True North: A Journey Of Heart, Hope, And Connection
I’ve always been drawn to adventure. In my younger years, I’d pick a challenge each year that made my hands sweat a little—learning to sail competitively, leaping from airplanes, hang-gliding, scuba diving, and even bungee jumping. Back then, I thought the thrill lay in the adrenaline rush. I’ve since discovered the real adventure is in what—and whom—you find when you step out of your comfort zone.
I learned that things appearing strange or exotic are usually rooted in the same fundamental dreams we all share. When we take the time to understand those cultural baselines, we find a shared humanity that connects us all. When you look past the unfamiliar, you see shared dreams, fears, and joys. That sense of interconnectedness is why I love the World Parkinson Congress (WPC). To me, it’s not just a medical conference; it’s a vibrant, global gathering of clinicians, caregivers, advocates, and people living with Parkinson’s. It shows how diverse ideas and experiences, when shared, can transform lives.
A couple of years ago, I rode a recumbent tricycle across the United States. My back was in such bad shape that I couldn’t walk or balance on a traditional bike. That three-wheeled machine kept me moving when my legs and spine felt like giving up. It taught me that when you hit an obstacle—whether physical, emotional, or otherwise—there are always other ways forward. You just have to be open to finding them.
I’ve had the privilege of participating in events like the Ironman triathlon, the Birkebeiner ski marathon, climbing Kilimanjaro, running the Marathon des Sables, and walking and cycling across the United States and Great Britain. I helped form Team Synapse, a group of runners with Parkinson’s who took on the Blue Ridge Relay, and hosted triathlons in my own community. Through each of these adventures, the lesson has never been about the physical feat itself. It’s been about the people beside me: friends with Parkinson’s sharing their courage and humor, strangers who became family over hundreds of miles, and the more than 200 people I met while walking across America in 2018 who changed how I understand the disease and what it means to live with it.
Now, as we prepare for Pedal to Phoenix, I’m honored to be A captain of Team Route 66. We’ll ride from Chicago to Phoenix along America’s iconic highway, not just for the miles but for the stories we’ll collect. Exercise is our most powerful tool to slow the progression of Parkinson’s, but it’s the exchange of information, the understanding glances, and the friendships forged that truly sustain us.
This year brought another twist: a back surgery in February made it impossible for me to ride every mile on a traditional bike. So I’m adapting once more. Each day, I’ll ride a few miles on a recumbent tricycle, sharing the road with someone from the local community who has a connection to Parkinson’s. We’ll pedal together on what I’m calling “Random Tandem”—two people, one recumbent tandem bike, sharing not just the seat and the effort but our experiences, hopes, and challenges. It’s a small way of weaving together a fabric of America’s Parkinson’s communities, town by town.
For me, the journey ahead is about listening to and learning from others. It’s about reminding ourselves that hope doesn’t only come from finishing a race or reaching a summit—it comes from sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with someone who understands your struggles and dreams, and realizing you’re not alone. I’m humbled by every opportunity to connect with people on this path, and I’m inspired by the idea that together, we can make the road lighter for each other.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to the miles we’ll share, the stories we’ll hear, and the friendships we’ll build along Route 66 and beyond. Let’s see where the road—and the people we meet—take us.
Bill Bucklew, Captain, Pedal to Phoenix, Team Route 66, Pedal to Phoenix.
Ideas and opinions expressed in this post reflect that of the author(s) solely. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the World Parkinson Coalition®