Ride With Larry 2 – Orlando Version – June 2nd
What? An Orlando version of the “Ride With Larry 2”
When? Saturday – June 2, 2012. 7:30 am – start time. Cady Way Trail – Herndon Avenue – across from Orlando Fashion Square Mall.
Where? “Great Trail Loop” – a 50 mile route that will connect many of the trails in Seminole and Orange Counties. See route.
Why? A year ago Larry Smith, a person who has lived with Parkinson’s Disease for 20 years rode 300 miles across South Dakota over five days. I was fortunate to take part in the final day of that ride. Larry’s friends and family have scheduled “Ride With Larry 2.” a one day, 50 mile ride. To honor their effort, raise awareness for Parkinson’s, and simply have a great time, I am organizing an Orlando version on the same day. No fee, lots of friendship and fun. Hope to see you there.
For a bit of motivation, here’s the latest trailer of the Ride With Larry documentary – due out later this summer.
Riding the Front Row with Larry
Nice going, John! Has anyone else duplicated this in other cities? It would be really neat to see it grow, raise awareness and raise money for research and building programs to help victims (is there a more pc term?) stay active and live longer.
Hi Todd, The first Ride With Larry took place last year. Larry Smith rode his Catrike 300 miles across South Dakota. A core group rode with him the first four days. They allowed others to join on the last day. I went up to take part and my son joined me from California. I wrote about it in this article http://bikespeed.wordpress.com/2011/06/
I couldn’t make it back to South Dakota this year, so I organized the ride in Orlando. As far as I know, it’s the only other one that has taken place. Larry and his wife, Betty, have a dream of connecting “People With Parkinsons” with riding clubs to encourage people with PD to stay active. We all support the Davis Phinney Foundation which encourages “living well today” and stating that “Every Victory Counts” – whether it’s walking around the house or riding a century.
I would welcome any thoughts that you have to expand the program and create awareness. Cycling has been proven to reduce PD symptoms.
Be well,
John
Help spread the word through contacts with riding clubs and advocacy groups. Most people must know someone with Parkinsons who they can encourage to ride and stay active. The Ride of Silence had its 10th annual ride last month (the third Wednesday in May, every year). In case you are not familiar, its a memorial ride for cyclists who have been killed riding and to honor those injured as well. It has become international. The Ride with Larry is even more inspiring. It can catch on by web and, specifically, facebook exposure. All it needs is an administration team to manage and promote the page and keep track of the cities where the ride is taking place. Riding clubs and such can organize the rides like any other, with certain guidelines. Check out the Ride of Silence as a template.