Cyclists Embark On 1600-Mile Journey To Raise Money For Parkinson's Research

WILMETTE, IL — A team of cyclists diagnosed with Parkinsons and advocates will soon set off on a journey from Chicago to Phoenix, starting out in Wilmette.

The Route 66 Pedaling for Parkinson's Cycling Team, a group of approximately 20 people, is making the journey to prove that Parkinson's doesn't define them.

"We have Parkinson’s, but PD doesn’t have us and we don’t plan on it defeating us either. Plus, what an amazing way to travel historic Route 66 on it’s 100th anniversary. Riding through history and making history, all at the same time," the group said on Facebook.

The journey will last more than 30 days and aims to raise money for research. Any donations made to the group will be split evenly between four different research groups: Parkinson Canada, Davis Phiney Foundation for Parkinson's, 7th World Parkinson Congress and Team Fox for Parkinson's Research.

The team will begin on April 20, starting in Wilmette and heading to Navy Pier before embarking on their trip. Their anticipated arrival in Phoenix, Arizona, is on May 22.

The journey's route will take the team from Illinois, through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.