Some months ago a bunch of slightly mad people decided it would be a fun idea to mimic a famous bike race up in the Arctic Circle regions of Northern Norway. It would cover some 635km and climb 4,500m, (nearly the same height as Mont Blanc), across dramatic and stunning Arctic landscapes as it weaved its way northwards through the beautiful Lofoten Islands, taking in deep blue Fjords and majestic mountains, eventually winding its way into Tromso, Norway's most northern city.

Yet there’s one added challenge to this bike ride - 14 of the 22 cyclists have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD is an incurable, degenerative neurological condition that manifests itself in a variety of 40 different symptoms. Incurable, of course, means there is no cure; yet its well documented that staying active can help postpone the onset of some symptoms. Hence the bike ride and the Parktic Challenge 2024! Riders hail from Canada, Norway and the UK and have all met after regular rides on Zwift, riding for a fantastic club called ZWAP

ZWAP – Zwifters Against Parkinson’s – is a virtual club where very real people with PD can ride and chat throughout the year, sharing topics ranging from not-very-good jokes to more-serious PD issues. The rides are all about working as a team with everyone helping get everyone over the line and having fun doing so.

Rather annoyingly, I too was diagnosed with PD in 2022. I’d just given up full-time work and wasn’t expecting to see my retirement get off to such a shaky start – literally. But, not one to give in to these things, I decided I couldn’t let it get to me. So, I’ve now vowed to live life to the full, including making the most of my love of cycling. I volunteer for Parkinson’s UK, a National Charity with strong local roots to support those living with PD. Indeed, I now help run the Cheltenham Group, supporting people living with PD here in the beautiful Cotswolds hills of England.

Thus, it may not surprise you to hear that all the money raised will be split between Parkinson’s UK nationally and our local Cheltenham group, thus supporting not just vital research into PD, but also providing local support to those impacted directly or indirectly by PD nearby.

I hope you will help support my fundraising. I also want to stress that 100% of monies raised will go to the charity appeal - I am fully funding all my travel and trip costs out of my own pocket.