Parkinson’s cyclists prepare to take on a 1000-mile Cycle Challenge to raise awareness for the debilitating disease

May 5, 2023

Sport Parkinson’s founder Charlie Appleyard and four Parkinsons sufferers will be setting out to complete the length of John O’Groats to Lands End on a Wattbike, accompanied by five corporate “team relays”.

5th May 2023, UK/ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Leading indoor cycling performance brand, Wattbike are excited to be supporting Sport Parkinson’s in a 1000-mile Cycle Challenge. On Saturday 6th May 2023 a team of four cyclists, all of whom have Parkinson’s, will take on the grueling challenge of cycling 1000 virtual miles from John O’Groats to Lands End in just 10 days. The men will simultaneously ride 25 miles on a Wattbike each day, which equates to 250 miles each over the 10 days and 100 miles in total. The team hope to raise £10,000 for Sport Parkinson’s’, whilst also inspiring those with Parkinson’s as to how cycling can be of huge benefit to them in the support of their symptoms.

Seven years ago, Founder of Sport Parkinson’s Charlie Appleyard, discovered research showing that cycling can hugely support Parkinson’s symptoms. Inspired and intrigued by what he read, Charlie went on to purchase his very own Wattbike, and has used it consistently ever since. The research that Charlie found clinically proved that 2.5 hours of vigorous exercise per week can reduce progression and improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. With a Wattbike, a cyclist can measure both rpm and wattage, and the research determined that 80 RPM / 200W for 30 minutes or more is the sweet spot for regeneration.

Charlie now believes that riding on his Wattbike has quite simply ‘transformed’ his life, and believes it could help others too. And it is from here that the idea of the Wattbike 1000-mile Cycle Challenge was born.

Charlie says, “I have used a Wattbike since my diagnosis and it has really helped me keep focused and working at the right level of intensity to benefit my Parkinson’s. My balance is shocking and I couldn’t ride a bike on the open road for fear of impending accidents. So having my trusty Wattbike keeps me fit, controls my symptoms but also keeps me alive. I’m really looking forward to using this event to help show others with Parkinson’s what a great support cycling can be for them, whilst raising vital funds for Sport Parkinson’s.”

Alongside Charlie and his Sport Parkinson’s comrades, five businesses – Wattbike, Annapurna Recruitment, Babble, RocSearch and Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness – will also be involved in the challenge. Each business will have a Wattbike set up in their offices, and staff members will prepare to cycle the 1000-mile distance as a team relay, with Richard Baker of Wattbike amongst those to join the team out on the road for their final spin into Lands End.

Richard says, “I’m absolutely delighted that we are able to support Charlie and the Sport Parkinson’s team with this incredible event, and to help show how important cycling can be for those living with Parkinson’s. It’s been fascinating to learn and see first-hand how the Wattbike has significantly helped Charlie to manage the disease. I’m looking forward to joining the team on the final day’s ride, and to celebrate with them on the journey to Lands End.”

And new Wattbike CEO Stephen Loftus says, “It’s great to see Wattbike getting involved in such a brilliant event, and in helping the Sport Parkinson’s team raise both awareness and funds for a very worthwhile cause. I’m blown over with the drive and determination of Charlie and his team, and wish everyone taking part the very best!”

For more information about how you can support the Sport Parkinson’s 1000-mile Cycling Challenge visit https://www.sportparkinsons.com and to learn more about Wattbike visit wattbike.com

The team’s Go Fund me page can also be found here, and live tracking here.

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IMAGES

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1b733P8vEPZKK9r1yPa8fNcx_TtoEMe3i?usp=sharing

CONTACT

Name: Kate Allan – Compete PR

Email: kate@competepr.com

Phone: +447754 072648

EDITOR’S NOTES

Wattbike is the original, indoor smart bike innovator, offering the most accurate and reliable training tools used by champions, athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Wattbike’s mission is to help improve the health and performance of every athlete in the world – That’s why Wattbike is chosen by both the world’s top sporting teams such as the All Blacks, as well as thousands of everyday athletes at home.

Wattbike was born more than 20 years ago with one goal – to create the ultimate indoor training bike. No other indoor trainer measures every pedal stroke and revolution so precisely, giving instant insights to get the most from every workout. Expertly crafted and designed in the UK, Wattbikes are tough enough to withstand the intense training of elite athletes, while beautiful enough to sit in the homes of everyday athletes too.