Redneck Ride will tackle Parkinson's

By Shelley Widhalm

Aug. 21, 2016

Loveland resident John Jacquinot is dedicated to getting exercise and to getting other people to do the same — particularly if they have Parkinson's disease.

If you go

What: Redneck Ride for Parkinson's.

When: 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 28.

Where: Meet at the Kmart parking lot, 2665 W. Eisenhower Blvd.

Cost: No registration fee, donations accepted.

Celebration: 5 p.m., Big Beaver Brewery, 2707 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Suite 9.

More info: Visit www.ParkinsonRockies.org/RedneckRideor contact John Jacquinot at 213-1026.

Jacquinot, who was diagnosed with the movement disorder six or seven years ago, generates enthusiasm for exercise by organizing the Redneck Ride for Parkinson's to benefit the Parkinson's Association of the Rockies and to raise awareness of the disease. The fourth annual ride will be Aug. 28.

"I never have the shakes because I work out so hard daily," said Jacquinot, who rides a bike, hikes, jogs and lifts weights, making sure he exercises for at least an hour a day. 

This year, the ride will be 24 miles through the foothills of Larimer County and limited to 100 riders who ride for free but can give donations. The first ride had 20 riders.

Riders will meet at the Loveland Kmart parking lot to take a bus up to the base of Rist Canyon and will have their bicycles transported by trailer. They will take a casual ride through the Buckhorn Canyon, with a few stops along the way for lunch and breaks, arriving at Big Beaver Brewery at 4-4:30 p.m. for an after-party. 

Riders will get a free beer, and the after-party will provide music and prizes. 

"I hope people who can't ride the ride will come out to listen to the music," Jacquinot said.

Jacquinot aims to raise $8,000 for the Parkinson's Association to provide exercise and activity programs at a low cost or through scholarships to those with Parkinson's. Parkinson's is caused by a lack of dopamine that can result in tremors and difficulties with balance and gait. 

"Study after study shows that exercise actually slows the progression of the disease that can affect agility, balance and gait," said Cheryl Siefert, executive director of the Parkinson's Association of the Rockies, based in Denver and serving all of Colorado. "It improves attitude and increases confidence, so that it empowers individuals to take control of the disease, rather than let the disease define their lives."

The Parkinson's Association also provides support groups and equipment loan programs.

"I want to help people hopefully exercise and feel better," Jacquinot said. "I work out extremely hard. I know it helps me physically, but the main thing is it helps me mentally. It helps me with life."

Shelley Widhalm: 970-699-5408, swidhalm@reporter-herald.com, twitter.com/ShelleyWidhalm

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