Athlete with Parkinson's set to co-captain team cycling most of Route 66

Bill Bucklew, diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2012, will co-captain Team Route 66 on an approximately 1,600-mile ride beginning April 20 toward the World Parkinson's Congress in Phoenix.

April is Parkinson's awareness month, and Bill Bucklew is preparing to co-captain a team of athletes with Parkinson's on a long cycling journey. The group plans to ride most of the length of historic Route 66 beginning April 20, aiming to arrive before the World Parkinson's Congress in Phoenix on May 23. Bucklew was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2012 at age 43 and has since taken on many endurance events. He uses a recumbent three-wheeled bicycle to manage balance changes and continue cycling as the disease progresses. The ride and the team have been discussed in previous coverage as part of broader fundraising and awareness efforts. Known details: - Bill Bucklew was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2012 at age 43. - He will serve as co-captain of Team Route 66, a group of cyclists with Parkinson's. - The planned route covers roughly 1,600 miles along much of Route 66 and starts on April 20. - Riders will use recumbent tricycles to accommodate balance challenges and to continue cycling. - The team plans to arrive near Phoenix the day before the World Parkinson's Congress, which is scheduled for May 23. Summary: The planned ride highlights the role that sustained physical activity has played in Bucklew's approach to living with Parkinson's and emphasizes group participation across regions. The immediate next step is the team's departure on April 20 and their scheduled arrival near Phoenix the day before the World Parkinson's Congress on May 23.