Charity spin takes Iain for 500 miles
A determined Thornhill OAP who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago has completed a 500-mile cycling challenge.
Iain McNicol took on the virtual Tour de France Time to Tour challenge on a spin bike at The Peak, Stirling.
The 70-year-old tries to keep fit by taking part in weekly strength and balance classes and riding the spin bikes at the sports centre.
But not content with simply maintaining his mobility and stamina levels, Iain was determined to push himself further.
He chipped away at the distance day-by-day throughout July and celebrated completing it last Monday.
The Time to Tour challenge was run by the Parkinson’s UK charity and Iain has raised more than £800 for the cause.
He said: “Although I now have poor balance, which stops me riding real bikes, I can still ride the new ICG spin bikes which helps me to maintain my fitness levels.
“It’s important to me to get across the message that everyone with Parkinson’s can benefit from some form of regular exercise.
“I want to support Parkinson’s UK in their effort to make their new exercise programme available to all sufferers.
“Not everyone is as fortunate as I am in having a sports facility like The Peak to go to with excellent spin classes and targeted exercise programmes for balance, coordination and mobility.
“The staff are brilliant, committed and thoroughly professional. Their positive attitude has helped me in so many ways.”
Iain, who used to work with the Forestry Commission in Aberfoyle, added: “It would be great if doing this challenge could encourage more people to exercise regularly, and derive some of the benefits I’ve gained from keeping fit.”
Iain’s wife Margaret said: “He was a keen cyclist and a real outdoors person before he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s and he was so determined to do this.
“The Peak have been very good in encouraging him.
“It’s just amazing that he has conquered it.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has given to the fundraising.”
It’s just amazing that he has conquered it