Cycling relay team reaches the Arctic to show 'it's OK to live with Parkinson's'

A group of cyclists who live with Parkinson's disease have been participating in a cross-country bike relay — and they hope to be swimming in the Arctic Ocean by Thursday. 

Lloyd Taylor and Steve Iseman of the Ontario-based "Spinning Wheels Relay" team just passed through Inuvik, N.W.T., this week, on their way to Tuktoyaktuk and the ocean. They've been doing the trek to create awareness of Parkinson's disease.

They also say that cycling helps reduce their own symptoms.

They started their journey in Whitehorse, travelling with three other cyclists and a RV camper for sleeping and support.

Their goal is to share their stories of living with Parkinson's disease and try to help others overcome any shyness or embarrassment about having the disease.

"I was diagnosed 11 years ago and spent the first five years in hiding," said Iseman.

Iseman has done work with the University of Guelph in a special study to identify how his Parkinson's presents differently after riding his bicycle. He has noticed that his symptoms are noticeably less when riding.

"I don't think it had been documented before, scientifically. Which is not just a cessation of Parkinson's symptoms — and frankly, nothing does that — but even a partial roll-back of symptoms which is, frankly, very big news," explained Iseman.

He says now he talks with as many people as he can about the benefits he's experienced from cycling.

Iseman started a cycling group for people living with Parkinson's after realizing he was the only person with the disease at cycling charity events for people with Parkinson's.

"I already knew the benefits of being on the bike and wanted others to as well," he said.

That's how the "Rigid Riders" group was started. Now they meet and plan events and even long trips like the one they're currently on.

Taylor, who is the co-chair of Spinning Wheels Relay, wants to spread his message of community so everyone who lives with Parkinson's can have a more comfortable life.

"The inclination for someone with Parkinson's is to withdraw. It's probably the most common symptom, is they withdraw from life. Life gets smaller, physically they are limited. There is a stigma. It's embarrassing to be in public and spill your soup," said Taylor.

"So we are showing people it's OK to live with Parkinson's. It helps people come back into the world, so community is at the heart of what we are doing."

After reaching Tuktoyaktuk, the group will head back to Ontario where they will meet up with the other members of their team. Two other groups of cyclists are also finishing relays around the country, sharing their stories as well.