TECUMSEH, Mich. — At 64 years old, Sue Wilson from Tecumseh, MI, is currently participating in a 3,100-mile bicycle ride from Silver City, New Mexico to St. Augustine, Florida to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease and to support “The Longest Day” fundraiser, organized by the Alzheimer’s Association.

I wanted to learn more about Sue and her dedication to this event. Luckily, she was able to answer some questions via email on one of her rest days.

Are you riding alone or in a group?

Sue Wilson: If in a group, are all riders working to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s? I am riding in a group of 25 women along with 2 guides. It is a guided Southern Tier ride with a company called Woman Tours. We began in San Diego and will finish in St. Augustine.

Have you always had an interest in cycling?

Wilson: My husband and I owned a bicycle store for 30 years in Adrian, Michigan and prior to that I just biked for fun and, of course, as a kid the wheels meant independence!

What has been the best/worst day for you?

Wilson: The worst day of this trip was in California when we were riding through a pass near Jacumba and unexpectedly the wind picked up to 50 mph gusts. This was as we rode along a drop off with no guardrail. None of us could stay on our bikes and walking them was a struggle. At one point my bike was picked up in the air. I was flying it like a kite. Ultimately we were all picked up by the support van and eventually we finished the ride with a calm, sunny day. The best day so far has been a ride we just finished. We wound our way over rolling hills through two State Parks in Texas on our way to La Grange. Beautiful. Reminded me of Michigan.

What kind of people have you met on your trip?

Wilson: We’ve crossed paths with another bike tour. It’s interesting to compare notes with other riders.

What have you learned on the road?

Wilson: Some folks have stopped when we’re taking a break on the side of the road and asked if we’re okay. Do we need water? Very kind. People are curious and will ask about the ride and most commonly say “Be safe.”

What motivates you?

Wilson: I have two motivations. To honor my mother, Helen Parker, who passed away from Alzheimer’s. I want to show I was paying attention to her example. She and my Dad served in the Peace Corps in Papua New Guinea after they retired. My other motivation was to challenge myself. I’ve never challenged myself physically like this.

What is your favorite memory of your mom?

Wilson: She was an adventurous woman with a constant curiosity who pushed herself to help the world.

To follow Sue’s journey, please visit https://www.instagram.com/wheelingforhealing/. For more information about Alzehimers, please visit https://www.alz.org/gmc. 

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