The Tour de Fox Pacific Northwest ride is coming up in less than two weeks, and to inspire you to join the fun on Saturday, August 20, I'm introducing you to one of the talented cyclists who will tackle the 75-mile course outside Vancouver, British Columbia. (Not an experienced cyclist? Not a problem! We have ride options for everyone, regardless of ability or age.)

Meet Jonathan Mackin, a Vancouverite, a dedicated Team Fox member and a born athlete. Jonathan has had a recent propensity for endurance sports, mostly running, walking and cycling, but it may surprise you to find out that he was a football player through the college level, and an offensive lineman at that.  

Jonathan was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD) in 2012, at age 36, after a six-year struggle to learn the cause behind his symptoms. Since then, he's been about as active (literally) in the Team Fox community as someone can be by logging more than 5,000 Charity Miles walking and running around Vancouver. He also joined me for both a ride and a climb in last year's Tour de Fox. Getting to know Jonathan, and others like him, has been my favorite part of working at The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF).

Sam Fox: You joined two Tour de Fox events last year on Vancouver Island and in Vancouver proper. What made you want to be a part of it?

Jonathan Mackin: MJFF is an excellent charity working toward a goal which is very important to me and many friends and their family members: a cure for Parkinson's. Sam, seeing your dedication in last year's Tour and how the PD community rallied together to fight for a cure was inspiring. I felt I needed to do my part to help not only myself, but many of the people I know who either have loved ones with Parkinson's or have Parkinson's themselves. We all need to keep hope and keep pushing to find a cure, and in the meantime, find ways to manage the disease better.

Sam: And what's bringing you back to ride in the Tour de Fox Series this year?

Jonathan: When I heard there would be a ride in the Pacific Northwest, I couldn't help but sign up! I want to continue doing my part to find a cure for Parkinson's while I am able and in whatever way I possibly can.

Sam: You've had a busy few years (and thousands of miles) filled with Team Fox activity. What's on tap next in your bucket list of physical challenges?

Jonathan: Ever since being diagnosed, I've wanted to walk across Canada or the United States. I even planned out some routes. I love to walk, and what better way to see the beauty we live in! I also love hiking and the outdoors; the Vancouver mountains are always calling. I've looked at maybe combining the beautiful scenery of the mountains with an endurance hike. The list goes on and continues to grow, from climbing to running a marathon to driving in an endurance race.

Sam: What advice would you share with someone newly diagnosed with Parkinson's, or for that matter, anyone dealing with an unexpected challenge in life?

Jonathan: Maintaining a positive attitude can carry you through even the worst days. A smile and laughter go a long way in dealing with anything life throws at you. Also, keep active! From doing something like walking briskly to climbing mountains to joining an exercise class, just get up and be active. Show that challenge you are the boss.

In less than two weeks, join Jonathan and many others at the Tour de Fox Pacific Northwest ride on Saturday, August 20 in Fort Langley, British Columbia. Visit tourdefox.org to register as a cyclist or join the festival at the finish for live music, food and fun!