Pat Cornell is no stranger to challenges. A U.S. Navy Veteran, retired firefighter, and 9/11 first responder, Pat has spent his life on the frontlines of service. Courage, compassion, and resilience define his story—whether it was protecting his country, saving lives, or standing tall in times of crisis. Even in retirement, Pat has not slowed down. Instead, he has taken up a mission close to his heart: raising awareness and funds for Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy.
The Mission: 1,000 Miles a Day
So, how does one man spread awareness for a rare disease? Pat’s answer is simple but extraordinary—by riding his motorcycle 1,000 miles a day, every single day. For 128 days straight, Pat has been in the saddle, covering an incredible 128,000 miles across the lower 48 states. His original goal was 125 days and 125,000 miles, but Pat isn’t stopping. As long as donations keep coming in for the Myotonic Foundation—at least $1,000 a day—he keeps riding.
To put this into perspective, most riders would need weeks to recover from such mileage. Yet Pat, with a mix of grit and good humor, brushes it off:
“I sit my ass in my recliner, twist on my remote control (throttle), and watch the National Geographic scenery channel all day long.”
Each day consists of 14–16 hours on the road, followed by what he calls the “three S’s”—shit, shower, shave—and sleep. It’s a lifestyle that demands both physical toughness and unwavering dedication.
The Bike: Meet ‘Pappi’
Pat’s trusted partner on this journey is a 2025 Indian Pursuit (Limited trim), affectionately named Pappi. This isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a purpose-built endurance machine loaded with modifications to support his epic mission.
- Navigation: Garmin GPS and Waze
- Safety & Communication: SPOT X® Bluetooth satellite messenger, radar detector
- Storage: Tour pack swapped for a rugged Pelican box
- Fuel System: 4.7-gallon Taildragger Smart Auxiliary Tank that automatically keeps the main tank at three-quarters full
- Hydration: Side-mounted hydration tanks to keep him going on long rides
Despite the bike’s capabilities, 128,000 miles isn’t kind to machinery. Pat has already gone through 10 rear tires, 7 front tires, 4 rims, and replaced fuel pumps damaged by clogged filters. At 106,000 miles, a stator malfunction tested his patience—but never his resolve.
The Cause: Myotonic Dystrophy Awareness
At the heart of this adventure is something bigger than mileage or records. Pat is riding to raise awareness and donations for Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy (DM), a rare, inherited, multisystem disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, myotonia (difficulty relaxing muscles after a contraction), and early-onset cataracts, and can also affect the heart, lungs, endocrine system, and brain. His campaign is threefold:
- Celebrate Indian Motorcycles’ 125th anniversary with 125,000 miles in 125 days.
- Raise funds and awareness for the Myotonic Foundation.
- Chase Guinness World Records, pushing the limits of endurance riding.
Why Pat’s efforts matter
What makes Pat’s journey so remarkable is not just the numbers, but the spirit behind them. He is proving that endurance, determination, and compassion can fuel something greater than oneself. At a time when many might choose rest and comfort, Pat has chosen the open road, the gruelling miles, and the cause that keeps him going.
Follow and Support
Pat Cornell’s ride is not just a record attempt—it’s a movement. You can follow his journey on Instagram: @vroomoldman.
To support his mission and donate to the cause, visit: Donate to the Myotonic Foundation
Pat Cornell.
