March 06, 2012 (Parry Sound, ON) – We’re expanding on our very successful 2011 event which raised over $17,000 and welcome you to join us in 2012! With personal and family connections to Parkinson’s, David Newall and Peter Istvan created this cycling event to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease and raise funds for Parkinson’s research.
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease. Movement is normally controlled by dopamine, a chemical that carries signals between the nerves in the brain. When cells that normally produce dopamine die, the symptoms of Parkinson’s appear. Currently, there is no cure.
Most common symptoms include: tremor, slowness and stiffness, impaired balance, and rigidity of the muscles. This can lead to significant disability. In addition to physical complications people living with Parkinson’s often experience a variety of non-motor symptoms as well, ranging from speech and swallowing difficulties to significant cognitive impairment and dementia. Parkinson’s affects families and loved ones too; it is difficult for them to see their partner or parent fall into this deep abyss for which there is currently no cure.
Parkinson Society Canada’s National Research Program funds research into the cure, cause, prevention, improved treatment and/or understanding of Parkinson’s disease and related disorders.
Day 1 – Friday, July 13th – 7:30 am
– Making a Difference Routes – 35 km, 60 km
– 100,000 Pedal Strokes Route – 120 km
Day 2 – Saturday, July 14th – 7:30 am
– Making a Difference Routes – 30 km, 60 km, 80 km
– 100,000 Pedal Strokes Route – 160 km
Day 3 – Sunday, July 15th – 7:30 am
– Making a Difference Routes – 30 km, 55 km
– 100,000 Pedal Strokes Route – 110 km
All routes/distances, starting locations etc. will be confirmed closer to the event date.
Ride one day, two days, or all three days.
Special thanks to all of our sponsors including Trysport, Coca-Cola, Addidas Canada and Lane Family Pharmacy. Check the sponsors section HERE for details.
How can you participate:
– Option 1: Make a donation, thank you! Click on the “Donation Form”. Sponsor an individual rider that you wish to support
– Option 2: Ride! Register as a rider. Set your riding goal and fundraising goal! Download the offline pledge form HERE if you are planning to collect cash or cheques.
Fundraising Incentives:
– $500 – First Level Gear Rewards
– $1000 – Second Level Gear Rewards
– $1500 – Third Level Gear Rewards
– $2000 – Hammerfest Rewards
Your support will be greatly appreciated!
Note: rain or shine event. There will be some nutrition support, but, plan to be self supported.
Click HERE to read the July 1, 2011 ‘Pedalling to support Parkinson’s Research’ article or HERE for the July 22nd event recap articles in Lifestyles and HERE for an article in The Weekender.