A group of cyclists is participating in a cross-country bike rally, covering 10,000 km across 10 provinces and 2 territories, to deliver a simple message: “It’s OK to live with Parkinson’s.” Three teams began the 60-day rally from different parts of Canada—one from Victoria, BC, another from Newfoundland, and a third starting in Whitehorse, Yukon. The rally, which first launched in 2022, has grown to include three teams this year, each featuring at least one participant living with Parkinson’s disease.
Over the course of about two months, beginning on July 27th, the teams have been travelling across Canada, meeting with hundreds of people living with Parkinson’s. Along the way, they’ve shared stories and exchanged moments of joy, sadness, and hope. The primary aim of their journey is to showcase the physical and emotional benefits of exercise in managing, and even alleviating, some of the symptoms of the disease. Through this rally, they’ve built a sense of community and let others know they aren’t alone in their journey with Parkinson’s.
Recently, the Spinning Wheels Relay team passed through Inuvik, N.W.T., as part of their awareness campaign, en route to Tuktoyaktuk. The team members expressed hope to swim in the Arctic Ocean during their time in the North.
The rally will culminate on Saturday, September 28th, after the cyclists complete their 10,000 km journey across Canada, crossing all 10 provinces as well as the Yukon and N.W.T. On the final day, participants will ride the last 59 km from Carlton Place to the War Museum in Ottawa. Afterward, they will walk to the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill. The day will conclude with a gathering at Lowertown Brewery in Ottawa for a light dinner, entertainment, and prizes.
Lloyd Taylor and Steve Iseman, part of the Ontario-based Spinning Wheels Relay team, believe that cycling has helped reduce their Parkinson’s symptoms. Iseman, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 11 years ago, initially spent five years hiding his condition. He later conducted a study with the University of Guelph, which confirmed that his Parkinson’s symptoms noticeably improve when he rides his bicycle. Now, Iseman eagerly shares his story with as many people as possible to promote the benefits of cycling.
The goal for all participants in the rally is to share their personal experiences with Parkinson’s and to encourage others to overcome any fear or embarrassment about living with the disease.
Source: CBC
