and anyone who lives with Parkinson’s and is interested in cycling.
I am grateful for the many messages received from people with Parkinson’s who continue to cycle and a few from those who have been inspired by our Cycle Across America adventure to get back on their bikes following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
Norway Cycling Trip 2024
When I first started cycling after my diagnosis, I did a number of challenges where I was the only one in a group who had Parkinson’s. I always had such a positive experience that I was keen to encourage others with Parkinson’s to get involved and experience the positive impact that cycling can had for me. In 2023, I cycled from my home in Cheltenham to Barcelona to the World Parkinson Congress, where for the first time I cycled with other people living with Parkinson’s, including cyclists from the USA, Canada, Norway and Australia.
The experience was incredible – it helped unite people around the world who live with Parkinson’s and each of us gained new friends, a whole community, a sense of achievement and the chance to cycle together again across Norway a year later.
I have just received a message this morning from Andy who generously donated to Cure Parkinson’s via our just giving page that moved me to post this piece. He wrote:
‘Just listened to your inspiring appearance on Movers & Shakers. I used to be a very keen cyclist, did LEJOG, then I got the PD diagnosis and kind of gave up. You’ve inspired me to get back into it. Thanks.’
https://www.justgiving.com/team/across-america
A simple message that moved me to tears, firstly because if our Cycle Across America has inspired one person with Parkinson’s to get back on their bike then that makes the whole adventure worthwhile. Secondly, because exercise is the single biggest thing we can do to try to slow down disease progression and the more active people become the better equipped they will be to manage this condition. Finally because cycling has helped to unite many people from around the world who live with Parkinson’s and this has benefits for all of us. Please take a look at these groups. There is a warm welcome waiting for anyone who wishes to get involved.
Links for anyone living with Parkinson’s who may be interested in cycling with others:
ZWAP Cycling Club
Pedal to Phoenix
https://wpc2026.org/page/pedal
Thank you Andy for inspiring me to write this.
Challenging Times 
Alison – you have inspired many, many people. You are too modest to say it, but there would have been no ride to Barcelona without you. That sparked a chain reaction, Norway, Portugal and Pedal to Phoenix next year. People living with PD from around the globe have benefited and others will benefit in the future too. You are spreading the word that exercise is an effective way of treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s as well as doubtless helping with wellbeing. Keep going!