m still passing time and healthy. Now I see it and it’s my best project ever.”

Her photos will be in an upcoming exhibit at the Dedee Shattuck Gallery in Westport.

Like art, Hobler said biking has helped her feel alive, and she hopes others will continue to support that.

To give to her PMC fundraising efforts, visit profile.pmc.org/HH0034. To view her blogs, visit formydadandforme.com and heatherhobler.com.