Welcome!
Thank you for visiting Challenging Times, The Ramblings of a Cyclopath.
Blogging seemed a good way to publicise a charity cycle from Vietnam to Cambodia with a group of friends who became affectionately known as The Cyclopaths. Still chronicling my cycle training and challenges, four years on, this blog now also offers insights into my experience of living with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. By doing so, I hope to promote an understanding and provide an easy opening to a conversation about the trials, tribulations and the occasional triumphs of living with Parkinson’s.
Blog Posts
‘Happy’ Anniversary?
Six years ago today I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. It’s not like a birthday or wedding anniversary to be celebrated with balloons and banners but it is an anniversary nevertheless. One that is imprinted on my being in indelible ink.…
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Time to Change…….
At an out patient appointment recently, I was asked how I had been feeling on a scale of 1 – 10. 1 = As bad as it gets 10 = As good as it gets. I pondered. It had been…
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Strangely Delighted!
I feel strangely delighted today having read the results of my most recent cognitive assessment. The results identified some areas where my cognitive ability ‘fell below the expected range’. Thank heavens! I’m not going mad, I haven’t imagined it, there…
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A Social Dilemma
“Hi! How are you?” Almost without fail when meeting someone, our first exchange is “Hi! How are you?” By far the most common, and indeed the most socially acceptable response is “I’m fine, thanks. And you?” In fact, I would…
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Time for a Challenge
As an ambassador for the World Parkinson Congress (WPC) in Barcelona in June 2022, I can get very enthusiastic about the fantastic experience that is the WPC. As a keen cyclist, I can get equally enthusiastic about all things cycling.…
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Credit Where Credit Is Due
Frequently and at some length, I bemoan the shortcomings of my slightly wonky brain and body. Enough! Credit where credit is due – some achievements they have each independently or jointly completed since lockdown first started a year ago. Understanding…
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Bring Me Sunshine
Cycle with Friends + Glorious Sunshine + Stunning Countryside + Cake & Coffee Break = Reignited Passion for Cycling. A beautiful, easy paced, slightly hilly (despite Caroline’s assertions otherwise 😆 ) 40km route, a coffee and home made cake stop…
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3am and Counting…….
There are so many reasons why sleep can be a major problem for those of us living with Parkinson’s. I can’t remember a night in the past few years when I haven’t been awake at 3am. Counting sheep doesn’t help,…
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Back in the Saddle
Having successfully resisted all attempts to lure me onto the indoor turbo trainer over the winter months, as spring starts to bring a warmth that has been sorely missed, I don’t need much persuading to get out on my bike…
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Bemused & Confused!
As you know, memory is a concern for me. Nothing wrong with my memory this morning I thought smugly as I remembered to apply the correct HRT patch at the correct time, on the correct day of the week. I…
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Testing, Testing…..
Had I doubted my slightly wonky brain and body’s ability to execute an emergency stop when needed, I would have given up my driving licence without hesitation. By the very nature of an emergency stop, they were recently, unexpectedly put…
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Cider with Rosie
The third in a series of short blogs, sharing some insights into the trials and tribulations of driving with Parkinson’s. I used to drive a 40-mile round trip to work. On the way, I’d drop my youngest son off at…
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Jumping to Conclusions
For a long time, I have found it a challenge to get my keys out of a bag or pocket, fit the key into the lock and turn the key to lock or unlock a door. Imagine my dismay, earlier…
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A Spring in My Step
The rain has stopped. It is ten degrees warmer than it was a couple of weeks ago. The spring flowers are beginning to show their colours. The sun shines with a new warmth. The easing of lockdown restrictions is in…
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Now, Where Was I?
Visual-Spatial Awareness The ability to comprehend and conceptualise visual representations and spatial relationships in learning and performing a task. I mentioned visual-spatial skills in a recent blog and the fact that these skills can be impaired in people with Parkinson’s. This…
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The Magic Roundabout
The second in a series of short blogs sharing some insights into the trials and tribulations of driving with Parkinson’s. Back in the ’70’s I remember watching the Magic Roundabout, a children’s television show featuring (L-R) Ermintrude, Florence, Brian, Dougal,…
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