"Get your kicks on Route 66." This jazzy song, was written in 1946 by Bobby Troup, and showcased in the early 1960's TV show "route 66" starring Marty Milner, George Maharis, and their Chevrolet Corvette roadster.

But Charlotte Reicks and Marie Nemec won’t be driving a 1960's vintage Corvette and getting their kicks on Route 66; they’ll be pedaling their bicycles on what’s left of Route 66, from Albuquerque NM to St. Louis MO, trying to "Kick HD on Route 66."

They’ll be raising public awareness of Huntington’s Disease and raising funds for research towards a cure. This 1050 mile ride will culminate in St. Louis MO at the 19th Annual National Convention of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

There are ties to HD along Route 66. Woody Guthrie, the famed balladeer, was living in Pampa (25 miles N. of Route 66) during the Dust Bowl days of the 1930's. On April 14, 1935 a huge black dust storm blew out of western Kansas, crossed Oklahoma, and moved over the Texas Panhandle. It looked to eyewitnesses like the end of the world. Woody spied the ugly clouds descending, went inside his house, and scribbled down the words for a new song.

So long, it’s been good to know yuh,
So long, it’s been good to know yuh,
So long, it’s been good to know yuh,

This dusty old dust is a - getting my home
And I’ve got to be drifting along.

This song became an anthem for the down and out, the disenfranchised who traveled west to Southern California, on Route 66. Woody gradually succumbed to HD in 1967, and shortly thereafter, his second wife Marjorie founded the Committee to Combat Huntington’s Disease, which later evolved into the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

To make the trip a success, donations are being sought from those who live in the areas that will be traveled, as well as from others who would like to help find a cure for HD. Make checks payable to Huntington’s Disease Society of America. HDSA has a new Research Matching Gifts Challenge Fund, and donations will be TRIPLED!!!

Send donations to our ride treasurer:

Pat Pillis
Kick HD on Route 66
3 Maple Leaf Drive
Saranac Lake NY 12983