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Bike Runs for Parkinson's

May 26, 2011 | By Denise Wang
Bike Runs for Parkinson's
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

Sporting events such as bike runs and marathons are popular methods of generating donations and money for research and development for many illnesses, including Parkinson's disease. Nationally sponsored bike run fundraisers for Parkinson's awareness offer participants a chance to donate to a worthy cause, get some exercise and enjoy social interaction with others who want to help fund education, care, treatments and research.

Sunflower Revolution

Bikers flock to Cincinnati every year to take part in this fundraiser for Parkinson's disease, with more than 1,000 bikers supporting those afflicted. The Sunflower bike riders travel 40 km in September of every year through the Ohio countryside from downtown Milford east to Owensville, north toward Day Heights and then south again, forming a loop that brings riders back to Milford.

Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's

The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's sponsors donations and pledges for bike riders engaged in rides or events throughout the U.S. The Pop's Ride - Pedal Over Parkinson's is scheduled for April of 2011, encouraging riders to pedal from Florida to California. Their Pledge a Ride program helps members from communities around the U.S. create, plan and organize bike rides for local, regional and state wide biking events to raise money and awareness for Parkinson's disease research and development.

New England Parkinson's Ride

The New England Parkinson's Ride sponsors and organizes an annual bike ride in September that offers bike riders a choice of riding 10, 30, 50 or 100 miles. The ride starts in Old Orchard Beach, Maine. The event has joined with Team Fox, of the Michael J. Fox Foundation and offers 10 mandatory rest stops along the route. Though new, the event recently drew more than 100 cyclists, with more expected in coming years. Riders are asked to raise at least $100 in pledges, with all proceeds going to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for research into treatments for Parkinson's.

Pedal Away Parkinson's

The Pedal Away Parkinson's bike ride consists of a 10-mile ride located in Utah. It recently celebrated its fifth anniversary with all ages joining in to help fund research into Parkinson's disease research. The event is held annually in Kaysville. The bike ride was chosen by organizers because it's believed that bike riding is one of the most effective forms of exercise for those diagnosed with Parkinson's, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

References

Article reviewed by Libby Swope Wiersema Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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