pedal for parkinson's across Canada 2010
a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step
We are holding a Party for Parkinsons Fundraiser on July 8th 2011 at 7:30 pm. Join us at the Qualicum Beach Community Hall for an evening of celebration and Parkinson’s awareness.
There will be a silent auction with all sorts of great items, free food and drinks, a cash bar, a 50-50 draw, live background music, a wall of wine, and a slide show of photos from our epic fundraising ride across Canada. Also, two representatives from the BC Parkinson Society will be present, and may speak briefly. But mostly, this is a night to get together with friends, have a great time, and, in doing so, help out a great cause.
The event is being held on Friday July 8th in Qualicum Beach, at the Community Hall (644 Memorial Avenue). Doors open at 7:30 pm.
The entrance fee is $15.00 per person. For this, you receive free food, free drinks and a great night out! Children 13 years of age or younger go free. You can get tickets at the door or from the Mulberry Bush book store in Qualicum Beach.
Every part of Canada is unique and offers splendors for all to enjoy. The roads are undulating to say the least but are way less relentless than the Rockies. Nipigon to Wawa via an overnight in Marathon has been beautiful. The highways have limited shoulders but certainly passable. Never saw so many transports! We were told the transports usually branch off and use the higher Hwy 11 route – hmmm – don’t think so. Marathon is a lovely oasis enroute. Most of the buildings and services are new, clean, and the people are delightful. Our campsite was at Penn Lake. It is a man-made lake but you would never know it as it meanders and was big enough to hold a mini triathlon (which they just finished before we arrived). There is also a 2km trimmed path around part of the lake that is enjoyed by man and beast. Apparently a very large black bear had been spotted the day before – probably smelled the yogurt and bananas from the triathletes. Needless to say, we would prefer to tangle with traffic instead of battling with a bear. Back on the bikes!
Writer’s observations: Wayne was a sponsored marathon runner, ultra marathon runner, and tri-athlete until a back injury ended that career. He had a herniated disc that protruded into the spinal cord causing spasm and paralysis. It was at this time also that a reaction to a medication shut down his pancreas resulting in him going from type 1 to now type 2 diabetes. After delicate surgery and being told he had a 50-50 chance of ever walking again, his goal was to run the Vancouver Sun Run. He accomplished this 2 years after surgery but realized that his running days were over. This is when cycling took its place. . Exercise is like breathing to Wayne – he can’t live without it!
Q – How do you feel about what you have accomplished so far and about the remaining road ahead?
WN- I am absolutely thrilled. I believe we have accomplishment all of what we have set out to do but there is still a ways to go.
Q – What has been the biggest obstacle to overcome?
WN- The biggest obstacle has definitely been the condition of the roads and shoulders which were (shoulders) sometimes nonexistent and quite treacherous. Too often we have had to ride in the car lane or dodge debris on the shoulders in order to avoid damaging our tires and bike equipment.
Coordinating the medical testing has also been a challenge because when we get up we want to eat and ride but that is getting easier as we go along.
Q – How do you keep yourself motivated to continue pressing forward?
WN- I love riding so it doesn’t take much to keep me motivated but seeing the other guys persevering through their health issues has inspired me greatly. Having diabetes is just inconvenient compared to what they are dealing with. Seeing their determination each day keeps me motivated.
Q – What advice would you like to share with others who have physical disabilities?
WN- Believe it, try it, do it. I believe exercise is critical to overcoming many obstacles. Everyone should try to the best of their ability. One doesn’t have to go to the extreme that we are but a little is better than nothing. Exercise has certainly helped me to control my diabetes.
Q – What affect is the ride having on you personally, your health, and how do you cope?
WN- I believe breakfast is vital to a healthy lifestyle. Each morning I add raw bee pollen to my porridge. In the natural form, it (bee pollen) has every nutrient and trace mineral that we need. It boosts energy and builds a healthy immune system so there is no down time. The rest of the day consists of healthy food choices too. My energy output relies on what I eat. Health wise, I feel I am gaining fitness. It’s all about getting into a rhythm especially on the hills. This is where it is most critical to maintain momentum and a healthy, fit body enables that to happen. As for my diabetes, I don’t require insulin. A tablet before meals is how I cope with it and of course enough protein at each meal to maintain a level blood sugar.
Q – What are your overall feelings of this adventure?
WN- I am proud to be a part of the Pedal for Parkinson’s team and each day I am inspired and encouraged more and more. Having many years of experience in both marathons and now bike racing, I have learned from and trained under some wonderful teachers and trainers. It is this knowledge that I wished to share to help make the trip easier for all of us to accomplish the dream of cycling across Canada. And guess what? We are just about there! One for all and all for one!
The Copes are in Dryden at the moment and will celebrate their anniversary there! William’s knee is much better and both William and Bruce are extremely happy to be back on the road again. They will ride at their own pace for the next couple of weeks or so. Wayne is in Thunder Bay and will be leaving to ride the LakeHead this morning and will have the company of Wayne Stremel, friend and rider for CanadaPost www.outoftheshadowstour.ca for a portion of it. We will have VERY limited internet coverage for the next few days unfortunately but will post as often as possible. We (the Newports) have a family reunion in Cornwall Ontario at the end of the month so will ride ahead and then back tract after the reunion to meet up with the Copes and complete the journey to Ottawa together “All for One and One for All’.
The P4P adventure was highlightred by an invitation to join the Out of the Shadows tour on a short ride to the Terry Fox Monument and lookout in Thunder Bay. 
What an amazing place that was and such an inspiration to all. Out of the Shadows Tour made front page in the Cronicle and P4P was interviewed and included as well. So the adventure continues. The roads are a challenge as there is much construction and many places do not have paved shoulders at all making the ride somewhat treacherous but scenery is beautiful none the less.
Q – Audrey what are your over all feelings about the Pedal for Parkinson’s Adventure?
A – Parkinson’s is progressive and the theory that exercise slows this progression is valid but it progresses none the less. I see this progression and it makes me hope that a cure will be found because it is difficult to see someone you love deal with its effects each day. Bruce’s fitness level has increased immensely since leaving home. His cardio and muscle tone are much stronger. We have two neurological damage conditions in the family. You do what you can do. William’s lower right side is not as strong as it should be and his right foot doesn’t have proper movement. Both Bruce and William are dealing exceptionally well with the cards they have been dealt. They never feel sorry for themselves and that is wonderful to see. Both are stronger and exercise improves their moods which in turn improves mine!
To leave a comment on our blog (which we hope you will do) just click on the blog item IE: Jul 4th and the write-up will appear on it’s own. At the bottom of the write-up will be a comment window – write away. We’ll all be happy and delighted to hear from you!!
We have had intermittent internet access and not the best strength for posting pictures when we do. We will attempt to post and write as much and as often as we can. The trip has been a great accomplishment with loads of fun so far. Keep checking back for our progress.
Writer’s observation: Bruce who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 5 years ago has had “Perma Grin’ since the beginning of this adventure! He is loving every minute of it.
Q – How do you feel about what you have accomplished so far and about the remaining road ahead?
B – I’m amazed that we have been able to do as many miles as we have. Over the mountains was brutal but that’s over now. I’m very pleased so far. Physically I’m much stronger. Going up hill was daunting at first but now I consider them easy.
Q – What has been the biggest obstacle to overcome?
B – Oh the mountains for sure. Also the daily packing up routine and getting organized to be on the road is very time consuming but we are getting faster at that now.
Q – How do you keep yourself motivated to continue pressing forward?
B – I enjoy riding and just want to finish each day with the group. Being a team has been very positive and the biggest motivator.
Q – What advice would you like to share with others who have physical disabilities?
B – It is so worth doing things like this. Timing of medications is vital for their effectiveness to be able to continue. But that hasn’t hindered me at all.
Q – What affect is the ride having on you personally, your health, and how do you cope?
B – It is making me stronger mentally and physically. It has been pretty relentless – packing, moving, and carrying on to the end. If there are challenges – the relentlessness is it! But having the other guys there is a great mental help because no-one wants to quit.
Q – What are your overall feelings of this adventure?
B – I am so pleased and proud of William with how much perseverance he has on the ride with his issues. I’m also proud of the way he handled and organized the fund raiser.
have enjoyed the amazing scenery. It has been a great experience – lots of high points like the day we were pushed out of Pincher Creek with 50km winds. That was FUN!
Another observation is the difference in the conditions of the roads between Alberta and the other provinces. It goes from the ridiculous to the sublime. Saskatchewan and Manitoba are 50-50 whereas Alberta is 100% great. It shows the difference money makes but that money must be directed properly. Others talk the talk about being ‘Bike Friendly’ but Alberta has accomplished this hands down!
Writer’s observations: William is one very remarkable young man. It is his idea that has made this trip possible. Under sever personal difficulty he has persevered and accomplished so much. Unfortunately he has an injury that has caused a lot of pain and discomfort and has prevented him from cycling as much as he had wanted to.
A little back ground on William: At age 13 he had a mitotic aneurism which led to complete right side paralysis (except for his fingers). This was caused by a staphylococcus areus infection. Slowly through rehabilitation his arm and upper body recovered 100% however his right leg is still badly affected. It is this right side weakness that has led to his current knee problems.
Q – How do you feel about what you have accomplished so far and about the remaining road ahead?
W – I’m pretty happy about how far we have come and how much mileage we can all do every day and still get up the next day to do it all over again.
Q – What has been the biggest obstacle to overcome?
W – Definitely the knee problems. If it wasn’t for the knee I’d be able to go further, longer, and it would be way more enjoyable.
Q – How do you keep yourself motivated to continue pressing forward?
W – The fact that when I set out to do something, I like to do it to the fullest.
Q – What advice would you like to share with others who have physical disabilities?
W – That if you put your mind to something (with the limits of their physical ability) you can possibly push yourself way farther than you ever thought.
Q – What do you do to keep yourself healthy and manage your illness while on the ride?
W – Eat lots of ice cream! (he said with a smirk) I eat as much healthy food as I can to keep my strength up for the next day.
Q – What affect is the ride having on you personally, your health, and how do you cope?
W – Well I’ve gotten really fit but biking the long distances has brought on lots of right leg problems which have held me up a bit but I’ve overcome them and ride with the guys each day.
Q – What impact do you see exercise having on Parkinson’s disease?
W – The disease covers such a big spectrum but Dad feels better and thinks his symptoms are less severe on the days he cycles. It helps him deal with those symptoms. People with Parkinson’s tend to lead a less active life but exercise has a direct correlation to keeping the mind and body more active and fit.
Q – What motivated you to organize this ride?
W – Basically I wanted to do something special, huge, and unforgettable with Dad and because we are both fanatical about cycling, it was a perfect fit. And also to bring awareness about Parkinson’s has been a huge motivator.
After much discussion it was decided that William needed some TLC on his injured knee so the Copes decided to head out in the car to Winnipeg where William could have treatments and then rest for a few days to let it heal before carrying on. Wayne on the other hand wanted to ride it all. However because of time restraints and other commitments, the decision was made to drive to Kenora and ride from there with the Copes catching up enroute. It was a great idea ‘in theory’ …….. The roads in eastern Saskatchewan and most of Manitoba leave much to be desired. We were making an excellent rock and roll time. Then right after the border into Ontario we heard a muffled hiss …..”Oh NO’ not a flat!! We pulled over onto the sparse shoulder and checked all 6 tires. Nothing but a missing hub cap – darn (darn the missing hub cap not the fact that we didn’t have a flat) We drove on in bliss feeling quite relieved. We pulled into our campsite longing for a good night’s rest. The Rv was swarming with mosquitoes, and every other flying object that comes out in the summer. All over our bed was this black stuff. Upon close examination we discovered it was shards of shattered glass. The long window above the cab had disintegrated. Oh bother!! Out comes the duck tape and any plastic we could find to cover the gap. There is air conditioning and then there is air conditioning! So …….. all morning we were put on hold, transferred, disconnected, sent to wrong addresses, etc etc – you know the insurance routine. Now it is afternoon and we are sitting in a very nice shop with very nice people who are doing a very nice repair job, instead of sailing on the MS Kenora through the Lake of the Woods or better yet cycling! Could be worse. One of the other repair shops said it would take a minimum of 2 weeks to get the glass shipped. Sigh.
How flat was it? It was so flat that you could see tomorrow’s weather a week in advance!! Long days now with the wind at our backs but still miles to go before we rest.
Stopped at the Chaplin Lake salt flats. Great ice cream there. Saw lots of little critters some not doing so well! Gophers, a couple of badgers, and believe it or not a wolverine – all had better days!
We overnighted at the Pilgrims Inn in Caronport and it was so hot. How hot was it? It was so hot that we had to take refuge in the Hockey arena nearby- an arena like the ones where some of the NHL greats have come from. This is where the Briarcrest College is. Lovely campus.
Next day was equally flat and we made Indian Head in good time. Our Hosts Edith and Ed B&B were very gracious and had muffins with homemade jam set out for us. Strange name for such a cute town. Apparently when the white men arrived they found what could have been a burial place. There were many bones and skulls. It was small pox that had wiped them all out. Thinking that Skull didn’t have such a catchy name for a town, they called it Indian Head instead. We drove around town and saw where the Little Mosque on the Prairie façade was being built for the new filming of the TV series. The town itself has some great old brick homes with huge wrap-around verandas with a 4 unit mobile motel. Seems it is always full. We haven’t seen the series yet but will watch for it now that we have been here. Dinner was at the Craft Tea Elevator restaurant – an original narrow,high, rectangular, wooden structure with pitched roofs. This 1918 elevator building has been moved to its present site in 1994. Upstairs (under renos) is an art gallery. Great home cooked meals and scrumptious homemade pies!
Thunderstorms and a tail wind pushed us quickly into Swift Current Jul 7th and a recovery day Jul 8th. It was a needed maintenance day all round – bike cleaning, laundry, grocery shopping, napping, reading – a good relaxing day. Off to Caronport tomorrow because Moose Jaw is celebrating a Centennial . The 100th anniversary of Moose Jaw Central Collegiate Institute and ALL the rooms are taken.
And the winner of the ‘Name that bird’ contest is…… Andy. The bird is an adult alternate (named because of it’s rust colour) – American Avocet. Well done! He wins the coveted ‘autographed P4P business card’