Watch Ride with Larry

Ride with Larry is a touching documentary from 2013 that chronicles the journey of retired police captain Larry Smith as he battles Parkinson's disease with the help of his dedicated team of caregivers and friends. Directed by Andrew Rubin, the film follows Larry as he embarks on a cross-country cycling trip from California to South Dakota with his friend, cycling coach and Parkinson's advocate, Phil Southerland.

The documentary begins by introducing us to Larry Smith, a charismatic and driven man who served as a police captain in South Dakota for twenty years until he was forced to retire due to the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The film does an excellent job of showing us Larry's life before Parkinson's, his struggles with the disease and his attempts to maintain a sense of normalcy in the years following his diagnosis.

Throughout the movie, we see Larry's relationship with his wife Betty, who is also his primary caregiver. Their love for each other is evident and we see the two of them try to figure out how to navigate the challenges that come with Parkinson's. As the disease progresses, Larry's condition worsens and it becomes harder for him to maintain his independence. However, he remains determined to stay active and positive.

With the help of Phil Southerland and his cycling team, Larry decides to embark on a 300-mile bike ride across South Dakota to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease. Although it's a daunting task for anyone, let alone someone battling a degenerative disease, Larry's team is determined to make it happen.

Along the way, we meet other members of Larry's support team, including his physical therapist Emily Drabant and his longtime friend Paul Larson. Both help Larry stay on track, providing physical and emotional support throughout the journey. We also meet Jay Alberts, a research scientist who joins the team to study the effects of cycling on Parkinson's.

The documentary does an excellent job of depicting the ups and downs of the trip. We see Larry struggle to keep up with the team at times, but he never gives up. He's determined to reach his destination, and the team rallies around him to make it happen. The movie is also shot beautifully, with stunning landscapes and sweeping shots of the cyclists on their journey.

One of the most moving aspects of Ride with Larry is the way it captures the impact of Parkinson's on Larry's life. We see him struggle with everyday tasks like putting on his shoes or opening a jar. We witness the frustration and sadness that come with the disease, but also the resilience and determination. Through Larry's journey, we are reminded of the importance of staying active and not giving up, no matter what challenges we face.

Overall, Ride with Larry is a poignant and inspiring documentary that shines a light on the challenges of living with Parkinson's disease. It's a testament to the power of friendship, teamwork, and determination, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can find a way forward.

Ride with Larry is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.5.