Caroline

I am a children's nurse and violinist and I live in Cheltenham, UK, with my husband, Paul. We have three grown up children, one who lives in America, and three grandchildren.

We have always loved cycling and since meeting Alison as part of her first cycling challenge in 2017 we have joined her and others with Parkinson's on several challenges. I am in awe of Alison and all those with Parkinson's who take on these epic challenges as part of the management of their condition - facilitating maintenance of fitness while having a great time, meeting inspirational people and making great memories in the process.

Paul

My dad made his first trip to England from Holland in 1951 aged 17 by bike, so I suppose cycling is in the blood. As a child and teenager my bike meant independence, so I cycled everywhere.

When Carolines brother (a fit triathete) died of brain cancer in 2010 we, together with his widow, tackled our first long distance ride from London to Paris in his memory. A few years later we were introduced to Alison and John through a mutual friend to be part of a cycling challenge in Vietnam and Cambodia. Little did I know then that was just the start!

This will be our 6th long distance cycling challenge with Alison and John, and it’s longer than the previous 5 combined, plus I’m older now than I have ever been! Hence the word ‘challenge’ almost doesn’t seem adequate. I have to admit being more than slightly daunted by this one. Apart from a few friends joining us at various parts along the route we are going to be unsupported.

Carrying all our own kit plus the weather and temperatures (range 0 to 30+ degrees), terrain (across 15 states, total ascent equivalent to almost 5 Everests), accommodation and food challenges (finding it in some places and hoping for something other than McDonalds and KFC), traffic (apparently American drivers aren’t used to seeing cyclists let alone avoiding them) and wildlife (we will be cycling through bear country) this will test us in every way. What can possibly go wrong?

So why am I doing it?

Firstly I’m massively inspired by Alison and all those with Parkinsons I have met on our various cycle challenges to date. It will be tough enough without all the meds and symptoms Alison will be dealing with so I hope I can provide some help and support along the way. Secondly I know we are going to see some amazing scenery and meet some really wonderful people. We always do on cycling trips and this one will be no different. Finally I love riding my bike and am lucky that Caroline feels the same way about hers.

After all, it’s not one c.4,300 mile ride, it’s c.80 day-rides and what’s not to like about that?

We will detail the planning, the preparation and the entire challenge in our blog: www.theramblingsofacyclopath.com

Thank you from all of us for your generousity in sponsoring this challenge, from those who we have yet to meet and to those who have given many times before and so generously wish to donate again.

You can follow our progress at: www.theramblingsofacyclopath.com