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Bret Parker with his Bike in Sag Harbor training for the New England Parkinson's Ride
Bret Parker and his wife Katharine Parker training fot the New England Parkinson's Ride
Adventure and ambition were always a part of 51-year-old Bret Parker’s life, before he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease over 10 years ago, and maybe even more so after.
The executive director of the New York City Bar Association, who splits his time between Sag Harbor and New York City, accomplished what he called his largest feat yet by completing the World Marathon Challenge in January 2018. The challenge consists of seven marathons, run in seven days, across each of the seven continents.
“It was the biggest adventure that I have had or will have,” Parker said.
This year, Parker is taking on a new challenge, and while it’s not as adventurous as the World Marathon Challenge, it supports a cause that hits home for him personally. Parker, along with his wife, Katharine, will be taking part in the 12th annual New England Parkinson’s Ride, completing a 100-mile bike ride that starts and finishes at Old Orchard Beach in Maine on September 7.
The Parkers take the opportunity to bond with each other and raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease by participating in these challenging events together. When the two were deciding which event to compete in this year, the New England Parkinson’s Ride had a special place in their hearts.
“Bret was considering many crazy events, and we both decided to participate in this bike ride,” Ms. Parker said. “We know the family who started the ride, and wanted to support them, and other people with Parkinson’s disease.
“I have done about half the events with [Bret] and I have had a great time doing all of them,” she said.
As a fun addition to the event, Mr. Parker will also be eating seven lobster rolls in one day.
“The lobster rolls are to represent the seven continents that I ran last year. They are also a tradition in my family,” he explained. “When my sons were at sleep-away camp in Maine, I would come up for parent’s visiting day and as soon as I crossed the border into Maine I would just start eating lobster rolls. My record I believe was four in the span of 24 hours,” Parker said.
Training for the event has not been easy. The Parkers, who do much of their training on the East End, started preparing for the ride in January.
“I purchased a stationary Peloton bike to ride throughout the colder months, and then as the weather became nicer, I began to train outside and bike longer distances,” Parker said. “My wife and I biked 69 miles yesterday in preparation. We are both very sore,” he added.
The Parkers have been very grateful for all of the support they’ve received from family and friends. Together they’ve raised over $50,000 for Parkinson’s research and awareness.
“The reaction we have gotten is overwhelming and so rewarding,” Mr. Parker said.
To donate, visit fundraise.michaeljfox.org/new-england- parkinsons-ride/777, and for more information on the New England Parkinson’s Ride, go to neparkinsonsride.com.
