I don’t honestly remember where I saw the ad about a cycle challenge to Barcelona. It was when I was newly diagnosed with Parkinson Disease and was spending (too much) time trolling the net, looking for anything about the disease,  the effect it would have on my life and justification why I felt it was unfair! I had always considered myself to be reasonably fit and active. I was preparing to retire from a career as a physiotherapist and had worked many years in hospitals and clinics that served people with neurological conditions. That was supposed to render me immune to disabling illnesses!

The first few months after my diagnosis, I went into a deep depression. I felt like life as I knew it was over, that my future would be bleak, and my family would be burdened with caring for me. But with the help of some wonderful friends who taught me to “stay in the present” I was able to gain some perspective. In life, there is always pain and uncertainty, but also joy and wonder. Parkinson’s may slowly rob me of my abilities, but I can still look for that joy and wonder. Parkinson’s is only part of the rich tapestry of my life, and I am hopeful I can continue to weave it with vibrant colors.

I needed something vibrant, that could turn a difficult new reality into an opportunity for growth and connection. I saw something on a website or in a newsletter about people who were planning to cycle to Barcelona for the next World Parkinson Congress. The cycling sounded like a good way to keep me exercising and the conference sounded like a good opportunity to learn and to meet other people with Parkinson’s. I submitted an inquiry, not knowing much about the cycle demands, nor the World Parkinson’s Coalition.

It must’ve awakened an old passion for cycling because I also booked a cycle trip around southern Italy. My plans, even before the diagnosis, were to retire in 2021 at the age of 60 and travel with my husband. The threads of Parkinson Disease were barely visible in my tapestry; I was feeling mostly well and able so I thought I could manage 300km over 8 days. I succeeded! Shortly after returning from Italy, I received an email from Alison Anderson, asking If I was still interested in joining their cycle trip from Brighton to Barcelona.

She explained that this was to be a Parkinson’s CHALLENGE!  Riding over 100km per day for 16 days!  This was magnitudes different than my Italy trip! I’d have to do some serious training! I said I’d need to think about it. I consulted my husband, Jim, and he said he would do it if I did.  So then, the competition was on!!

So here I find myself, 5 months before the big ride to Barcelona, in California logging some outdoor training miles. Soon we will head back home to Calgary, Canada where we will mount the bikes on trainers in the basement until the ice and snow melt in April or May.

See you in Barcelona!

Denise Lawson - Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 
For more information about Bike to Barcelona check our page.

Ideas and opinions expressed in this post reflect that of the author(s) solely. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the World Parkinson Coalition®