Fall / Winter 2024 | Community 21
Pedaling to a Future without Parkinson ’ s :
Tour de Fox Returns in Person
By Liv Newlon
After five years of virtual participation , MJFF ’ s Tour de Fox Wine Country event made a triumphant return to an in-person bike ride in September . Set amidst the scenic backdrop of Sonoma County in northern California , the event brought together riders old and new for a day that was far more than just a ride — it was a celebration of community , fundraising and , of course , cycling .
Based in Geyserville , the event was hosted for the first time at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery . Riders chose from three picturesque routes ranging from 14.5 miles to 72 miles . Following the ride , participants were treated to an unforgettable festival experience . Featuring a live band , an array of culinary delights and offerings from local breweries and distilleries , the ride created a vibrant atmosphere that captured the spirit of the Parkinson ’ s community .
Tour de Fox Wine Country participants helped raise more than a half million dollars for Parkinson ’ s research .
“ It was a delight to bring this event back to ‘ in-person ’ for the first time in five years ,” says Jane Hoffmann , MJFF ’ s director of community fundraising events . “ The Parkinson ’ s community showed up in a powerful way to support MJFF ’ s mission and cycle toward a cure . My team was honored to be a part of this inspiring event .”
The first Tour de Fox Wine Country was hosted in 2015 by MJFF Board Member and CEO of Jackson Family Wines , Rick Tigner , whose wife , Wendy , lives with Parkinson ’ s . The inaugural event served as both a bike ride and celebration , inspired by the larger “ Tour de Fox ” taking place from coast to coast that summer , ultimately raising nearly $ 465,000 for Parkinson ’ s research . Fast forward to the 10th Tour de Fox , and over $ 9.6 million has been raised for Parkinson ’ s research since inception , with every dollar supporting scientists and researchers working to push a cure for PD over the finish line .
Interested in pedaling for Parkinson ’ s ? Look for more information soon on the 2025 Tour de Fox at tourdefox . org .