ILLINOIS – A UK man is traveling to the States to bicycle the entire length of Route 66 — with one leg.
Aaron Moon is a Royal Marine Commando veteran who plans to break the world record for the fastest bicycle ride from Chicago to Los Angeles along Route 66. That’s 2,517 miles in 22 days, starting in late July. He explained that the goal is to prove that you can do anything you set your mind to, while raising money for Wounded Warrior Project, Blesma, and Team Forces to support other veterans.
“To me, the route signifies rebirth,” he said. “I want to do something now where I can show the world that it doesn’t matter what you’ve been through or what you’re going through. You can achieve anything.”
Moon was injured in Afghanistan in 2009 when an IED exploded. He lost his right leg and broke his left femur, his back, and his collarbone, dislocated his pelvis, and ruptured his spleen. On the way to the UK for medical treatment, he died twice.
Over the past few years, Moon joked he’s “lived a bit of a crazy life ever since.” Filled with a new determination to live life to the fullest, he became the UK’s first PGA professional amputee golfer. He participated as a Hunter on the UK TV show “Hunted.” He even became the world’s first amputee indoor skydiving instructor, a role he loved until last year when a blood clot on his heart and lungs stopped his work.
The blood clot, in fact, was so severe that his family was brought into his hospital room to say goodbye. Moon says he will never forget the image of his 10-year-old son leaving the hospital that night with the knowledge they would never see each other again, the “toughest thing” he’s ever been through.
But a true miracle, Moon survived once again.
“I should have been dead three times in my life now, and I’m still here for a reason. Somebody’s looking down on me and keeping me here for a purpose,” he said. “Why would I waste that beautiful life that I’ve been given another chance for by just sitting on the couch and watching telly? Let’s go and push it to its limits again and make the most out of this beautiful life we’ve got and show the world that you can achieve anything that you set your mind to. I decided 2,517 miles across America is the best way to do it.” Why Route 66? Moon admits he didn’t realize it was the route’s 100th anniversary when he decided he would tackle it this year. But he’s always been fascinated by the road; he and his wife actually drove it in a Mustang convertible for their honeymoon in 2013. He jokes that a bicycle might be less fun, but he wanted to test his cardiovascular system after the blood clot. Moon is the first to say he does not consider himself a bicyclist, and it will be a true challenge. Route 66 reminds him of the “Reborn Mindset” speeches he gives to groups across the UK. These principles have allowed him to rebuild his life, just as Route 66 once allowed people from the Midwest to travel west and create new lives. But maybe most importantly, it’s also a way to give back. While he cycles, Moon hopes to raise $100,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project in the US and Blesma and Team Forces in the UK. All of these organizations work with veterans and active duty service members to provide resources, including mental health support. Moon shared that he has lost more friends to PTSD and suicide than he did in Afghanistan. He hopes that, by supporting these organizations, they can save more military members. The groups are equally excited about Moon’s ride. Angela Hemmen, Wounded Warrior Project fundraising events director, explained that every chance they have to share their mission allows them to reach more people in need. “We exist because of people like Aaron and what he does,” Hemmen said. “Not only this incredible feat that he is conquering, but sharing the mission of the Wounded Warrior Project along the way is incredible. It will be impactful. You never know who he’s going to share with it could connect someone back to Wounded Warrior Project so we can support them in their journey…We’ve made a commitment to warriors to be there for a lifetime, and we are going to do that because of people like Aaron, because of events like this.” Hemmen added that anyone can support WWP through their own fundraiser, whether that’s a dinner or a pickleball tournament or a record-breaking bike ride. For more information about Wounded Warrior Project, including how to support them or how to receive services, visit their official website. Moon added that his ride will be filmed by a documentary crew, and he will share his progress on his Instagram profile. He encourages anyone who sees him on Route 66 to say hello. “It’s going to be a tough ride,” he said. “Any support I can get along the way means the world.” If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
