Last year we met Drew and Jamie Heighway – a father son duo about to take off on a memorable trip with 12 friends – cycling 550 miles from Toronto to NYC in just over 5 days as part of Team BBP (Bikes Battle Parkinson’s). The group raised just shy of $25,000 in their first year, and this year are back with a different route and a team that’s almost doubled in size! They are currently en route from Montreal to Boston, and plan to arrive tomorrow morning at their final destination – Fenway Park!

I had a moment to catch up with Jamie and ask about their upcoming trip:

SP: When and why did you get involved with Team Fox?
JH: The moment someone close to you gets hit with a major challenge such as Parkinson's, a lot of time is spent learning about the disease, and learning about ways to lend a hand.  Already possessing a strong love for athletics and endurance events, I was naturally drawn to the efforts of Team Fox and their numerous activities throughout North America.

JH: The moment someone close to you gets hit with a major challenge such as Parkinson's, a lot of time is spent learning about the disease, and learning about ways to lend a hand.  Already possessing a strong love for athletics and endurance events, I was naturally drawn to the efforts of Team Fox and their numerous activities throughout North America.

SP: What Team Fox events have you participated in in the past?
JH: The summer of 2011 marked our first Team Fox event with the inaugural BBP cycling challenge. This year’s trip will take us from Montreal to Boston!

JH: The summer of 2011 marked our first Team Fox event with the inaugural BBP cycling challenge. This year’s trip will take us from Montreal to Boston!

Aside from our annual ride, a bold handful of BBP'ers have completed the Chicago Marathon, and we're also signed up for this year's 2102 NYC Marathon. Our Team Fox singlets are getting plenty of wear put it that way!

SP: Tell us more about this year’s ride.
JH: While shorter in total days than previous bike trips we've completed, the ride is shaping up to be one of the toughest tests to date. Roughly 350 miles will be covered in three days, and don't forget to mix in the 15,000+ feet of climbing we'll come across as well!

JH: While shorter in total days than previous bike trips we've completed, the ride is shaping up to be one of the toughest tests to date. Roughly 350 miles will be covered in three days, and don't forget to mix in the 15,000+ feet of climbing we'll come across as well!

The core group of riders who helped start BBP with me are all signed up for another memorable journey. A number of rookies will be joining us this time around too which is great news...fresh blood! Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention my Dad, who is the catalyst for us starting this event in the first place. He'll once again be riding every single mile with the team, just as he's done each year in the past. For those who don't know, he's had Parkinson's for close to 10 years!

SP: First beverage you’ll have after the ride is over?
JH: Haha this must be a trick question!  Having fun is the number one requirement for these annual rides.  Despite the fact we're usually calling it a night around 9pm each night, it's customary to enjoy a few "adult beverages" after each day of riding.  I'd be lying if I said consumption levels didn't increase once we hit our destination however!

JH: Haha this must be a trick question!  Having fun is the number one requirement for these annual rides.  Despite the fact we're usually calling it a night around 9pm each night, it's customary to enjoy a few "adult beverages" after each day of riding.  I'd be lying if I said consumption levels didn't increase once we hit our destination however!

Best of luck to the entire team as you make your way to Boston. Can’t wait to see you at the finish line!

Follow their progress by getting updates on Facebook and checking out the team on their website.