Leknes – Svolvaer

Day 2

80km / 710m climb

Although just as sunny and the landscape just as beautiful, today felt so much harder. Legs weary from the day before and a very hot, undulating, busy road for the second half of the journey, made things a little less relaxed and a little more difficult.

Without a doubt, these next few days will be a challenge for all of us. The fourteen of us living with Parkinson’s are juggling our symptoms and medication which need to be closely monitored and frequently adapted due to the amount of exercise we are doing in this heat. Stress has an impact on Parkinson’s and although we have been looking forward to this challenge, the training, travel, preparations and changes to our routines for some of us have all undeniably led to an increase in symptoms. It doesn’t diminish our love of cycling, our gratitude for being able to take part in this challenge or the fun that we are having.

At times we can each cycle strongly, some more consistently than others and at times we can be slower, less well balanced, our posture on the bike asymmetrical. However, we have all trained for many months to ensure we are fit enough to undertake this challenge and the determination shows. Exercise is good for Parkinson’s and for the mind and body in so many other ways and we are certainly getting our share this week.

Those who are more familiar with the roads, or those with stronger legs look out for those who are perhaps a little cautious or wary of the challenge they signed up for. No one is on their own and everyone is looking out for each other. The heat may sap our energy but the camerarderie boosts it.