This summer, the story of Parkinson’s was written on the open road, with every pedal stroke, strength and hope pushed forward. 

The Spinning Wheels tour carried hope across Canada with the unwavering belief that Parkinson’s doesn’t define the people who live with it. Their courage and determination to keep moving forward inspring us along the way.  See their story featured in the news.

Co-chairs Lloyd Taylor, Jim Redmond, and Mike Loghrin, who all live with Parkinson’s, were joined by cyclists on every stretch – the riders averaged over 100 km a day. Teams started on both coasts, and from northern Canada, meeting in Hamilton, Ontario, before completing the final stretch into Toronto on September 13. The final leg of the tour proved to be emotional for all in attendance – 122 riders with Parkinson’s and many who awaited them at the finish line. At the Grand Finale, the riders reflected on just how far they had come, together. “Seeing a stream of white jerseys flowing through the waterfront, stretching beyond the skyline, I couldn’t stop smiling, I couldn’t stop crying,” said participant Li Jiang, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 21.  

Participant Li Jiang, who lives with Parkinson’s, captured what many felt:

“They would tell you, from afar, those hills looked like impossible walls connected to the sky, but pedal by pedal, the impossible becomes possible, fear becomes confidence.”

Lloyd Taylor understood the deeper impact: “I realize the power of the message to raise awareness for people living with the condition and give them some sense of what we’re fighting for.” 

Jim Redmond captured what the community discovered: “The word needs to be spread about what we think works well with Parkinson’s, and that’s exercise and community.” 

For 45 days, riders proved that thriving with Parkinson’s means showing up with your own unique rhythm. They laughed through rain, cheered each other up hills, and transformed challenges into connection. 

When riders rolled into Toronto together, they proved that when people living with Parkinson’s stand in the light connected and supported, they change how the world sees what’s possible. 

Thank you to every rider who showed up with courage, every volunteer who proved community is everything, and every supporter who cheered from the sidelines. If you’d like to get involved with Parkinson Canada’s cycling events, visit our Pedaling for Parkinson’s events page.