Navy Veteran's Cycling Expedition Endures Across 125,000 Miles in a Nonstop 125-day Stint, Continues Without Abatement
Patrick Cornell, a Navy veteran, retired firefighter, and 9/11 first responder, has completed an epic 135,000-mile motorcycle journey across the United States. The journey, which spanned cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Miami, was not without its challenges, particularly in the mountainous regions of the Rockies and the climatic extremes of desert areas.
Despite facing these obstacles, Cornell managed to break his collarbone mid-ride but still met his 100,000-mile challenge goal. He suspects he would've gone through fewer front tires, but he's broken three rims, which have taken their toll. To reduce the time spent on fueling and highway exits, Cornell outfitted his PowerPlus Pursuit with an auxiliary fuel tank, allowing him to travel 400 miles between stops.
Indian Motorcycles donated a Pursuit to support Cornell's ride, with a fundraising target of $125,000. The fundraising supports the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation's research and patient-support programs and aligns with International Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness Day on September 15. As of this writing, the fundraiser has generated $73,000, with donations remaining open at MDF's fundraising page.
Cornell rode 1,000 miles daily for 125 days on a 2025 Indian Pursuit to raise awareness for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation. He challenged his followers to donate $1,000 per day, promising to ride 1,000 miles the next day. Cornell had the rear brakes and the rear half of the motorcycle serviced by one Indian service shop, and the fork, brakes, and everything else that needed attention at the front of the Pursuit serviced at a different dealer.
To cope with the discomfort during long rides, Cornell uses a custom-made seat from Russell Delong and a Wild Ass seat cushion. He's also equipped his bike with a farkle bar and hydration and cooling tanks. Cornell's wife, Janice, has a family history of being affected by Myotonic Dystrophy, adding a personal touch to his mission.
One of Cornell's top picks for favourite parts of the country is the North Cascades Highway in Washington. The PowerPlus Pursuit, with its 112-cu-in V-Twin engine that makes 126 hp (93 kW) and 133 lb-ft (180 Nm) of torque, handled the journey admirably, although it did require a new stator at around 100,000 miles and a fuel pump before that.
Cornell's journey can be tracked on Facebook at Vroom Old Man - Indian 125+ for Myotonic. His determination, resilience, and commitment to raising awareness for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation serve as an inspiration to many.
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