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Sometimes a split is for the better. This one will double the "Good". In mid-August the Parkinson's Power Across America athletes split into two groups to better accomplish their goals. While one group continued on through the high country of the Great American West on their original route, the other group headed out from Las Vegas to ride into California and visit more highly populated areas. Matt Drayton along with Eric and Matt Folia decided that the fundraising and awareness-building part of their mission could be better accomplished by visiting more support groups and individuals in California. They are working harder on getting publicity from the media and reaching out to more people. They came to the realization that after months of planning and travel there were only a few weeks left to do the best job they possibly could. I'm sure kayaking, biking and climbing mountains are great fun and a once-in-a-liftetime experience. The PPAA folks have done well to visit and speak with so many people across the U.S. But the fight is in the trenches. It's a battle to capture the minds and hearts of those who would like to help if only they knew more about PD. Once that battle is won it's just human nature that folks will dig down deep to help, financially and in other ways. If you have some time read a bit about the changes that these young athletes have gone through. Check out: http://www.parkinsonspower.org/triplog.html . It's a diary of their travels. They are open and sincere. If you live in California consider contacting the PPAA to find out when they will be in your neighborhood. If you live in or around San Francisco there will be some great events coming up around September 10th at the Parkinson's Institute and around town. Best of luck to Matt Drayton, Jamie Purdy, Ed Lanigan, Becky Howland, Doug Shrack, Andrea Zeger, Matt Folia, Saluda Golden, and Eric Folia. -K