WAPELLO, Iowa Riding a motorcycle takes a steady hand. Although Jeff Weikert doesnt have that luxury anymore, that wont stop him from riding. <\/p>\n
In 2009, Weikert, 51, of Wapello, was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. The disease hasnt stopped him from riding, though. <\/p>\n
The career motorcycle and stock car racer signed up to participate in the 90th edition of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, also known as the Race to the Clouds, in Colorado Springs, Colo. <\/p>\n
To participate, one has to submit a resume of personal racing history. After Weikert submitted his on Dec. 1, 2011, his wife, Angie, 46, said they were invited to participate in the race. <\/p>\n
Its fine with me, and hes been racing since Ive known him, Angie said. Its one more race that was on his bucket list. <\/p>\n
Angie said the last race that her husband participated in was in 2010 for District 17, an American Motorcycle Association organization that competes in Illinois. She described that race as featuring specialty made cycles through an obstacle course. <\/p>\n
Its timed, but slow and about balancing, Angie said. His Parkinsons prevented him from competing again after he was diagnosed. <\/p>\n
For the race in Colorado, Weikert will ride a 1974 Honda 250cc motorcycle. The cycle was built and is owned by Paynes Cycle Center in Rock Island. He is only one of two riders from Iowa to compete in the 200-man race. <\/p>\n
Heading to Colorado with Jeff and his wife for the race on July 8 are their two sons, Jonathan and Jacob and Jacobs wife, Jessica. Others include members of Paynes Cycle Center and other friends and family to help with their fundraising. <\/p>\n
After Jeff was diagnosed, he and his wife sought information about the disease through the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research. For the race, the Weikerts have teamed up with the foundation to help raise awareness and money. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Original post: WAPELLO, Iowa Riding a motorcycle takes a steady hand. Although Jeff Weikert doesnt have that luxury anymore, that wont stop him from riding. In 2009, Weikert, 51, of Wapello, was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease, a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. Continue reading
\nMan's 'Race to the Clouds' will help fight Parkinson\u2019s disease<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"