Cycling Across America

In the challenging months after diagnosis, I learned that exercise had many benefits for people with Parkinson’s. I have exercised consistantly in the intervening 10 years, much of it on a bicycle. I love a cycle challenge and have travelled extensively, had some incredible experiences and met many wonderful people doing these challenges. This year marks ten years since my diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Whilst Parkinson’s inevitably continues its path of destruction and cycling at times can be very challenging, it can also be exhilarating and exciting. On May 17th, I will fly to America and two days later will set off from the Pacific coast, west of Portland, Oregon, to cycle 4,500 miles across 15 states, to reach Portland, Maine. on the Atlantic coast.

Of course, I could never do this alone and am so lucky to be supported by my husband John and friends Caroline and Paul. I couldn’t ask for more competent and caring companions.

I’m not aiming to be fast. Fast was never my forte and now in my fifties, ten years into a diagnosis of Parkinson’s, fast does not come into my vocabulary. Fast really doesn’t matter to me. I shall cycle at a pace that Parkinson’s, the mountain climbs, the roads, the weather and my stamina dictate and I shall try to enjoy every minute of what promises to be the challenge of a lifetime.

I am inspired by so many people in the Parkinson’s community and I hope by doing this challenge I might give hope to and inspire others to keep active and keep living life to the full.

Thank you for your interest and support. It means such a lot to us all.

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