Spinning Wheels Parkinson's Riders

Page of Distinction

To qualify, you must be a person who has Parkinson’s and registered as a rider with the Spinning Wheels Relay. You must keep track of the kilometres cycled by yourself. Confirmation by a Spinning Wheels Representative is preferred but exceptions will be made. (A rough estimation of kilometres is acceptable) Yes the Spinning Wheels Tour of 2023 kilometres are included (We get some points for starting all this.). Unfortunately, Caregivers, support people, friends and family are not eligible. Although you in a sense live with Parkinson’s and are fully appreciated and are an intracule part of us even being able to even accomplish what we are doing, alas, including so many people could be as time consuming as say, riding across the country!

Steven Iseman
7,950 km
Jim Redmond
7,740 km
Mike Loghrin
1,340 km
Rob Warner
595 km
Lloyd Taylor
535 km
Greg Loghrin
128 km
Michael Snetsinger
80 km
Eric Chan
65 km
Gary Brown
60 km
Kevin Campbell
60 km
Li Jiang
60 km
Larry Linton
60 km
Peter Tricarico
60 km
Michael Borden
40 km
David Gill
40 km
Norman Jarus
40 km
Rick Suvanto
40 km
Lanny Thomas
40 km
Andy Robinson
35 km
Tom Olien
25 km
Vam Thurairajah
20 km
Martin Tsui
20 km

If you see an error or omission please let us know at info@spinningwheels.com. If you don’t see your name, check if you have register with the Relay, please don’t assume.

Why We Are Doing it

You have probably heard of Parkinson’s Disease. You may even know people who suffer from it.  Get used to it, as Parkinson’s Disease is the world’s fastest growing neurological condition, set to double in number by 2040.

Parkinson’s Disease occurs when the brain’s dopamine-producing cells die prematurely. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter necessary for many functions of the brain and body, including muscular control, and its loss affects all forms of movement and balance, as well as non-motor functions such as memory, concentration and motivation.  Think of dopamine as the electricity in an electric car: without it, the lights dim and the wheels stop spinning.

There is currently no cure, no bio-markers to aid detection, and little is known about how it is triggered, except that Canadians are disproportionately afflicted

Most people living with Parkinson’s reduce or even discontinue regular intensive physical activity after their Parkinson’s diagnosis.  Why?  Their actual skills and abilities do not suddenly evaporate on the date of their diagnosis, though their mental fortitude often does.  As a result, many abandon the very restorative health practices, such as regular exercise, when they are needed the most.  For people with Parkinson’s, intensive exercise can boost energy, sharpen the mind, elevate spirits and keep the body mobile.  Studies indicate that intense exercise can help train the Parkinson’s afflicted brain to use dopamine more efficiently and be able to do more with less.

Let’s use the dopamine we have to build the lives we want.

What are We Doing

Canada is a big country.  It is home to over 100,000 people living with Parkinson’s disease, 9 in 10 of which suffer in silence, isolation, or without the support of a knowledgeable organization or community.  Starting in June 2022, we aim to cross our big country by bicycle to meet as many of these people as possible to personally deliver this message: get moving to stay moving.  

We start In Victoria, British Columbia and ride east through every Canadian province, and hundreds of cities and towns along the way.  Our route is approximately 8,000 km, and we expect to average 125 km a day, six days a week for approximately three months.  Our Spinning Wheels Tour team will include two riders with Parkinson’s Disease, as well as two ride-along supporters to keep things moving.  Along the way, we will be meeting with people whose lives are touched by Parkinson’s, and encourage them to get moving with us, get engaged in support communities, and to set up their own group athletics.

We are not athletes, just people with the resolve to do what it takes to live well with this disease, and to encourage others..  

Along the way, we hope to hear these words, “If they can do it, I can too.”