In 2022, Shake It Up fundraiser Sarah Buckpitt and her cycling friends put together the Pedal for Parkinson’s Tasmania tour. Riding 500km across 5 days, the team raised over $19,000 for Shake It Up and sparked a passion for fundraising. Last year, Pedal for Parkinson’s was bigger than ever, raising over $21,000 for Parkinson’s research and growing even further in profile!

Now in it’s third year, a group of over 30 participants are preparing to take part in Pedal for Parkinson’s 2024, an epic Tasmanian adventure. We spoke to Lise (Leez) Robertson, who will be cycling in the tour for the 3rd year in a row!

What inspired you to first join the Pedal for Parkinson’s tour back in 2022?

A beautifully designed poster was shared to the Hobart Hard Core Cycling Facebook page, but I wasn’t planning on signing on. That was until I spoke with my cycling mate, Jen. Jen’s enthusiasm for both the cause and for the challenge was contagious. This was exactly what Jen wanted to do both because she loves a challenge and cycling, and because her late Dad had Parkinson’s. “Jen”, I said, “you won’t be doing this alone!”

What were some of the biggest highlights and hurdles in the last two years of PfP?

In the first year there were only 3 participants who rode all the 5 days. I was determined to ensure that we had more participants in the second year. I cajoled, spruiked, chatted with and messaged every cycling mate I rode with over the next 12-months. This so worked in my favour as I got to do the event with the wonderful Jen, and loads of my cycling buddies, bar one who saw a beautifully designed poster…

As a returning participant, what are you most looking forward to in 2024?

I’m already loving the fact that the numbers from the second year mean that the event is now selling itself! I love how my ride buddies have put their hands up to do group tasks such as drive a support vehicle, book a meal or two, book a hotel or three, research when the loos and cafes are and the distances between them, volunteer to be chief bike mechanic and peruse aerial maps to check out rough roads and gravel sections.

What inspired your commitment to fundraise for Parkinson’s research?

Other people’s stories are amazing. Sarah’s drive to honour her late Grandma and Rosie’s Mum, Jen’s memories of her Dad, the clients I’ve cared for, and the proprietor of the Miena Lodge whose late husband had Parkinson’s. That remote pub has the best disabled facilities you’ve ever seen because as a couple they had found it hard to get away and relax.

What makes Pedal for Parkinson’s a special event?

The people. And spending 5-days cycling in beautiful Tasmania. Overcoming adversity with said people – no doubt there will be some challenging weather and saddle sores between us. Plus, how much we raise each year. Let me say right now – this year is going to blow the fundraising goals out of the water!

Find out more about Pedal for Parkinson’s here, or support Lise in her fundraising here.