More than 300 participate in Pedaling 4 Parkinson's on June 13

A large group of bicyclists prepare to take off for a ride during the Pedaling 4 Parkinson's event on Saturday, June 13, at Aviston City Park.        There were more than 300 participants pedaling and walking for a special cause on Saturday, June 13, at Aviston City Park.
    There were a combined 303 bicycle riders and walkers (264 preregistered and 39 walk-ups) participating in the ninth annual Pedaling 4 Parkinson's event. Participants either walked a half-mile or mile path; bicyclists rode a 10- or 17-mile route to support others with Parkinson's disease.
    Proceeds from the event went to American Parkinson Disease Association-St. Louis Greater Chapter and to Clinton County YMCA Parkinson's exercise program.
    Event coordinator Rochelle Halstead spoke about the communities' continued interest in Pedaling 4 Parkinson's. Rochelle Halstead speaks during the Pedaling for Parkinson's event in Aviston.They had 40 riders the first year they did the event, and now it has grown to more than 300 participants. The committee has raised a combined $131,000 during their nine years of the event.
    "This literally is the best community that anyone could live in, be around, or be associated with," Halstead said.
    Halstead thanked the committee.
    "We are doing this for friends, for family, for the ones who are still with us, and the ones who aren't with us," Halstead said.
    Aviston Fire and Rescue were side wagons for the short route and the long route. Signs and painted markers guided the cyclists on their path.
    There were tables set up with representatives from APDA-St. Louis. Halstead said they have invaluable resources to the Parkinson's community.
    Jack Swank with the Clinton County YMCA in Breese spoke to the crowd. Safety is the primary concern with everything the YMCA does. Kurt Schmitz talks to the crowd during the Pedaling 4 Parkinson's event.Parkinson's exercises at the YMCA are all compound joint workouts, which deal with stretching, mobility and strength. The Parkinson's workouts are from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. As soon as a couple more people get certified as trainers, they hope to meet every day of the week.
    Swank led a Parkinson's workout during the walk and ride.
    Michelle Bolk from APDA-St. Louis, which serves 8,500 people with Parkinson's each year, spoke to the crowd. Parkinson's disease is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. APDA-St. Louis provides services such as exercise classes, support groups, education opportunities and rural outreach.Participants walking a 1/2 mile or 1 full mile to support P4P
    "We could not do that without the support of all of you today," Bolk said.
    Kurt Schmitz, who has Parkinson's disease, thanked the crowd. "We appreciate friends, family and the support of organizations and people and family," Schmitz said.
    Schmitz's doctor from Washington University was part of the ride.
    Gold sponsors for the event included ACIC, Airbnb Jake Strieker in memory of Irene and Gary Strieker, Clinton County YMCA, in memory of Frank Dall, CTR Concrete and Builders, American Legion Post 1239, Popeye's Chop House, Highline AG LLC, The Michael Donnewald Foundation, Don Lampe family, Poettker Construction, Ralph Bruggemann does Parkinson's exercises during the Pedaling 4 Parkinson's event in Aviston.Faust Construction, TWM, Real Broker LLC, in memory of Ruth Ann Langhauser and Esther Halstead, and Cedarhurst Senior Living Center in Breese.
    Silver sponsors included Aviston Auto Body, Dairy King, Dieterich Bank of Breese, Edward Jones/Amy Kruse, FCB Banks, IUOE Local 250, Jim and Donna Lampe, Kevin and Melinda Dall, Kirchner Building Centers, Klein family, Lin-Rose Hts. Friends, Markus Excavating Inc., Matt and Mary Rakers family, Maurice and Jonella Sphilmann family, Midwest National Bank, Schrage Service Company, This Ol' Barn and Wessel's Corner Market and Ice Cream Shop.A little girl pedals down the sidewalk during the ninth annual Pedaling 4 Parkinson's event on Saturday, June 13, at Aviston City Park.
    Bronze sponsors were All Smiles Daycare, APEXNetwork Physical Therapy, Aviston Fitness, Bank of Clinton County, C&D Carpet Cleaning, Charles E. Scott Welding Supply, Larry Deerhake family, Empower CPA LLC, Faust Automotive, First National Bank, Gary and Deb Santel, Grassmasters, Hoelscher Interiors, Ron and Lori Kampwerth, Kramer family in memory of mom, in memory of Jeanette Timmermann, Jim's Formal Wear, Lampe family: Don, Pat, Annie, Dale, Mary and Nancy, Marty and Kris Tebbe, Midwest Tractor Sales, Saturn Freight Systems, in memory of Frank Schmitt, Teamsters Local 50, Theresa Richards Country Financial, Vitality Salon and Wellness/Dottie Burton, Wilke Truck Service and Timmermann Milk Service.
    Items donated were from Farm Fresh in Breese, Donnewald Distributing and D Tours and Travel.
    With next year being the 10th year of the event, organizers are hoping for record participation.