Parky's Pals !!

Above, you can see why I enjoy cycling so much.  It gives me the ability to function in a non-Parkinson atmosphere.  My friends & I meet 3 times a week at 8:30am, at the Burger King, and ride around Hemet for 2-3 hours.  We usually ride from 20 to 45 miles each day.  My friends are very understanding of my situation, & on the my "off days", which are still very few, they make sure that I'm not left behind.  But believe me when I tell you that they remark much more often about struggling to keep up with me.  I have finally found a light-weight trike that fits my abilities, & is forgiving to my disabilities.  It is not difficult to ride at 20 mph on flat ground.  It is a British made "Trice QNT".  I am starting to notice some rigidity in my neck, shoulders, & chest, but I have no problems with my legs.  I have started to do stretching exercises more often, lately.  The stiff muscles do cause me some pain, but it is no worse when I am riding, & the enjoyment that I get is well worth the discomfort.  Parkinson's not only takes away our ability to function, but it also takes away our dignity, or tries.  When I get outside & get to do something that I have control of, it works miracles on my ego.  Just this morning, I rode 29.5 miles in 77 degree weather.  It was fun, & having fun can be difficult for we who are struggling with Parkinson's disease.  Don't let PD take you without a fight.  Get started today, on a serious exercise program.  I have never heard a doctor, that deals with movement disorders, complain about his patients getting too much exercise.........Parky