Day 7-Vernon to Salmon Arm (60km)

Vernon to Salmon Arm (60km)

I have been using an app on my phone for GPS and I love the app; however, I have a phone plan that includes free nationwide calling, and Elyse needs my phone to be able to call newspapers, radio stations, etc. I got fed up with not having any media coverage in many of the towns we go through, because I am cycling across Canada to spread awareness about the importance of Parkinson’s research in Canada. I want people to know the donations raised will stay in the region it was received (therefore it supports the local people in their towns), and I knew we were going to have to figure out a GPS situation so Elyse can have a phone with her to be in contact with media. 

So, I stopped in a bike shop in Vernon, called Olympia Cycle & Ski, to look for a gps, and I talked to a very knowledgeable guy working there named Blair. Blair competes in Ironmans and triathlons and he has lots of experience fitting bikes. Apparently my bike is too big for me, so Blair made some adjustments to it. I’m very thankful I stopped into Olympia because I have probably prevented some pain along the trip! I also sucked it up and bought a GPS so Elyse can have my cellphone to call media. Olympia hooked us up with a discount, didn’t charge any labour, and got my bike working well!

Here is a link to the Olymia Cycle and Ski website: http://www.cycleandski.com/

The minute the Sarniasports, The Sarnia Observer, and Blackburn Radio Station helped spread the word about Parkinson’s Cycle of hope in Sarnia we were much more successful with our goal of spreading awareness. Media is obviously a key element of this cause and Elyse was able to contact lots of media outlets from Salmon Arm to Calgary who are willing to help support Parkinson’s Cycle of Hope!!! I will try the new GPS tomorrow and Elyse will continue contacting media!

The ride from Vernon to Salmon Arm was another beautiful but quick ride. The weather was incredible today, and I am looking forward to the heat that is in the weather forecast this week! I also have to appreciate these short and easy rides because I have some tough ones coming up. 150km from Revelstoke to Golden will be a challenge!

We arrived in Salmon Arm this afternoon and met with an editor from The Salmon Arm Observer. The Salmon Arm Observer is going to do a write up in their paper!

Next, we drove to meet our hosts for the night! Another fantastic pair of individuals (Faye & Andrew) who prepared a wonderful meal for Elyse and I. One of these individuals has Parkinson’s and they are moving soon to be closer to their family and Parkinson’s specialist.

We talked about many of the same things already mentioned in this blog, but one thing I heard today that reminded me of all the other folks we have stayed with was, “Ya, I have Parkinson’s but I am not going to crawl into a corner and withdrawal from society. I believe in keeping active and exercising regularly. I enjoy meeting twice a month with the Parkinson’s support group in Salmon Arm because I learn a great deal from attending these meetings. Exercising is difficult but makes it better”