Pedaling for Parkinson's -- along Route 66

[first section previously published 12/2/2026 on Facebook]

The World Parkinson Congress (WPC) has an interesting history with regard to cycling--see https://wpc2026.org/page/pedal.  The reason for my fundraiser is spelled out in the GoFundMe (see link below), but it boils down to 1) lots of extra expenses, such as sleeping in hotels for well over a month, and 2) loss of income for part of that month, since I will have to take unpaid leave after I use up all my vacation days.

You might think that the most important thing is the amount of money we can raise, but at this early stage, publicity is even more imortant.  While donations are awesome and will be needed, imagine how easy this would be with a sufficiently large group of donors . . . 10,000 or more $1 donations.  In any case, I get to endure the pain of 30+ days biking from Chicago to Phoenix, while you get to relax in a nice, comfortable chair . . . and help me with my fundraising 🙂

Please share, forward, and otherwise spread the word (and encourage others to do the same).  Thanks in advance!

https://gofund.me/a4d67bdf5

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[second section is new content inspired by feedback and questions arising from the Facebook post]

Sometimes I forget that not everyone knows what I know, or my reasons for doing the things I do, so here is some extra detail for explanation and clarification.

I do not show off.  In general I don't care enough about most people's opinions of me to bother trying to impress anyone.

I do not compete (with anyone but myself). I might watch you to set a benchmark for myself.  I might even try to keep up with you or surpass you . . . but it's not competition as much as it is a case of me using you for inspiration, to push myself more.

I do try to lead by example, for those who are interested in what I have to offer.

When I lift heavy things, it is for good reason--such as because the good people at Spartan or Hyrox don't care if I am weak.  They are not going to reduce the weight of objects to better suit me.  Whether sandbag, bucket, sled, or kettlebell, the weights are what they are.  I have been humbled often enough to know that I need to get after it and start lifting heavier objects.

Several years ago I learned two things:  1) that "Exercise is medicine", and 2) that "rigorous exercise is the only thing proven to slow the rate of progression of Parkinson's disease".  Note the word "rigorous" in that statement.  Slowing the rate of progression is the first goal--the Holy Grail if you will--and everything else comes in second at best.  The only exception is the rule of "No injuries".  This is the reason for all the hours spent at the gym . . . the early-morning runs . . . the Spartan races .  . . the Hyrox competitions . . . all of it.

Still, even with every effort made to slow the progression, things have become worse--significantly worse--and it shows.  Any trainer anywhere in the country talks about the importance of proper form, and they are right.  Proper form is important.  But it is not as important as slowing the progression.  If I try an exercise and fail to do it right, that means that, for that exercise and any others that depend on it, my potential is capped; my progress is limited to light weights.  To go heavy would be to risk injury.  

See the "No injuries" rule.

But ultimately that limitation is ok.  I am not a D1 athlete with a possible future as a pro player.  I am an old guy with Parkinsons.  I can accept that the disease will impose certain limitations on me . . . and of course my acceptance or lack thereof means nothing.  Those limitations are coming, like it or not.  As an example, my running has been plagued by foot pain (possibly due to PD) and poor posture (clearly a direct result of PD).  So what then?  Should I toss out the idea of slowing the progression until my form is correct and I can run like a normal ruuner?  Not only "no", but "hell no!" with some "are you kidding me?" and "do you hear yourself?" added for good measure.  Why would I choose to speed up the progression of the disease that is destroying me?  No, I choose to continue slowing the progression.  If I  can't run, I will do something else . . . something like bicycling!

So no, I am being neither foolish nor reckless.

No, I am not risking my life to raise money for PD research.  (As an aside, there is risk associated with any activity, including this one.  I don't deny that.  But my assessment of the risk leads me to conclude that it is in my best interest to take the trip.)

I *am* seeking adventure--because why not?--while simultaenously working hard to slow this awful train wreck called PD as much as I can.