Surpassing 125,000 Miles in 125 Days
On September 2, 2025, Patrick “Pat” Cornell—known to many as Vroom Old Man—rolled into Indian Motorcycle of Southeastern Virginia in Newport News, VA. There, he officially crossed the finish line of his original goal: 125,000 miles in 125 days, a record-breaking motorcycle ride that united riders, rare disease advocates, and families affected by myotonic dystrophy (DM).
Pat, a 60-year-old Navy veteran, 9/11 first responder, and retired firefighter, set out not just to break records but to raise national awareness of myotonic dystrophy, a devastating inherited disorder that affects more than 150,000 Americans. His ride became a rallying point for the DM community and a powerful symbol of grit, endurance, and love.
From World Records to Monument Valley
Rather than stop at the finish line, Pat pushed further. On Day 126 he launched the “+” portion of his ride, pledging to continue his 1,000-mile days in hopes of helping the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation (MDF) reach its $125,000 fundraising goal. In just two weeks, his determination inspired a surge of new donations.
But months on the road began to take a toll. With a painful shoulder injury and other commitments ahead, Pat declared Day 145 at 145,000 miles his last official endurance day. Fittingly, he reached that milestone in Monument Valley, UT—where he and a group of long-distance riders recreated the iconic Forrest Gump scene of stopping, turning, and heading home. (Watch the backstory of Day 145 on TikTok.) The powerful moment marked both the end of his record chase and the beginning of his next chapter.
Donate Now to Pat's #RideForDM
A Ride That Lives On
Even on his way home, Pat inadvertently logged another 1,000-mile day, bringing his total to 146,000 miles in 146 days. More importantly, his motorcycle ride for myotonic dystrophy awareness captured national attention, drawing in new supporters and uniting the community coast-to-coast.
And though the ride has paused, the mission continues. Within days, Pat announced new appearances to keep spreading awareness, including a stop at Cosmo’s Indian Motorcycle in Pennsylvania and a victory lap at the King of the Baggers race in New Jersey. His voice and visibility continue to amplify the urgent need for research, care, and advocacy.
Help Finish Pat’s Mission!
Pat Cornell’s record-setting motorcycle ride proved what one person can do to shine a light on myotonic dystrophy. Now, it’s our turn to carry his mission forward. Help us honor Pat’s extraordinary journey by pushing his fundraiser across the finish line to $125,000 in support of families living with DM.
Donate today at https://give.myotonic.org/Pat125
Every mile Pat rode built awareness. Every gift you give fuels research, care, and hope for the DM community.