Sam Moody

Thank you!! I made it!!!

Wednesday 19th Aug I had pulled back yesterday to 7km a night thinking I had 3 nights to go. Then, after my 7km tonight I jumped straight on the laptop to notice it wasn’t the second last night but my last!!!! So I jumped straight back on and did another 7km as fast as I could. Guess what…I have arrived!!!!!!! For some people 517km over 50 days is not a lot to ride. But given how much else I do, and I had barely ridden in many years (I am still scarred by Rottnest Island) for me it has been a lot. I am so proud to say I never missed a day no matter what I had on, where I was, or how sore I was. It has made a big difference to my health, so I have decided to try and continue and ride everyday as much as possible. Advice is this can assist in lowering the likelihood of developing Parkinsons via an increase in your heart health. though the research is not clear on what can assist…..yet. Over 200,000 Australians live with the condition, and while the median age of onset is mid-60s, up to 20% are diagnosed before age 50 (Parkinsons Australia) Thank you so much for everyone who has supported me on this journey. I appreciate all your donations, your words of support, your messages and conversations. It has spurred me on to make sure I did this. Those who want to please feel free to still donate there is no pressure, but I really appreciate it. Graham, I appreciate you keeping me company on the couch whilst I ride 😊 Frank and Dad (and Aunty Elaine, Uncle Colin, Pop, and everyone else I know, will know or known with Parkinson’s) I know people underestimate the pain associated with the complications of Parkinsons. I appreciate the mental battle things are along the way to motivate to make the most out of life every day. I hear people just write everything down to Parkinsons rather than investigating what is happening. I appreciate your Dr’s specialists, medical and other support staff who have made the effort to learn about the disease. I also appreciate beyond words those who care directly for Parkinsons patients. All of this will benefit from money for support and research. For the 50 people diagnosed every day with Parkinsons I hope the money I have raised helps your life. I hope I can help those who care for Parkinson’s patients. May we find a cure or a better way to manage it in the near future. Thank you!! I made it!!! Share

Never missing a day

Thursday 13th Aug Even when on a work trip with a concert (Massive Attack) and a lot of walking I made sure to stay somewhere that had exercise bikes so I could still do my 10Km. Still on track.... Share

I am in NSW

Wednesday 5th Aug Yesterday I crossed the border into NSW (virtually) I have done. I have completed 370KM and now I have 147KM to go. I want to again thank everyone including those who donated to a different Sam thinking it was me. The most important thing is we are supporting this cause. If you are wanting to see what the Hospital Research fund can do for Parkinson's here is the link https://fightingparkinsons.org.au/ Hopefully with more money raised more rural services will become available. But the research can continue with your support. Not sure how the quads will go but I am now in the habit sometime between 10 and 11:30 each night I hop on the bike. Share

Last Day in July in Quandong

Saturday 1st Aug On my virtual ride you can now see the NSW border. I am in Quandong on the Eastern road that goes on and on. I have completed at he end of July 319.4KM. So 197.6KM in 19 days to complete. It has been a very busy week now dance is back, work is busy and assignments are due and with Gym sleep is difficult especially when you get on the bike at 11 O'Clock at night. But, it is worth it. I am feeling much healthier and riding faster. More importantly I have been very lucky to almost raise my target thanks to some lovely supporters. Because of the business set up of the Hospital Research Fund all of that all of it goes to the Hospital Research Fund to Parkinson's research and support. Given my grandfather and father both had diagnosis of Parkinson's I think there is a strong likelihood myself or brother or both will be diagnosed. But there is still much to learn about the role of genetics in Parkinson's. Thank you everyone who has supported me I really appreciate your support. Thank you for those that intend to. Share

Its a balancing act

Sunday 26th Jul With a major assignment due tonight (its early hours of Sunday morning) and a lot on this week rides have mostly been after 10 at night. I have ordered a gel seat cover :-). I have noticed I am now faster and riding further even when I have limited time. This has been a big positive habit change in my life. I cannot take a night off. Though I can assure everyone they will not see me on the road. I am very much safer on an indoor stationary bike.  I am so thankful for your sponsorship and those who listen to me talk about it. I want to thank my family in the background supporting me. That sort of support is invaluable for those with Parkinson's who rely on their loved ones for support and patience everyday. Mum and Val thank you for what you do for our dads. Share

I am not quite a Tour De France rider

Saturday 18th Jul I have now done 179.2KM and have 337.8KM to go. Following along the map this week I have passed through Geranium Plains and Bundey with a brief visit to a  Ghost town in the district of Burra. Still going through areas I have not heard of.  Share

We have hit the red dirt

Tuesday 14th Jul I Have done 135.1KM and have 381.9KM to go. Happy to be on an indoor bike but if I was actually on the road I would have gone past Worlds End Highway and now feel lost as I am on a route going through places I have never been. I might have to try this way one day. I have the flexibility to choose how I travel still. People diagnosed with Parkinsons loose that choice at some stage. I really appreciate everyones support. I am blown away by it. I have been encouraged to increase my target to try and earn $2 per KM rather than $1 if anyone wants to sponsor I really appreciate it. Share

Moving right along

Thursday 9th Jul So in typical fashion I have to track and plan so spending loads of times reviewing maps, excel sheets, fitness trackers. I recognise I did my norm and made a split second decision that underplays what is involved. In this case at least 50 days. BUT Share

2 days done

Thursday 2nd Jul I promise you wont get daily updates but I wanted to update that I have now made it along the bike track through the wetlands and am on the national highway very relieved I am doing it on my indoor exercise bike and not braving this winter weather. I have learnt how to link my ap, how to fit it in when you still have World Cup, early Gym mornings, work and study. I am so thankful for your support It is important to me I stick it out and hey my glutes for dance girls have to be improved right? Exercise is used in managing Parkinsons. A meta analysis (Almikhlafi 2023) concluded it can assist raise the chemicals like dopamine effected by Parkinsons  help the muscle loss reducing the chemicals that add to the brain inflammation and help balance but they pointed out many questions are left unanswered and need more research. Share

And we are off

Thursday 2nd Jul Yesterday I officially started not knowing how to link my bike ap for a challenge track and after celebrating Luca Bs 18th with a late night drink. These early starts aren't great and I don't need so much elevation. I am doing this so we can spend more than the estimated $1-2 per person in Aus on research. Parkinsons has been in both my grandparent and Graham and I both have fathers who live with Parkinsons. They have had very different lives and live in different states. They are both dealing with the daily frustration, pain and associated comorbidities and different ways of coping. Research isn't just about how to prevent its what can help slow it down now Share