DES MOINES, Iowa, July 18, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Among the list of bucket-list cycling events in the United States, few can compare with the incredible RAGBRAI event.
The Davis Phinney Foundation, which works to improve the lives, health and well-being of the more than 1 million people living with Parkinson's, will once again be represented by its fundraisers and riders as part of Team DPF at RAGBRAI. The foundation is honored and pleased to announce that the epic RAGBRAI event will feature a Davis Phinney Day this year.
The Des Moines Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa will be held on July 21-27, 2019.
"We're thrilled to be able to partner with Pedaling for Parkinson's at RAGBRAI again this year," said foundation founder and world-famous cyclist Davis Phinney. "The funds raised by this team supports the work of the Davis Phinney Foundation and allows us to help even more people live well with Parkinson's."
There will be more than 70 riders participating with Team DPF. The Davis Phinney Foundation's roots in Iowa run deep and strong. It was, after all, Iowa native Dr. Jay Alberts' groundbreaking work that discovered exercise, specifically cycling, helped improve function in a person living with Parkinson's. For one of the most storied events in cycling to honor that legacy, and the legacy of Davis Phinney himself, is such a unique and special celebration of living well, and good health.
"Cycling has played a huge role in my family's life, in our foundation and on maintaining my quality of life with Parkinson's. We're grateful that the cycling community has supported us at every turn and raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to bring information, tools and resources to our community," Davis Phinney said.
The schedule on Tuesday, July 23, includes an exciting recognition of the work so many people have done to improve the lives and quality of life for people with Parkinson's and their caregivers. There will be a special breakfast, and the evening concert with more than 50,000 anticipated attendees will feature an on-stage recognition of both Davis Phinney and Dr. Alberts at the main stage at the Bill Buxton Stadium. Sister Hazel and Big Head Todd and the Monsters will perform.
"I always say that RAGBRAI is more than a ride," said J. Juskiewicz, RAGBRAI Director. "Each year we look to partner with charitable organizations and causes that are special to us and our riders. We are beyond honored to work with the Davis Phinney Foundation and Pedaling for Parkinson's for RAGBRAI's Parkinson's Awareness Day. The connection with RAGBRAI and Parkinson's is special because of Dr. Jay Alberts' breakthrough discovery that exercise and cycling can actually improve symptoms. Around the same time of this discovery, cycling legend Davis Phinney formed the Davis Phinney Foundation to help those diagnosed with Parkinson's live well! We look forward to celebrating living well as we welcome Davis to RAGBRAI!"
The Davis Phinney Foundation was founded by Olympic cyclist Davis Phinney in 2004 to help people with Parkinson's live well today. The organization's focus is to provide programs and resources that offer inspiration, information and tools that enable people living with Parkinson's to take action that can immediately improve their quality of life. Parkinson's is the No. 2 neurodegenerative disease – second to Alzheimer's – and affects over 1 million people in the United States. The Foundation's work impacts hundreds of thousands of individuals and families each year.
Team DPF is the grassroots fundraising community that supports the Davis Phinney Foundation through participation in a wide range of athletic and community-based events. With a focus on fun, personal empowerment and fundraising for Parkinson's, Team DPF welcomes all ages and abilities. With roots in cycling, Team DPF also extends to runners, climbers, swimmers, hikers, community events and more. Team DPF is sponsored by: Primal, AltRed, SCRATCH Labs, BOCO Gear, The Sufferfest, Baker Insurance and Boulder Neurological and Spine Associates. Visit dpf.org to learn more.
SOURCE Davis Phinney Foundation
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