Chappaqua Cyclist to Lead 75-Mile Ride to Fight Parkinson’s
Bruce Wolfe has been an avid cyclist for years and can often be found getting on his bike on weekends and going for a ride.
Once a year the Chappaqua resident makes sure he goes out to ride with a greater purpose in mind.
Wolfe has once again organized the Pedal Pumping for Parkinson’s Annual Charity Ride for Saturday, July 11, a 75-mile trek that starts in the Walgreens parking lot at King Street and Route 117 in Chappaqua at about 7:30 p.m., proceeds up to Yorktown, then heads east into Connecticut before the cyclists return to the local area.
This is the third year that Wolfe has planned the event, shortly after his mother, Betty, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. While his mom is managing with the degenerative disease of the central nervous system since her diagnosis, it is often a difficult road for those who are diagnosed.
Moreover, while there has been progress in treatments, there is still much to be learned through research, Wolfe said. It is estimated that about 60,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease this year.
“You see a lot of people who have Parkinson’s and it affects people in different ways,” Wolfe said.
Fittingly, Wolfe has called his team of cyclists who join him — last year there were about 10 to 15 participants — Team Betty. The team is part of the grassroots fundraising efforts organized through the Michael J. Fox Foundation. In the first two years Team Betty raised about $17,000; around $7,000 in 2013 and $10,000 last year. This year’s goal is to raise $12,000 and is hopeful that one day the efforts of his team and all the cyclists who hit the roads throughout the country will help researchers find a cure.
Wolfe said there aren’t elaborate contributions-per-mile sponsorships like in some fundraisers. Participants may pledge flat donations themselves and also find family, friends or other acquaintances who may donate a flat sum.
While the event is for a serious cause, the cyclists who make the journey do try and have a good time. Wolfe said one of the highlights of the first two years is the lunch stop at the acclaimed Schoolhouse at Cannondale in Wilton, Conn. The restaurant’s owner is also cycling enthusiast and is proud to great the hungry bunch at his establishment, he said.
Anyone who is up for a long bike ride on July 11 can join the team, even if it is only for a portion of the trip. Wolfe expects to return to Chappaqua at about 3 p.m. Others can make a donation to Team Betty by visiting
http://www2.michaeljfox.org/site/TR/TeamFox/TeamFox?team_id=12430&pg=team&fr_id=1720.
Martin has more than 30 years experience covering local news in Westchester and Putnam counties, including a frequent focus on zoning and planning issues. He has been editor-in-chief of The Examiner since its inception in 2007. Read more from Martin’s editor-author bio here. Read Martin’s archived work here: https://www.theexaminernews.com/author/martin-wilbur2007/