In a powerful display of friendship and resilience, two lifelong friends are setting out on a 3,600-mile bike ride from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine, to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease. The journey, which begins during the Providence Bridge Pedal event, is both a personal mission and a public call to action, highlighting the realities of early-onset Alzheimer’s and the strength of those affected by it. Their cross-country ride not only promotes Alzheimer’s awareness but also underscores the importance of community support and advocacy.

Tracey Collins, 55, was recently diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Rather than retreating from public life, she has chosen to confront her diagnosis with courage and visibility. Accompanied by her care partner, Scott, Collins will support her friend Koenraad Köllmann, who is undertaking the physical challenge of cycling across the United States. Köllmann, who traveled from Holland to join Collins, has pledged to ride 100 miles a day, camping at night and sharing their story with communities along the way.

Their journey begins on the top deck of Portland’s Fremont Bridge, a symbolic starting point during the annual Providence Bridge Pedal. This event, which brings thousands of cyclists and pedestrians together, will also cause temporary closures on several key bridges in Multnomah County, including the Hawthorne, Morrison, and Sellwood Bridges. Participants and local drivers are encouraged to check the event’s official site for detailed traffic updates.

As the duo travels eastward, they will be accompanied by a documentary film crew capturing their experiences for a forthcoming film titled "Racing AL." The documentary aims to shed light on the impact of Alzheimer’s disease while chronicling the physical and emotional challenges of the ride. The route is expected to conclude in Portland, Maine, on World Alzheimer’s Day, September 21, 2025, a fitting end date for a journey rooted in advocacy and awareness.

I found this detail striking: Köllmann’s motivation stems not only from friendship but from a deep desire to amplify the voices of those affected by Alzheimer’s. “I want to raise awareness and show support for my friend Tracey and others affected by Alzheimer's,” he said. His commitment to ride 100 miles per day across unfamiliar terrain speaks volumes about the strength of their bond and the urgency of their cause.

Collins, meanwhile, has embraced the journey as a form of self-advocacy. “I am advocating for myself and others with Alzheimer's. This journey is about raising awareness and sharing our story,” she said. Her words reflect a broader movement within the Alzheimer’s community, where individuals living with the disease are increasingly stepping forward to share their experiences and push for greater understanding and support.

The timing of their departure coincides with a weekend of high temperatures in Oregon. Event organizers have responded by urging all participants, including those in the Providence Bridge Pedal, to prepare for the heat. Additional hydration stations have been added along the route to ensure safety. These precautions highlight the physical demands of the ride and the importance of preparation, especially for those undertaking such a long-distance challenge.

Alzheimer’s awareness, early-onset Alzheimer’s, and cross-country bike rides for a cause are all themes that resonate deeply with communities across the nation. As Köllmann and Collins make their way from coast to coast, they plan to engage with local groups, share their story, and provide a human face to a disease that affects millions. Their efforts are not only about endurance but also about education and empathy.

While the ride itself is a monumental task, its greater significance lies in the conversations it will spark and the awareness it will raise. Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the most pressing public health challenges, and stories like Collins’ bring much-needed visibility to its early-onset form, which often affects individuals in their prime working years. By choosing to go public with her diagnosis and participate in this journey, Collins is helping to break down stigma and inspire others to seek support and speak out.

Their journey also serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and the role that community can play in supporting individuals with Alzheimer’s. Köllmann’s decision to travel from Holland and dedicate months of his life to this cause underscores the deep personal connections that can drive public advocacy. It is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose and a commitment to making a difference.

As they pedal across the country, facing physical fatigue, unpredictable weather, and logistical hurdles, Collins and Köllmann carry with them not just the weight of their gear, but the hopes of many who live with or care for someone with Alzheimer’s. Their story is one of resilience, advocacy, and the enduring power of human connection.

Read more at katu.com