So today, it all begins, 18 days cycling over 2000km from UK to Barcelona ahead of me presenting at World Parkinson’s Congress, which starts 2 days after we arrive in Barcelona. In 3 hours a small group of the overall UK team, myself included will also be cycling an additional 300klm from Cheltenham to Brighton UK where we will meet up with the rest of the team for the OFFICIAL start of Ride to Barcelona. Four teams cycling starting from UK, Germany, Italy and Spain all meeting up on 2 July to cycling into Barcelona. 60+ international riders including one Australian all living with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease. Bike to Barcelona - World Parkinson Conference Road safety starts with being visible to other road users, what better way to stand out than ..... Fight Parkinson’s has chosen Parkinson’s Awareness Month (April) to launch a new campaign that shines a light on some of the hidden impacts of living with Parkinson’s. I have been asked to be part of a group of twelve men and women, aged from 40 to 86 to share some of our personal impacts to raise awareness of the disease and the wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms that can be experienced. This is day one in changing how the world perceives judges and sees us. If you want to know what my world is like …. Just ask!!! (or just watch the video!) But hey this is just me, we come in all different shapes and sizes and our experiences are all different. In the words of Molly Meldrum, do yourself a favour and take a minute or two and watch what the others have experienced. In June 2023 I will be joining a number of Parkinson advocates in the first ever international Parkinson's cycling event where we will be riding to the 6th World Parkinson's Conference in Barcelona. The event will include multiple of teams of cyclists departing from various locations across Europe. Two different international teams of cyclists representing Norway, Scotland, England, USA, Canada, Germany, and Australia will launch their tours respectively from England and Germany spending 14 - 18 grueling days cycling 60 to 100km a day to ensure their arrival in Barcelona before the start of the WPC 2023. Other smaller teams of cyclists will launch from various cities in Spain to arrive in Barcelona to meet up with the larger teams. I'm looking forward to joining the UK team of 20 which includes nine people living with Parkinson's, as well as care partners and friends. UK to Barcelona!. For me to put that in perspective with something in Australia, it’s about the same as cycling from Brisbane in Queensland to Melbourne Victoria …….and then add on 200 extra kilometres ….. Wow, you certainly don’t see a lot of people doing that!!! It’s like the dream ride I never dreamt about. A once in my lifetime opportunity and for me and the first time ever in any cycling event or challenge I’ve taken on, to be sharing the journey with anyone else, 20 others, many like myself travelling from different parts of the world, most living with Parkinson’s or the primary support person for their PwP in the ride. Am I excited about this ride ….. I SURE AM!!! Am I nervous and a little worried about what might happen along the way with respect to Parkinson’s …. I SURE AM, it’s always the unknown!! But then being a little bit worried is a good thing, as for me, it means good training, planning, whatever it takes, so on Day I, worry, is replaced by, confident, in you are the best prepared. We will all at some stage have to deal with some challenge’s that Parkinson’s drops on us, I think you must accept that as a given. What I know is we aren’t riding as 20 individuals, any challenge that a person faces will be a team challenge and the team will get through that. Celebrating pushing back against those challenges will be a team celebration. It might take some time to learn, but the positive traits that Parkinson’s brings into your life are things like respect, understanding, acceptance, inclusion, empathy. These are the things that make us a better person. The Bike to Barcelona program will culminate in a PD Awareness event and celebration in front of the International Convention Center of Barcelona on July 2 at Plaça de Willy Brandt, 11-14, 08019 Barcelona. I had a great catchup with fellow WPC ambassador Larry Gifford where we preview what you can look forward to if you go to WPC in Barcelona, how to prepare for all the different sessions, what you need to know, and how to make the most of World Parkinson's Congress. Love this group!.
So pleased to be a member of PD Warrior Global Tribe. Really excited to be asked to be a speaker at the Insight Conference. So many great presenters over the 3 days. Click here to learn more about the conference A fantastic day was had on Sunday 13 March 2022 at the Moomba Birdman Rally 2022! We placed second on our first attempt and already have plans on how to improve on this next year. A big thank you to everyone that donated money to the cause (Fight Parkinsons) with your generous support we have been able to raise a smidge over $20k - including $5k for coming in second overall. Thanks also to everyone that came out and supported us on the day - it was super to see you all out there! And finally to my Birdman support crew - Vicki, Geoff, Tony, Dom & Pete - I could not have done this without your tireless support, both in building our craft - "Shakey Breakie" and getting me off the platform on the day ! Like everyone, it's been 2 years of hibernation and it's time to break out..... So what does that mean for me? ..... Moomba Birdman Rally. Yes I'm going to attempt to fly across the Yarra river in a home made craft. The Cause I am supporting is Fight Parkinson's and hoping this is something you will support or come along to on the day and join in the fun and cheer for our PD Avenger team. Take a peep at my fundraising page for more info and Join the team page The challenges we have today will keep advancing with new ones arriving. What doesn’t change is living the best life you can and making informed choices on how to do that. There is so much on offer at the Congress and not just for people impacted by Parkinson’s disease. Check out the WPC Virtual program and register NOW!!! You can also visit my page on the Conference website here - "Geoff Takes off after lockdown" I'm very excited to have been involved in the set-up and the format of this new app!. YOP-X is an information portal and resource hub supporting people with young onset Parkinson's. The app can be tailored to an individual’s specific impact by YOPD resulting in personalised information and support. For more information click here, or download it & give it a test drive!.
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