Retired Detective Dan Roman’s 5,000-Mile Solo Bike Ride for Parkinson’s Awareness

Today on Your Daily Chocolate, Patty talks with Dan Roman, a retired police detective, father of five, and grandfather of eight, who completed a 5,000-mile solo bicycle ride across the U.S. to raise awareness for Parkinson’s disease in honor of his father, who died after a 40-year battle.

Dan explains why the timing mattered to him, including anniversaries connected to Route 66 and the TransAmerica Bike Trail, how he trained and planned his route and what he carried on a fully self-contained, heavily loaded bike. He shares challenges like extreme rain, wind, and repeated bike breakdowns, and highlights generosity from strangers and businesses, fundraising for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and lessons about faith, support, and resilience.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Meet Dan Roman

01:13 Why Ride Cross Country

02:34 TransAmerica Trail Explained

04:09 Route Choices and Direction

04:40 Training and Cycling Background

06:21 Fueling with Junk Carbs

08:51 Mapping and Water Stops

11:48 Gear Load and Bike Weight

13:29 Weather Challenges on the Road

16:14 Bike Breakdowns and Repairs

18:36 Kindness of Strangers Begins

19:17 Kindness on the Road

19:58 Six Hours of Downpour

21:45 Carol’s Rain Jacket

24:23 Donations and Discounts

26:31 Faith and Godwinks

30:01 Prayers from Strangers

31:35 Rapid Fire Favorites

32:00 Route 66 and Vermont

34:38 Next Ride and Chocolate

35:35 Final Thanks and Wrap

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