Fourteen vehicles will travel roughly 2,400 miles over 10 days. The eastbound journey runs from Kingman, Arizona, to Chicago. Donations support people and families affected by Parkinson’s disease. Classic cars were built to travel, but many now spend more time under covers than crossing state lines. A group of enthusiasts plans to change that with a 2,400-mile journey along one of America’s most famous roads. Better still, they’re turning the adventure into a fundraiser for people affected by Parkinson’s disease. Beginning September 28, a 14-vehicle caravan will travel east along historic Route 66 from Kingman, Arizona, to Chicago. The 10-day trip concludes October 7 at the highway’s historic starting point, effectively retracing the Mother Road toward its beginnings as Route 66 celebrates its centennial. Read: Why Do Some American Roads Play A Song When You Drive The Speed Limit? The journey grew from a bucket-list dream shared by organizers Brian Macy and Monty Belsham. The latter had wanted to drive Route 66 for more than 20 years, and acquiring a 1953 Hudson Hornet finally gave him the impetus to go for it. The trip also carries considerable personal significance. Belsham’s 80-year-old father lives with Parkinson’s and will follow the caravan’s progress from his home in British Columbia. “I always imagined it would be about the cars, the road and the people you meet along the way,” Belsham said. “But having my dad living with Parkinson’s changes what those miles mean.” Other vehicles participating include a 1955 Chevrolet 3100 driven by Joie and Andrea Catucci and a 1940 Ford Sedan Delivery belonging to Brian and Heather Macy. The latter vehicle previously belonged to Brian’s grandfather and has since been rebuilt for long-distance use. A 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 will also join the group, stretching the definition of “classic” slightly, but presumably offering useful backup if one of the genuine old-timers needs help. The caravan will pass through Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois. Scheduled highlights include the Petrified Forest, Cadillac Ranch, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Springfield, and numerous historic Route 66 communities. Donations will support Drive Toward a Cure’s Special Assistance Grant Fund, which provides direct help to individuals and families facing Parkinson’s-related challenges. The nonprofit says it has raised more than $1.5 million for research, patient care, and outreach since 2016. Perhaps best of all, these cars won’t merely serve as polished props. They’ll be doing exactly what they were built to do, and helping people along the way is a genuinely important bonus.
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