12 months, more than 200,000 miles traveled and a mission to accomplish: “raise funds for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation”. This is in summary the story of Patrick “Vroom Old Man” Cornellone of those bikers who know no limits when they set their goal to support a good cause. Specifically piloting his Indian Pursuit 2025 throughout the United States and Canada. Not only that; It has also helped to establish four world records recognized by Atlas World Records.
An Indian Pursuit and a noble mission
Approximately a year ago, Cornell began this adventure, coinciding with the brand’s 125th Anniversary. So the idea was to travel 125,000 miles (201,168 km) to raise $125,000 in 125 days. Although he racked up miles, fundraising was slow. Cornell extended his journey, eventually reaching 146,000 miles (234,964 km) in 146 days, despite a broken collarbone suffered along the way.
Its journey continued until it reached 201901 miles (324,928 km), a nod to the year Indian Motorcycle was founded, 1901. In total, Cornell has raised $150,000 for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation to date, with the goal of reaching $200,000. During all this time the Indian Pursuit, nicknamed “Pappy”endured thousands of hours on the road, changing weather conditions, varied terrain, and the demands of unprecedented long-distance travel.
But everything makes sense when you have a clear objective and Patrick’s was. In fact, this mission became very personal for him, as myotonic dystrophy has affected several members of his wife’s family, including his four sisters. But as he racked up the miles, Cornell’s trip became more than a selfless effort to raise awareness and funds.
Four world records for a good cause
Parallel to the financial achievements made by Cornell over the last year is the fact that, while piloting his Indian Pursuit, he established several world records recognized by Atlas World Records. These include:
- Greater number of consecutive days traveling at least 1,000 miles (1,609 km) on a motorcycle.
- Longest consecutive period riding an average of at least 1,000 miles (1,609 km) per day on a motorcycle.
- Longest distance traveled by motorcycle in a single country before returning home.
- Greatest distance traveled on a motorcycle in twelve consecutive months, as recorded in the documentation.
A faithful and reliable machine
In this exciting story we cannot forget the Indian Pursuit that has accompanied Patrick in this story. Without her none of this would have been possible. Despite the long distances and long hours on the road, the Yankee mega custom required minimal maintenance. Cornell replaced the stator, changed the fuel filters five times, ran 16 rear tires, 12 front tires, and performed numerous oil changes.
However, the bike’s original clutch, clutch cable, drive belt and starter motor remained intact throughout the ride. Furthermore, both the engine and transmission did not present a single problem. About the motorcycle Cornell explains: “More than anything, I needed a motorcycle I could trust. My Indian Pursuit never gave me reason to doubt its capability for the ride, allowing me to focus on the main reason I was riding.”
For your part Mike KennedyCEO of Indian Motorcycle, concluded by expressing his admiration for the two protagonists of this story: “Traveling more than 200,000 miles in one year is an extraordinary achievement in itself, but Pat’s purpose was much greater than the trip itself. His four world records are a remarkable testament to his determination, perseverance and commitment to the cause.”
