Quick Take
David Kadotani, well known in South County as the longtime owner of Kadotani Auto Repair in Watsonville, is part of a group of cyclists riding down the West Coast to Phoenix to help raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease ahead of the World Parkinson Congress later this month.
A Santa Cruz County cyclist is helping raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease in a unique – and strenuous – way: by joining other bikers in pedaling down the West Coast and across the desert to arrive at the seventh World Parkinson Congress, being held this year in Phoenix at the end of May.
David Kadotani, well known in South County as the longtime owner of Kadotani Auto Repair in Watsonville, will be joining the pack of riders in Half Moon Bay and continuing on to Phoenix. The riders maintain their own pace, averaging about 65 miles per day.
Kadotani, 69, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in May 2020. He joined a Santa Cruz County Parkinson’s support group, and later became board treasurer.
“Of course, everything was on Zoom at that point” because of COVID awareness, Kadotani said in a phone interview. “It was a couple years before I met a lot of these members in person.”
In preparation for the journey, Kadotani said he trains twice a week with a local group.
“The outdoor rides, we’re out there for about four hours, twice a week,” Kadotani said. He prefers riding outside instead of using a home trainer: “On an indoor trainer, it’s hard. You’re constantly pedaling. You can’t coast.”
The bike event – Pedal to Phoenix – is put on by the World Parkinson Coalition. It aims to raise awareness of Parkinson’s, highlight the importance of exercise for people with the disease and promote the World Parkinson Congress.
The World Parkinson Congress is an international forum that brings together scientists, clinicians, healthcare professionals and people living with the disease.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that occurs when nerve cells in the brain die or become damaged. This damage reduces dopamine production, leading to movement problems and other issues. There is no cure, but extensive research has shown that exercise of any kind can forestall the symptoms.
Teams of cyclists – some with the disease and others as support – from around the world will be cycling from various locations across North America to Phoenix.
Regardless of where the teams start, they all will meet at the welcome party in Phoenix on May 22.
Kadotani’s group, Team West Coast, will be passing through Santa Cruz and Monterey counties on Tuesday, May 5. Supporters can gather to cheer them on and donate food and snacks from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marina branch of the Monterey County Free Libraries, 190 Seaside Circle, Marina.
Have news that should be in Lookout Briefs? Send your news releases, including contact information, to news@lookoutlocal.com.
