A man on a mission: Vince Cooke '82 and his bicycle
Following the historic Route 66, the legendary road that tamed the West, St.Edward’s very own, Vincent Cooke ’82, intends to ride the FULL length of the route, from the Buckingham Fountain in Chicago all the way to the Santa Monica Pier in LA.
Cooke and his wife, Michele, will drive to Chicago from their home just outside of Baltimore on Memorial Day weekend. From there, Vince will ride the bike, and Michele will provide SAG services (support and gear) from the car. The route is a whopping 2,486 miles, and Cooke plans to make the ride in just 28 days.
But why? Why not take a Greyhound bus that follows Route 66?
Like many cyclists, Cooke is using his love of cycling to try to raise money for a good cause, the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. All donations and pledges to the ride will go to help fight cancer, and NO donations go to the expenses of the ride. Cooke’s goal is to raise $10k for the charities.
Donations can be made on line at www.rt66tokickcancer.wix.com/donate.
On his epic journey, Cooke said, “My ride is very aggressive at 100 miles per day because cancer is very aggressive, so my goal is likewise aggressive. Still, I have always been fascinated by Route 66. It seems to hold a somewhat romantic charm of a slower and more personal time far removed from the everyday rat race of today. To me, the unique roadside shops, restaurants, and hotels with their inviting décor and bright colorful lights have always fascinated me.”
Cooke will post a Facebook blog daily with photos of the sights along the way. You can follow their ride at www.facebook.com/Rt66tokickcancer.
Safe cycling and Godspeed to you Vincent!!!!
