On 27th August this year, Taylor and Kelsey Sue Stroop will be embarking on a 6,000-mile, coast-to-coast adventure along the Trans-America Trail. It’s an off-road route that many have followed before them, but their journey will be unique – and not just because they’ll be riding four-up with their two dogs.
More than 70,000 people worldwide suffer with Cystic Fibrosis, which is a progressive, genetic disease that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. Multiple medications, daily breathing treatments, concerns over life expectancy, growth rate, fertility issues, and fear of infection are just some of the challenges they have to contend with.
Taylor was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a child, but has never allowed the condition to limit his ambitions or enjoyment of life. Hence the Trans-America Trail ride, which he and Kelsey Sue aim to use as a way of spreading awareness about Cystic Fibrosis and raising funds for research into its treatment.
“By taking this journey we hope to dispel the perceived limitations that are put on those who live with Cystic Fibrosis,” says Taylor.
The couple (and their dogs) will be travelling on a modified KLR 650 from Monterey, California, to Port Orford in Oregon where they’ll pick up the Trans-America Trail. Their destination is Cape Hatteras in North Carolina which they hope to reach within six weeks.
For more information on the Stroops and their life as full-time travellers and Cystic Fibrosis advocates, visit meetthestroops.com.
You can follow their ride on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
