3rd ANNUAL CYCLE FOR PARKINSONS-OCTOBER 4-5, 2008.  

The Georgia Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA Georgia Chapter) and Frazier Cycling are hosting the 3rd annual Cycle for Parkinsons “ weekend on October 4th and 5th.  Proceeds from this event will help fund Parkinson’s disease research projects.

Frazier Cycling and Top View Sports (producer of the Gwinnett Bike Fest) have teamed up to bring you another high quality, first class cycling event, and over $5,000 in prize money to be won. On Saturday, October 4, Top View Sports will host a very challenging and exciting road race on a 7 mile loop on the back roads between Lawrenceville and Dacula. Then on Sunday, October 5, Frazier Cycling will host the Cycle For Parkinson’s Criterium.  The criterium is a 0.5 mile loop and will be held on the campus of Gwinnett Technical College in Gwinnett County. This is sure to be two fantastic and challenging days of racing, all for a great cause to "ease the burden and find the cure" for those suffering with Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson's Disease

There are over 1.5 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain disorder resulting in the loss of dopamine production.  Symptoms include slowness of movement, tremor, rigidity and loss of balance and coordination.  As the disease progresses, everyday tasks like removing the covers to get out of bed become insurmountable challenges.  Parkinson’s disease affects all ages.  Most people with Parkinson’s disease are over 60, but an estimated 20 percent are under 50.  There are drugs and surgeries that treat the symptoms but there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease at this time. 

We organize this race weekend to raise funds for research, improving the quality of life and increasing public awareness for those suffering with Parkinson's Disease.  PD is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that  impairs the sufferer's motor skills, cognitive capabilities  and speech, as well as other functions.  There is no cure.  The money we raise funds programs locally that help “ease the burden and find the cure”.  For more informatioin on PD visit, www.apdageorgia.org.

Frazier Cycling and the Ga Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association have hosted this event for three years.  Each year our racer participation has increased and our event has grown.  This year we are excited to team up with the  producers Gwinnett  Bike Fest, TopView Sports, a premiere sports event organization from Florida, and the Gwinnett Sports Commission.  Together our goal is to offer the cycling community the best racing experience possible.

Please consider a donation to help us fight PD.  Any amount is appreciated.  You can contribute through preregistration at www.bikereg.com  or through the Georgia Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association at www.apdageorgia.org.  Donations will also be accepted at the races.   Contact Cathy Frazier for more information at cfrazier@fraziercycling.com or 770-513-8640.

Sponsors

A  big thanks to our partners and sponsors:

CycleWorks, Gwinnett’s top bicycle retailer with locations in Duluth, Roswell and Marietta – providing mechanical, technical, and course support and primes (www.cycleworksinc.com)

Subaru of Gwinnett,  Gwinnett’s largest Subaru dealer – providing race car, pace vehicles 

J Brown & Co Website Developmentt  - providing event website development and maintenance

Advertising Design,   - providing all our graphic and design needs