Wow, what a day.
Having spent the last couple of months planning the Blooming Parkinson’s Garden Ride and Party, it’s a relief that it’s over and I can temporarily shift my focus to our next big adventure: taking Steady On on tour for a six-week family trip to Singapore, Australia, and Hong Kong. More on that to come.
But before the bags are packed, I want to thank everyone who rode with us for being such a positive, enthusiastic bunch—contributing not just their sweat and aching muscles, but their humour and grit. This was matched entirely by our incredible Support Team, who did a fantastic job keeping the wheels turning from the sidelines.
It really couldn’t have gone better. So many people remarked on how well-organised the event was. It was almost as if I had planned it! But seriously, the willingness of everyone to muck in made me look good.
Leg 1: Battersea to Wraysbury (42km)
The day started on a high. I woke up feeling strong, the meds kicking in right on cue, reducing my anxiety and allowing me to savour the early morning. With the Oxford riders and bikes safely stowed, we had a smooth trip down to Battersea Park.
Arriving early gave us time to welcome our fellow Balls to Parkinson’s Cycling Club members. It was the first time I had met several of them in person, but they instantly fit right in with the team’s open, positive attitude. We were energised by a small but perfectly formed group of supporters, including my good friend Rocio and her husband Ben, who made the early tube trip over, and Sarah Jones from Parkinson’s UK, who was on hand for group photos.
We were also deeply honoured by the presence of Roger Thompson and Roy Palmer, representing the Chelsea Pensioners from the Royal Hospital Chelsea across the river. With several of their fellow pensioners diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it was a poignant reminder of why we were embarking on this 120km challenge. Roy even inspired us with his own on-going challenge: cycling virtually from Land’s End to John o’ Groats on his smart static trainer!
Just before setting off in the final group, I caught up with Phil Mercer of BBC Radio Oxford, who has been a fantastic champion for the Parkinson’s UK Garden, letting us update his listeners on our progress.
Leg 2: Wraysbury to Watlington (The Hill Climb)
We made good progress, pulling in for a well-deserved bacon roll and a cup of tea in Wraysbury after the first 42km. From there, we set off on the most challenging leg toward the Spire and Spoke in Watlington.
We rode through Maidenhead and into Marlow, where the Chilterns climb starts in earnest. We pedalled on through Turville (of Vicar of Dibley fame) and up over the steepest ascent to Christmas Common. I am glad to say everyone made it over the crest.
Pulling into the Spire and Spoke car park to a sea of Parkinson’s UK blue was an incredible feeling. The atmosphere in the beer garden was buzzing, and I was greeted by a loud cheer and a very well-earned pint of Guinness. It was a great chance to congratulate the riders, thank the supporters, and welcome the new team members joining us for the final push.
Leg 3: The Final Stretch to the JR
Revived by a few slices of pizza and the Guinness, I swapped groups for the final leg to catch up with old friends Mark and Lawrence, as well as Gilbert and Catherine on their tandem. Catherine missed out on our London to Brighton ride last year, so it was brilliant to have her out with us this time.
We took a fast route past Chalgrove, through Little and Great Haseley, Great Milton, and Wheatley. The final stretch along the cycle path parallel to the A40 wasn’t the most scenic way to finish, but it got us into Headington quickly. By this point, I was certainly feeling every bit of those 120 kilometres, and a stubborn headwind made those last two kilometres much harder work than I’d hoped!
The Finish Line & The Garden Party
Pulling into the John Radcliffe Hospital, the team was given a rousing reception by friends, family, and representatives from Parkinson’s UK, the Oxford Hospitals Charity, and the JR Neurology Department. It was a fitting end to the day, crossing the finish line right next to the site where the Parkinson’s UK garden is already starting to take shape.
The party atmosphere followed us back to the Headington Quarry Village Hall, where we celebrated with a few hours of music, fun, and general frivolity. I really appreciated everyone making the effort to come to the Garden Party after such a long day. Not only did we raise massive awareness for the garden, but we also raised over £2,000 to support patient-oriented projects tied to it.
All in all, it was a fantastic day, and one I will remember for many years to come. To everyone who rode, cheered, drove support vehicles, or donated—I can’t thank you enough – “YNWA”
Next stop: Singapore!
Balls to Parkinson’s 