Virtual Riders
 
Our goal at the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation is to promote hope and wellness to everyone in the Parkinson’s community. If you are unable to ride 200 miles from Seattle, WA to Portland, OR in the 2009 Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, you can still be a part of Team Parkinson’s and raise funds for the Parkinson’s community by becoming a Virtual Rider.
 
A Virtual Rider is anyone who wants to complete 200 miles in their own way, during their own time and not as part of the actual ride from Seattle to Portland. You can ride the 200 miles on your home streets, during spin classes, on your stationary bike or in your gym.

All Virtual Riders will receive:
  • Dedicated personal Web page
  • Fundraising support
  • Each Virtual Rider to raise at least $300.00 will receive a 2009 Team Parkinson’s bicycle jersey or T-Shirt.
  • The joy of knowing that each mile you ride directly benefits Parkinson’s patients and their families here in the Northwest

Note, anyone, regardless of cycling ability, can be a member of Team Parkinson’s and help improve the quality of life of those touched by Parkinson’s.

How can I become a Virtual Rider?

  • Register online with Team Parkinson’s.
  • Establish your personal goal and begin to accumulate your miles. Choose a goal you can meet and one that will encourage support from your donors.
  • You can also create a team of friends and family to join you in this effort.
  • Notify your potential supporters via your personal Web page, letters and phone calls.
  • Start training, riding and raising funds.


Getting Started

Decide how you will accomplish your personal goal. Some possibilities are listed below.

  • Ride outdoors in your neighborhood or on one of the many area bike trails. Check with your local bike shops or cycling groups for information in your area.
  • Ride a stationary bike in your house, at the gym or at your local bike shop
  • Take multiple spin classes to accumulate the 200 miles
  • Organize a Team Parkinson’s event at a local gym or bike shop and ride the miles together on multiple bikes (example: 10 bikes, averaging 10 miles per hour, can finish 200 miles in 2 hours. 10 miles per hour is a very comfortable pace during which you can talk, laugh and joke your way to the 200-mile mark!)


Not a bike rider? Here are some other ways you can reach your goal:

  • Walking either outside or on a treadmill your gym
  • Hiking your favorite trails
  • Running on your treadmill at home or at the gym – or doing a marathon or half marathon
  • Swimming laps
  • And many more. Be creative! The important thing is to get moving and keep moving.
 
Feel free to be creative, have fun and organize your Team Parkinson’s efforts to best suit your needs and resources. Remember that adding an actual event, like a group cycling class, will also help meet the Team Parkinson’s goal of increasing awareness about Parkinson’s in and around your community.

Fundraising

Set up your personal fundraising page. Include pictures and tell your story about why you are a member of Team Parkinson’s.

Encourage your donors to donate online. In addition to saving time and helping reduce the amount of paper we use, giving online is the simplest way for you to keep track of your donations. If your donors choose to write a check, it should be made payable to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation and sent to the following address:

Attn: Team Parkinson’s
Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation
400 Mercer St., #401
Seattle, WA 98109

Note: Each check must have the rider's name in the memo portion to be credited to your campaign.

Additional Resources

Please check out the following links for additional fundraising ideas and assistance.

If you need help building your fundraising page, you can contact us at:
info@nwpf.org or 1-877-980-7500