British Cyclist Rides Route 66 During Olympics for Hospice

August 7, 2012

(Mount Prospect, IL) – In the middle of the dazzling Olympic spirit in London, one Brit has turned his cycling energy on its head by leaving the UK and coming to the United States to do his bike riding.

As the Olympics continue to showcase stunning athletes 150 miles south of his hometown in Kingston-upon-Hull, England, Jim Windass has taken a piece of that spirit with him as he rides his bicycle down the classically American journey of Route 66. 

After starting in Los Angeles, over the next few weeks, Jim will be traversing the mountains, deserts and lowlands that surround the 85 year old highway as he makes his way to Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care in Mount Prospect, IL – a total journey of nearly 2,500 miles.

Both the start and end of Jim’s trip were chosen to be hospices in the United States.  Jim’s inspiration is the memory of his late wife, Christine, who passed away from cancer in July of 2010.  Christine was cared for by Dove House Hospice in Hull, England and Jim credits their support for him and his two sons, Steven and Andrew, in getting them through a very difficult time. 

The choice of Route 66 was also driven by his wife’s memory.

“Me and Christine always had an affinity with American music and blues, and Route 66 always got a mention. But you can’t listen to music when you are riding, which would be nice. I’ve just got to focus on the positives of reaching the target, and take in the sights as I go along.”

Using both his inspiration and his training, the marathon down Route 66 will be used to raise money for Dove House Hospice and Jim’s goal is to bring in £10,000 (about $15,500 USD).  Hospices in the UK differ from those in the United States in that the vast majority of their funding must be provided by charitable donations. 

Jim will be joined by his friend and younger son as he aims to average 100 miles per day at a consistent pace of 15 miles per hour.  Although a modest pace perhaps for an Olympic cyclist, the schedule will be a much greater test for the 63 year old, and although the strain can be as much mental as physical, Jim takes it all in stride,

“Chris went through 18 years of pain with cancer without complaining, so doing a bike ride is nothing,” says Jim, “If I achieve the goal of raising £10,000, then Dove House can carry on providing the service which I found so helpful.”

For those interested in following Jim’s journey, helping to contribute to his cause or coming to congratulate him as he arrives at Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care on August 27, the cycling team is tweeting on their progress with @cycle66dove and maintaining a daily progress map at their website www.cycle66.co.uk.

If you would like more information on Rainbow Hospice and Palliative Care, or are looking for expert interview subjects on Hospice and Palliative Care, please contact, Jeff Okazaki, Public Relations Manager for Rainbow Hospice, at: 847-292-2354 or Jokazaki@RainbowHospice.org.

Jim can be contacted on 07788 772234 or via s.windass@hotmail.co.uk if you would like any further information about Cycle 66, or to arrange an interview/photo opportunity. Jim will be available to meet at Rainbow Hospice on Monday 27 August upon completing the ride (time to be confirmed).

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