What cycling has taught me about Parkinson’s Disease
By Paul Jones
Thanks very much to Alison, PD fundraiser and networker extraordinaire for letting me guest on her blog.
Cycling has always meant freedom to me. As a child growing up in 1970s Hemel Hempstead, cycling set me free to explore the world beyond home and family, into the beech woods and chalky slopes of the Chilterns. Freedom and self-reliance go hand in hand and, although I didn’t know it at the time, I realised that all it took to get me somewhere was a bit of effort and some food in my belly – engine and fuel supply combined. It was all down to me…I could just go…and so I went.
Through the 1980s cycling took me further and further out into the world, the freedom and self-reliance combination taking me and my mates on ever more ambitious rides. To Dorset, to Switzerland (yes, from Hemel Hempstead), to the French alps, Communist-era Hungary and university in Aberystwyth, west Wales.
The 1990s opened with a hair-raising introduction to biking through central London’s major junctions from my cycling girlfriend (and future wife) Sophie. Kids followed, strapped into seats on the back of our bikes for further two-wheeled adventures in France and Suffolk, where we made our home.
So what has this got to do with Parkinson’s disease?
Well, I’ve found the sense of freedom and self-reliance cycling has given me is helping me face Parkinson’s. I still cycle frequently and though the distances are smaller and the gradients kinder, it remains a liberation and reminds me that though I can’t alter the reality of PD, I remain free to choose how I react to it. Self-reliance has made me take ownership of my situation, educating myself, talking with other Parkies, and doing all I can to keep the thing at bay. I’m still seeing the world on a bicycle; 2019 saw me ride to Amsterdam and, with Alison, around Kyoto during last year’s World Parkinson’s Congress.
I’m not planning to stop any time soon.
Challenging Times 
Awesome Paul! Scott & I are wishing you well! Maybe the 4 of us can do some sightseeing cycling together in Barcelona! 💪
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Definitely! 👍😘
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Hi Alison. I met your husband John on his recent boys trip with John Curtis, a long standing friend of ours. My husband, Guy, is a radiologist. John bought our original apartment in Les Houches and we bought another one next door. Guy and I are planning to be in the Alps when you are cycling. We would love to come and support in whatever way we can, and perhaps join you at some point – I don’t cycle but Guy does. I was diagnosed in May 2019 and haven’t really found my way yet. I guess I’m still in denial! I love the idea of what you are doing and would love to help out. Dawn SISSONS
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Thanks for making contact Dawn. x
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Paul, thanks for being my best guest blogger to date! Loved your story and the pictures. Thinking of cycling to Barcelona for the next World Parkinson’s Congress if you can be tempted to join me for some or all of it…….
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Paul, thanks so much for posting this blog – inspiring. So good of you to lend your support to Alison and for keep her safe in Kyoto. Love the pics, Chapeau.
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