Growing up in Arkansas, Tim O’Brien spent many days riding his 10-speed bicycle from Sears, pedaling up and down the hilly terrain with friends. When he later moved to Colorado and met his wife, Mary, cycling naturally became part of their life together. Weekends were often spent riding bikes, and once their two children were born, bicycling became a family tradition.

As a Computer Software Architect in the north Denver suburbs, Tim even commuted by bike for 30 years, if the weather was nice. He knew every home with ultrasonic pest deterrents along his route, and the neighbors came to expect his familiar blur figure passing by each morning and evening.

But after his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2020, everything changed. Problems with balance forced him to stop riding outdoors. He tried an indoor cycling class near their home in Louisville, but the negative experience kept him away from cycling entirely.

In early 2025, Tim and Mary moved to Highlands Ranch to be closer to their grandkids. Mary googled nearby “Parkinson’s exercise classes,” and they found their way to Parkinson’s Pointe. Tim and Mary participated in the Strength and Balance and Fit-boxing classes, but because of his previous bad experience in a cycling class, Tim avoided the cycling studio.

That changed in September, when Parkinson’s Pointe launched a Member Challenge that allowed participants to earn stars by attending classes, volunteering, or trying something new. With encouragement from Mary and the instructors, Tim decided to step outside his comfort zone and give indoor cycling another chance. After only his second time on a bike since his diagnosis, Tim walked away loving cycling again.

For the O’Briens, Parkinson’s Pointe has become far more than a gym. “It’s great how we walk in, and everyone says, ‘Hi Tim, hi Mary,’” Mary shared. “Everyone knows each other. It’s such a welcoming community.”

Tim echoed that sentiment: “We are all fighting the same challenges.”

They’ve found meaningful connections during Coffee & Connect gatherings, receiving advice from others who understand the Parkinson’s journey firsthand. Mary has also participated in Caregiver Coffees, forming friendships with people who genuinely understand her day-to-day life. “It’s nice to be around people who get what’s going on, where we don’t have to explain everything.”

Today, Tim and Mary don’t just show up three times a week; they also give monthly to ensure others can experience the same strength, encouragement, and hope they’ve found.

Tim found his way back to the bike, but more importantly, Tim and Mary found a community of people walking- and riding- together on the same journey.