PHOENIX, AZ--(Marketwire - Apr 19, 2011) - In September 2009, Shannon Stutzman sent his brother Shane a text message that said, "Check out Team Fox. Let's ride coast-to-coast and raise a million dollars for Parkinson's."
Shane responded, "You're crazy. I'm in." And POP's Ride was born.
Starting in April in St. Augustine, Fla., three riders: Shannon Stutzman, Shane Stutzman and Kyle Worley will travel 3,100 miles on their bicycles to show their support for their family members -- especially their Dad, affectionately called Pops -- impacted by Parkinson's Disease. They will end in San Diego, Calif.
POP's Ride (short for Pedal Over Parkinson's) is a not-for-profit group dedicated to making a difference for those affected by Parkinson's disease by raising awareness and $1 million for Parkinson's research. Proceeds from POP's Ride will benefit the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Ariz., The Davis Phinney Foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen).
The riders will ride through your area between April 18 and April 22 and they also will be available for interviews leading up to the ride. Team POP's can be followed at www.popsride.com as they travel across the country. Donations to the four foundations also can be made at the website.
"Shane and I never expected our ride to become this large," Shannon said. "We thought it would be simple -- ride our bikes across the country and bring some friends along for support. The support we have received from our family, friends and co-workers has been amazing. We are humbled by all that has happened."
Support comes from a team of 12 friends and family who are helping organize lodging, funding, food and support. Another group of 10 have volunteered to support the guys during the ride by following in an RV, another support vehicle and to help keep the riders well-fed.
In November 2010, Shannon, Shane and Pops rode in the Tour de Tucson. Global Bikes provided Pops and Shannon with a tandem bicycle for the ride. Pops completed his first organized ride, a 44 mile tour in the stoker position. He told Shannon after going only a few miles to "pick it up a little."
On February 5, 2011, Shannon, Shane, Pops and their mother Mary attended the Davis Phinney Victory Summit in San Diego, Calif. This free, all day event teaches Parkinson's patients, caregivers and their families how to live with Parkinson's. More than 600 people attended the event. "This event is why we are riding," Shane said. "Everyone needs to understand you can live a productive life with Parkinson's Disease; it should not be a depressing disease, it should be a motivating disease."
POP's Ride is a member of the Lifebridge Community Alliance, a community based 501(c)3 organization.
Towns Visited, by day:
April 18 - Bogalusa, Plainview, Springhill, Franklinton, Richardson, Bolivar, Tangipahoa, Easleyville, Chipola, Woodland,
April 19 - Rest Day in Woodland
April 20 - Norwood, Jackson, St Francisville, Morganza, Simmesport, Hamburg, Moreauville, Plaucheville
April 21 - Dupont, Lebeau, Washington, Grand Praire, ville Platte, Mamou, Oberlin, Mittie
April 22 - DeRidder, Merryville
Contact Information:
POP's Ride
Email:
www.POPSRIDE.com