A local man is recreating his 1974 bicycle trip across the island from the safety of his garage as a fundraiser for the Parkinson Society’s Shake, Rattle and Stroll walk this weekend.

In the summer of 1974, Tom Sandland, who was known as a cycling advocate in the capital city at the time, led a bike ride across the island to mark the 25th anniversary of Confederation.

Robert Emberly was among a group of young people who took part in that historic ride. Emberly, who is now 64, has been living with Parkinson’s disease for the last decade. Despite his physical limitations, he remains an avid cyclist.

Emberly designed and constructed a stationary roller system for his bike during Snowmageddon and was able to refine it during the COVID-19 shutdown.

He mounted his bike on July 19 to start his virtual journey, with the goal of reaching St. John’s on September 20. He averages about 10 kilometres a day and is now reaching Eastern Newfoundland.

Because the annual Shake, Rattle and Stroll fundraiser can’t be held in-person this year, he wanted to help the cause with a virtual trip.

He admits the virtual cycle ride is more challenging than he expected, but at least he’s dry, unlike the summer of 1974.