2017

Friends and Family,

The 2017 Copper Triangle is here and this will be my 11th year riding to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s and brain research.

This past year, with your support, Wild Bill’s Warriors once again raised more than $10,000!!! The monies were distributed to organizations that made a positive difference in my dad’s, Bill Halcott, life – The Davis Phinney Foundation (https://www.davisphinneyfoundation.org/) and The Illinois Valley Brain Injury Clubhouse (http://www.ivbiclubhouse.org/). For the Davis Phinney Foundation, Wild Bill’s Warriors matched the first 15 riders donations up to $500, doubling their impact, which created great momentum heading into last year’s ride.

Over the last 11 years, the Davis Phinney Foundation has become an integral part of my life, from being a support group when my father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s to an outlet for my dad and I to train for each summer as we rode the tandem together in the Copper Triangle. Attending the ride each year brings back fond memories. Hearing group members’ stories of my father is such a wonderful gift.

This year we have someone new joining us for the Copper Triangle weekend – Marie Olivia Halcott.

Parenthood has been incredible for Jennie and me; MO is the perfect baby and we are totally smitten. It goes without saying how I wish my father could be here to experience her cackle, smiles and abundant energy…. yes, the apple has not fallen too far from the tree. At the same time, I know my dad is still here; there’s a part of him in all of us (including his granddaughters) and we keep his spirit alive.

On Father’s Day weekend, my dad and I used to take the 1948 Chevy 5 Window we restored to the Cruise Night in Ottawa, Illinois. I have kept this tradition alive and was joined by a very special person this year (I have some photos on the PDF attached. Didn’t want your spam filter to block because of the photos in the text version):

Life is anything but linear, at the same time the winds of change bring an opportunity to move forward and brings pieces of the past along with you. This is what truly makes this precious life so grand.

As always, thank you so much for your love, support and kindness each and every year. It is because of you the Copper Triangle is always a success. Please visit www.wildbillswarriors.org to support this year’s ride.

~BE WILD