Iowa Man to Ride Across the State on Horseback for Alzheimer's Research

By Mark Carlson, Reporter

Bill Taylor of Millersburg on his horse, Liberty, preparing to depart Grandview for his trek across Iowa Highway 92 on Monday, June 6, 2011. (Matt Nelson/SourceMedia Group News)

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By Kelli Sutterman

Story Created: Jun 6, 2011 at 5:51 PM CDT

Story Updated: Jun 6, 2011 at 6:53 PM CDT

GRANDVIEW--An 80-year-old man is riding his horse along Highway 92 from Grandview to Council Bluffs to raise awareness and money for Alzheimer's research at the University of Iowa.

Bill Taylor, 80, departed from Grandview at about 10 a.m. Monday morning. Taylor said he will ride anywhere from 20-26 miles per day, which will allow him to complete his journey in just under two weeks.

"It's a challenge," said Taylor. "I always like a good challenge with horses."

Taylor said he will donate money the ride generates to the research laboratory of UI neurology and psychology professor Daniel Tranel, director of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience and the Benton Neuropsychology Laboratory at the University of Iowa.

The more than 200-mile-ride was inspired after Taylor witnessed a number of his friends personal battles with Alzheimer's. According to Taylor, everywhere he goes he hears more stories about the disease.

"Just here in town I found out there are a number of people with Alzheimer's," he said, shortly before leaving Grandview.

In a show of support and appreciation Tranel and a couple researchers joined Taylor for the first couple miles of his journey.

More information about the ride and an opportunity to donate to Taylor's cause is available here.

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