Parkinson's Rider Tackles Route 66 for Awareness

Bill Bucklew, diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, is embarking on a significant athletic endeavor, serving as co-captain for a team cycling the historic Route 66. This journey, spanning approximately 1,600 miles from Chicago to Phoenix, is set to begin on April 20 and is intended to raise awareness for Parkinson's.

Bucklew, who was diagnosed at age 43, found that exercise significantly helped slow the progression of his condition. He has previously completed numerous athletic challenges, including triathlons, marathons, and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, all aimed at raising awareness and encouraging personal discipline through physical activity.

His latest challenge utilizes a recumbent tricycle, a choice made because it requires no balance, making it accessible for individuals with Parkinson's who may have difficulty with traditional cycling due to balance issues. The team's destination is Phoenix, Arizona, where they plan to arrive on May 22 for the World Parkinson's Coalition conference, which convenes every three years.

The team, known as Team Route 66, includes cyclists from the Midwest and Toronto. They will pass through iconic Route 66 cities such as St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, and Gallup, before heading to Phoenix for the important coalition event.