Imagine riding a bike from Adelaide to Broken Hill and back again. Now imagine pedalling by hand.
For most people, just the thought of riding a bike for anything more than a couple of kilometres is likely to get the thighs burning.
But as part of Pedal to Fight Parkinson’s all-new virtual challenge, Iggy Vasileff is aiming to handcycle 1000 kilometres in 50 days while raising vital funds for Parkinson’s research and care.
Beginning the 50-day challenge on 19 May, Iggy has already handcycled more than 700km and raised an incredible $3000, smashing his initial $500 fundraising goal.
“I didn’t expect to get this level of support, people have been very generous,” he said.
“I’ve had friends that have been impacted by Parkinson’s and so I saw this as a bit of personal challenge while raising some money for a worthy cause.”
A handcycle is a three-wheeled bike resembling a tricycle and powered by a hand crank and gears. It primarily comes in either recumbent or upright styles but with different steering configurations.
As an avid cyclist, Iggy switched to handcycling about 15 years ago after having cancer removed.
Now enjoying retirement after 30 years as a brewer with West End, he is chalking up an average of 20km a day to reach his target with just over a month to go.
Pedal to Fight Parkinson’s is The Hospital Research Foundation Group’s annual 24-hour cycling challenge held at Adelaide Oval on 5-6 August.
Run in partnership with the SANFL and inspired by South Australian footballing great, Mark Mickan, the event has raised more than a quarter-of-a-million dollars for Parkinson’s research and care since 2024.
The virtual challenge, launched for the first time this year, allows participants to pedal for as many kilometres as they can in 50 days, honouring the 50 Australians who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s every day.
This component gives riders the freedom to bike anywhere at any time and at their own pace, whether it’s at the gym, on the way to work or leisurely around their neighbourhood.
To register and take part in the Pedal to Fight Parkinson’s 50-day virtual challenge, head to pedaltofightparkinsons.com.au.
