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NEWS
Indian Motorcycle owner Patrick“ Vroom Old Man” Cornell has completed one of the most extraordinary long-distance motorcycle rides on record, covering 201,901 miles( 324,928 km) across the United States and Canada in 12 months while raising $ 150,000 for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation.
Riding a 2025 Indian Pursuit named‘ Pappy’, Cornell’ s journey has resulted in four world records recognised by Atlas World Records. They include the most consecutive days riding at least 1,000 miles( 1,609 km) on a motorcycle; the longest consecutive period averaging at least 1,000 miles per day; the greatest documented distance ridden on a motorcycle in a single country before returning home; and the greatest documented distance ridden on a motorcycle in 12 consecutive months.
The ride began as part of Indian Motorcycle’ s 125th anniversary celebrations, with Cornell initially setting himself the target of riding 125,000 miles and raising $ 125,000 in 125 days. When the fundraising failed to gather the momentum he had hoped for, he continued riding.
He eventually reached 146,000 miles in 146 days, despite suffering a broken collarbone along the way, before extending the challenge to its final 201,901-mile target – a number chosen as a nod to Indian Motorcycle’ s founding in 1901.
The cause behind the ride was deeply personal. Myotonic Dystrophy, a rare genetic disorder affecting muscles and other parts of the body, has affected several members of Cornell’ s wife’ s family, including all four of her sisters.
“ Ride for someone else, don’ t ride for yourself,” Cornell said when asked how he managed to complete such an enormous distance.
Over the course of the journey, the Pursuit was subjected to thousands of hours on the road, changing weather and a huge variety of terrain. Cornell reports that the motorcycle required relatively little maintenance considering the mileage, with the stator replaced, the fuel filters changed five times, 16 rear tyres and 12 front tyres used, along with numerous oil changes.
The original clutch, clutch cable, drive belt and starter remained in service throughout the ride, while Cornell says the engine and transmission suffered no issues during the entire 201,901 miles.
The fundraising remains an important part of the project, with Cornell having raised $ 150,000 so far towards a target of $ 200,000 for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation.
While the record-breaking mileage has now been achieved, Cornell’ s journey isn ' t quite finished. He plans to continue riding until October, bringing an extraordinary year-long campaign to a close after more than 320,000 kilometres in the saddle. TRAVERSE
INDIAN PURSUIT GOES THE DISTANCE
Four World Records in One Year
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