Patrick “Vroom Old Man” Cornell has completed an extraordinary 12-month endurance ride aboard his 2025 Indian Pursuit, setting four world records and raising $150,000 for the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation.

Indian Motorcycle owner Patrick “Vroom Old Man” Cornell has turned an incredible passion for riding into a major fundraising achievement, travelling 201,901 miles (324,928km) across the United States and Canada aboard his 2025 Indian Pursuit.

The journey, which began with a goal of raising awareness and funds for myotonic dystrophy, has now earned Cornell four world records recognised by Atlas World Records. His motorcycle, named “Pappy”, endured thousands of hours on the road, changing weather and varied terrain throughout the 12-month ride.

Cornell’s four world records

Most Consecutive Days Riding at Least 1,000 Miles on a Motorcycle

Longest Consecutive Period Averaging at Least 1,000 Miles Per Day on a Motorcycle

Greatest Documented Distance Ridden on a Motorcycle in a Single Country Before Returning Home

Greatest Documented Distance Ridden on a Motorcycle in Twelve Consecutive Months

The ride was deeply personal, with myotonic dystrophy affecting several members of Cornell’s wife’s family, including her four sisters. His original plan was to ride 125,000 miles and raise $125,000 in 125 days to coincide with Indian Motorcycle’s 125th anniversary.

When the fundraising target proved slower to reach, Cornell extended the journey, eventually completing 146,000 miles in 146 days. Despite suffering a broken collarbone during the ride, he continued on to reach the final 201,901-mile total.

The Indian Pursuit’s PowerPlus 112 engine was at the centre of the achievement, with Cornell relying on the touring motorcycle to carry him through the demanding conditions of sustained, high-mileage riding.

Despite the extraordinary distance, the Pursuit required relatively little maintenance. Cornell replaced the stator, changed the fuel filters five times, went through 16 rear tyres and 12 front tyres, and completed numerous oil changes. The original clutch, clutch cable, drive belt and starter remained intact, while the engine and transmission experienced no issues throughout the journey.

“More than anything, I needed a motorcycle I could trust,” Cornell said. “My Indian Pursuit never gave me a reason to question whether it could handle the journey, which allowed me to focus on why I was riding in the first place.”

Cornell’s fundraising has now reached $150,000, with a goal of $200,000. He plans to continue the ride until October, using the remaining time to raise further awareness of myotonic dystrophy and support the families affected by the rare genetic disorder.

“Ride for someone else, don’t ride for yourself,” Cornell said when asked how he accomplished the feat.

Indian Motorcycle CEO Mike Kennedy praised Cornell’s determination and the purpose behind the ride, saying the achievement was a remarkable example of using a passion for motorcycles to make a difference.

The journey has also highlighted the capability of the Indian Pursuit, with the touring machine proving its reliability over a distance few motorcycles and riders could match.

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