Two friends begin 3,600-mile bike ride from Portland to raise Alzheimers awareness

Tracey Collins and her lifelong friend Koenraad Köllmann will begin a 3,600-mile bike ride from Portland, Oregon, to Portland, Maine, to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease. The journey kicks off from the Fremont Bridge during the Providence Bridge Pedal and is expected to conclude on World Alzheimer's Day, September 21, 2025. Collins, who has early-onset Alzheimer's, will be supported by Köllmann, who pledged to ride across the United States to highlight the disease's impact. The duo plans to cover 100 miles a day while camping at night, with Collins' care partner accompanying them in a support vehicle. As they travel, they will connect with various communities to share their story and raise awareness about Alzheimer's.

A documentary film crew will follow their journey, planning to produce a film titled "Racing AL. " Event organizers have urged participants to stay hydrated due to expected heat and added extra hydration stations along the route. Köllmann expressed his motivation, stating he wants to raise awareness and support Collins and others affected by Alzheimer's.