Cyclists Hit the Road to Raise Awareness for Parkinson’s

On Sunday morning, Halifax Canada marked the start of The Spinning Wheels Tour with a community ride through the downtown core and across the bridge. This event launches a 6,000-kilometre, two-month cross-Canada cycling relay led by three dedicated teams. The goal: raise awareness, spark conversation, and fund support for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Why Parkinson’s Awareness Matters Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement control, often causing tremors, slow movement, stiff muscles, balance problems, and speech changes. In 2016, more than 100,000 Canadians lived with Parkinson’s. By 2031, that number is projected to rise by 65%, with 51 people diagnosed every day — up from 28 daily in 2016. While there is no cure, research shows that exercise can help manage symptoms and slow progression. How The Spinning Wheels Tour Started The tour began in 2022 when Steve Iseman and Mike Loghrin, both diagnosed with Parkinson’s, cycled coast-to-coast to open up conversations about the disease. Traveling with a small support crew in a Winnebago, they met countless people — including newly diagnosed individuals — who found hope in their journey. The 2024 Ride: Bigger, Bolder, and More Inclusive After a pause in 2023, the tour returned this year as a relay-style ride involving more cyclists. Each day of the ride, at least one person living with Parkinson’s will be on the bike, showing that the disease does not define what’s possible. This visible, daily participation helps challenge stereotypes and inspire others to stay active. Raising Funds and Changing Lives The Spinning Wheels team is working toward a $200,000 fundraising goal to support programs for people with Parkinson’s. They’ve already raised $120,000, thanks to community supporters like Susan Fullerton, who personally raised $7,100 by asking friends and family to donate in place of birthday gifts. Why This Ride Is Important The Spinning Wheels Tour is more than a cycling challenge — it’s a mobile support network and awareness campaign. It shows the public what life with Parkinson’s can look like, encourages exercise as a form of management, and provides a platform for connection and hope. As Fullerton puts it: “If we touch one person’s Parkinson’s story to help them improve their life, then it is going to be a success.”